Zara Malikova

Zara Malikova is a self-taught designer and art director who has been a New Yorker for nearly a decade. Before discovering her love for making jewelry, she worked as a painter, sculptor, art book editor, and fashion designer. Her work reflects a primitive approach with a strive for authentic expression, and she believes that handcrafted objects hold significant value, especially when they are worn. ZMJ uses recycled silver and sustainable packaging to be kind to the planet.

Zara's latest collection was inspired by simplicity and stillness. The basic shapes, such as circles and triangles, aim to remind us that life is much simpler than we think it is. The rough edges and uneven shapes encourage us to relax and embrace the imperfections of life. Each piece is made unique and crafted intentionally by Zara, who takes her time with each ring, earring, chain link, and clasp. Her jewelry pieces are vessels meant to be filled with personal meaning and symbolism, and she hopes the wearer inserts their own unique story into each piece. This is slow fashion at its best, where every piece receives the attention it deserves.