These days, jewelry embellishments are considered to be among the most eco-friendly categories of fashion. But New York based designer Jonathan Cohen has been changing that perception over the past year, working with Swarovski and its upcycling program, which uses discarded material that is left over from the premium crystals that the Austrian producer makes.
Last season, Cohen worked with Teva to decorate sandals with a multicolor palette of crystals. This season, the designer linked up with Dr. Martens to bring a series of intensely embellished boots to life.
Using more than 174,000 Swarovski crystals and beads, Cohen decked out a few Dr. Martens styles. Most notable was a pair of pearl-beaded lace-up boots. Elsewhere, the designer used the same recycled materials for his gowns, skirts and other separates to customize shoe laces for the boots.
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Cohen also worked with the nonprofit Nest to source the collection’s belts, which were handmade by an Alabama-based women’s group.
Sustainability may be top of mind for most designers right now, but Cohen has been applying an eco-friendly materials to his subversive, quirky designs since launching in 2011. “Our mission is simple,” wrote Cohen in his show notes. “We want to make beautiful, luxury products in the most responsible way possible. This collection is a celebration of thoughtful consumption and individual expression.”
