UNOde50 Interior. Photo by Justin Clemons.
From Spain with love—UNOde50 brings jewelry with a handcrafted touch to NorthPark Center in their new boutique located on Level One near Nordstrom. The Center Edit sat down with Jason McNary, CEO of the Americas, to learn more about this unique brand.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN STORY OF UNOde50?
UNOde50 was established at the end of the ‘90s in Madrid, Spain, by a group of designers who decided to create a style of jewelry that would break away from everything that existed until that moment. Overflowing with creativity, unique style, and daring spirit, UNOde50 reflects exclusivity through design and quality.
The first UNOde50 collections were made up of only 50 units of each design. A commitment to quality and exclusivity that was forced to evolve because of the brand’s success. Currently, UNOde50 continues to make all of its pieces using traditional methods as if they were one-of-a-kind, while also presenting 50-unit limited editions with each collection. With more than 150 stores worldwide, UNOde50 is present in the main cities of Europe, America, and Asia.
Jason McNary, CEO of the Americas
THE NORTHPARK BOUTIQUE OPENED ALONGSIDE THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOW COLLECTION. WHAT ARE THE MAIN THEMES AND INSPIRATIONS OF THIS COLLECTION?
Glow includes ground-breaking pieces that give you the power you need to never leave anybody unmoved, starting with yourself. This collection is a collection very focused on the DNA of UNOde50, where we mixed two of our main materials—the metals and the leather—and transformed them into unique pieces that perfectly fit your shape and will make you feel unique, expressive, and daring.
TAKE US THROUGH THE DESIGN PROCESS, STEP BY STEP.
The UNOde50 design team consists of 6 members, with José Azulay leading as Creative Director and President of the brand.
The Design Department is organized in two areas which bring together the final designs. The Studio is where the design process takes place. It all starts with brainstorming sessions that evolve into sketching potential designs, development, and selection process of the final pieces that will be part of the collection.
The Workshop is the place where the originals of the pieces are molded and cast, from settings to casting pieces such as rings, bracelets, etc.
HOW OFTEN CAN WE EXPECT NEW COLLECTIONS?
We officially launch two collections each year, spring/summer and fall/winter, but within each collection we have 5-6 different capsules that compose the entire collection. Those capsules are spread throughout the season for customers to be able to find newness each month with a brand-new collection arriving to the store.
HEART AND DRAGONFLY MOTIFS APPEAR IN MANY UNOde50 PIECES. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE REOCCURRING SHAPES?
You are correct, the heart and the dragonfly are icons of UNOde50 and they are the inspiration of many of our pieces. The dragonfly represents evolution, change, and stability while going through the different changes that we face in life. The heart made from nails represents love and the different aspects of it, since love can sometimes hurt as well, but at the end of the day, love is the strongest feeling of them all and can conquer any type of challenge.
The heart formed as a nail is an emblematic brand icon for UNOde50.
FOR THOSE THAT ARE NEW TO UNOde50, WHAT SHOULD THEY KNOW BEFORE THEY SHOP?
Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted in Madrid, Spain, and each one of our designs has a distinctive story and meaning that will surprise them. They should definitely go to the store and discover the UNOde50 world and the story behind each one of our pieces.
TELL US ABOUT THE PIECES YOU OFFER FOR MEN. WHICH STYLES ARE THE MOST POPULAR?
The great thing about our designs is that our entire collection is pretty unisex. The pieces are extremely versatile, and both men and women can wear most of our styles. The most popular styles for men are our Snowflake bracelets in silver and gold, our pick bracelets, and our statement watches.
WHAT ARE THE THREE PIECES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE IN HER JEWELRY BOX THIS FALL?
Every woman should definitely have our Medusa necklace, our Snowflake bracelet (in silver or gold, whichever they like best), and pieces from our personalization collection that will make them unique and stand out in any occasion.
The Infinite Bracelet.
UNODE50 is located on Level One near Nordstrom.