Yunus & Eliza: Forging Fantasies
From molten metal to fantastical jewelry sculptures, the work of Yunus & Eliza dares to blur the boundaries of materials, meaning and adornment. A decade into their partnership, they are poised for further artistic adventures
Protective suits and welding masks hint at the alchemy that awaits in the studio of Yunus Ascott and Eliza Higginbottom. Mirroring one another in their movements, they work intuitively as one, whether putting flame to metal or carving character into an intricate wax form. In the 10 years since the duo met at a bronze foundry in the west of London they have experimented and explored a shared design aesthetic that’s taken them from powerful sculptures, to fine jewelry and arresting interior creations. Their journey into jewelry began when a British newspaper requested to feature a ring they had crafted — in fact, a component of another larger sculpture. The resulting interest was a revelation, and led to the birth of the design studio and brand known as Yunus & Eliza. Working to the ethos of ‘form comes first,' Yunus & Eliza jewelry sensuously embraces the body. Rings wrap the finger, cuffs cradle the wrist; bolder creations orbit the head or flow across the face. Combining materials such as copper, porcelain, gold and precious stones, a piece by Yunus & Eliza can simultaneously evoke ancient artefacts and futuristic forms. «We draw from our backgrounds in fine art, metal casting and restoration,» says Yunus. «Attention to detail is everything.» Over time, the duo’s audience has become as multifaceted as their work. Yunus and Eliza have collaborated with fashion label Fyodor Golan, created headpieces for musicians, and cherry blossom chandeliers for private clients. It was only a matter of time before the world of film and television fell for their adventurous aesthetic. With its fantastical characters, the HBO television adaptation of George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones books has become the perfect platform for Yunus & Eliza’s creativity. Commissioned to sculpt jewelry for the character Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, the resulting sterling silver dragon collar and body chain are symbolic talismans of intent and protection. Together with Game of Throne’s costume designer Michele Clapton, with whom they collaborate, Yunus and Eliza have formed sister company MEY Designs, producing two HBO-licensed silver jewellery collections for Game of Thrones fans to purchase, in homage to Daenerys’ jewelled armour. The first, Dragon Storm, offers textured rings and bangles, while the second, Breaking Chains, includes a reproduction of her silver body chain, complete with detailed dragons’ head clasp. Their journey is still unfolding, but Yunus & Eliza’s sense of identity is equally certain and beguiling. «Ultimately, we want our designs to be monumental and empowering,» Eliza states.
