Kara Ross has a multi-faceted presence at Art Miami this year. With the only non-gallery space at the fair, the jeweler is unveiling the results of various collaborations focusing on the theme of female empowerment.
Her company, Diamonds Unleashed, was founded on the ethos that “women are like diamonds; beautiful, strong, multifaceted and brilliant.” And so she reached out to fellow CFDA jewelry designers to create a limited edition collection called Jewelers United.
“I wanted it to not be about just me, but collectively as we,” Ross said of rallying her community. “I think it’s wonderful to come together and help each other for a greater cause: women’s education and empowerment.”
Custom pieces were created by participants including Lorraine Schwartz, Stephen Dweck, Paige Novick, Angela Cummings, Stephen Webster, Ben Amun, Simon Alcantara, Melissa Joy Manning, Katrin Zimmermann, and Rachel Dooley. Their jewelry is on available at Ross’ booth and sales will benefit global organizations devoted to opportunities for women and girls.
Continuing on the same theme, Ross spearheaded a project bringing together artists, gallery owners, and collectors like Agnes Gund, Marianne Boesky, Michele Oka Doner, Jessica Goldman Srebnick, and Beth Rudin DeWoody to nominate emerging artists for the purpose of creating diamond pieces to embody the idea of empowerment. Those named include Lyndi Sales, Yayoi Asoma, Ekaterina Popova, Aurora Molina, Tamar Ettun, Daniella Kallmeyer, and Sadie Barnette. Each created an original piece of art inspired by the subject, and their interpretations are also on showcase at Ross’ booth.
And finally, while Miami may be all about art this week, Ross has found a way to inject a bit of fashion. Norma Kamali’s classic “All in One” dress was used as a jumping off point for artists like Mei Kawajiri, Stuart Semple, Julia Heffernan, PJ Linden, and Claire Luxton. Their individual takes on her design are on display at the Mandarin Oriental Miami through December 4.
“Norma Kamali is one of my great friends,” Ross said. “We are so excited to participate in Art Miami and to launch the wearable art exhibition; an installation that fuses fine art, fashion, and philanthropy.”
All creations – the jewelry, the art, and the customized dresses – are available for purchase through CharityBuzz, and proceeds will go to the Diamonds Unleashed Donor Advised Fund benefiting Girl’s Who Code, GirlUp, She’s the First, along with global micro-finance initiatives.
