Ready-to-wear brands have been exploring unisex and genderless clothing for some time – think Eckhaus Latta, Vaquera, and Telfar – but the accessories category has so far shied away from the movement. That’s where Martyre comes in. It is the brainchild of Anwar Hadid and Yoni Laham, who launched the collection earlier this year.

Hadid’s connection to fashion is no secret. A model himself, he was raised by a supermodel mother – Yolanda – and his sisters – yes, Gigi and Bella –  are supermodels in their own right. However, it wasn’t until teaming up with friend and artist Yoni that the two decided to embark on their own venture in the industry.

With Martyre, the designers aim to fill a void. With unique designs created by skilled artisans in Los Angeles, the duo aims to create timeless pieces seamlessly worn by men and women that emphasize substance and purpose. The collection includes an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings crafted in .925 silver with phrases like “PRAY FOR US” engraved throughout.

The debut collection presents a strong alternative for a younger generation seeking something new.

We caught up with the emerging designers to hear about how they met, what inspires them, and what’s next.

Describe your relationship with fashion. What made you want to pursue a career in this industry?

Anwar Hadid: My mom’s involvement in the fashion industry was definitely an inspiration for me. From a young age, I’ve always seen the importance it had in our society and how brands and ideas can cultivate a timelessness in the things we’ve seen and will continue to see in fashion.

Yoni Laham: I personally haven’t had a strong relationship with fashion. I’m much more inspired by vintage and nostalgia than new trends, which Anwar has helped me have a deeper appreciation for.

How did you two meet? 

Yoni: Our individual friend groups are very close, and soon after we met, Anwar became somewhat of a little brother to me.

Why did you decide to start Martyre?

Anwar & Yoni: As we grew closer, we realized we had a lot of shared references and a like-minded point of view when it came to design. We started to look around at our friends and peers who were creating in the fashion space and it inspired us to do the same.

Why jewelry specifically?

Anwar & Yoni: We noticed a very apparent void in the market when it came to jewelry that could easily be worn by both men and women. We wanted to create something that both of us could appreciate, while still maintaining a sense of uniqueness, and for us that was jewelry.

How would you describe the brand aesthetic?

Anwar & Yoni: Detailed, emotional, androgynous –we’re a unisex brand and hope to see men and women of all ages embracing Martyre, including those who may not have worn jewelry before.

Who and what inspire you, and how do they inspire you?

Anwar & Yoni: True artists and creators inspire us. Those who have the determination to pursue their dreams and the courage to face failure.

Name three people you would love to see your designs on.

Anwar & Yoni: Sade, Vincent Cassel, Bono, Idris Elba, Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz  – we would love to see a mother/daughter duo like that or a husband and wife like Rick Owens and Michèle Lamy.

What do you hope to accomplish with the label?

Anwar & Yoni: Above all else, we hope to refine the current construct of jewelry and bring back meaning and purpose. Eventually we hope to apply the same ideas of substance and symbolism to other categories.

What’s the plan for the future?

Anwar & Yoni: We’re always thinking bigger and better, but right now we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, we want to be thoughtful and focused in what we create, and ultimately perfect that offering.

Shop the full collelction on Martyre.com.