Two’s Company: A Ballet-Inspired Collab

by Natasha Wolff | April 17, 2014 11:27 am

Jeweler and former New York City Ballet[1] dancer Jamie Wolf[2] has teamed up with designer Derek Lam[3] to create the Black and White Collection, celebrating and benefiting the NYCB in honor of its 50th anniversary. The inspiration for each of the 30 pieces in the rhodium-plated sterling silver and diamond jewelry line is derived from a particular movement, costume or set in a George Balanchine-choreographed ballet. “I love how Balanchine’s choreography takes my mind away from everything and transports me into a different world,” says Lam.

The NYCB Stage

And Wolf would know. “Dancing with NYCB was such a formative experience,” she says, “and so much of my method for jewelry design is informed by my time with the company.”

For years, Wolf’s looked to Lam as one of her favorite designers. “There is a very consistent and clear voice, and there are always beautiful pieces that are musts to add to my wardrobe.” She finds his pieces very feminine and modern. “I love how much thought and detail goes into every piece,” Wolf says, “yet nothing ever looks fussy or over-thought.”

Wolf sites her focus and desire to improve as key tools for successes in her jewelry career. “As a dancer, you have to walk a line between believing in your talent and knowing there is always room to grow. You have to expect more of yourself everyday; being good enough is never acceptable.”

Lam and Wolf initially bonded over a love of the NYCB. And the designer is equally effusive about Wolf’s designs as she is of his. “I love the simple

and pure shapes of her collection. Jamie and I share a design aesthetic and her pieces are incredibly beautiful in a very spare way.”

Derek Lam and Jamie Wolf

The designers will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from their baubles to the NYC Ballet to help support the company. The collection will be sold at Derek Lam’s Madison Avenue store[4], as well as online[5].

If that’s not enough, ballet aficionados can save the date of May 8th for the NYCB’s spring gala[6]. Soloist Justin Peck[7] will present his fourth work for the ballet company[8], set to a newly-commisioned score by his frequent collaborator, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. See a few pieces from the Black and White collection below.

 

Black and White launches April 16 and will be available at Derek Lam on Madison Avenue and jamiewolf.com[9]. 20 percent of proceeds benefitting NYCB. 

 

MORE:

The Power Couple Taking the Dance World by Storm[10]
300 Years of Training the Best in Ballet
New York City Ballet Throws a Star-Studded Gala[11]

Endnotes:
  1. New York City Ballet: http://www.nycballet.com/
  2. Jamie Wolf: http://jamiewolf.com/
  3. Derek Lam: http://dereklam.com/
  4. Derek Lam’s Madison Avenue store: http://dereklam.com/stores/madison-store/
  5. online: http://jamiewolf.com/
  6. spring gala: http://www.nycballet.com/Season-Tickets/13-14-Season/Performances/Spring/140508E.aspx
  7. Justin Peck: http://dujour.com/article/sufjan-stevens-joins-the-ballet
  8. his fourth work for the ballet company: http://www.nycballet.com/season-tickets/13-14-season/performances/spring/140508e/new-stevens-peck.aspx
  9. jamiewolf.com: http://jamiewolf.com/
  10. The Power Couple Taking the Dance World by Storm: http://dujour.com/gallery/ivan-vasiliev-natalia-osipova-american-ballet-theatre
  11. New York City Ballet Throws a Star-Studded Gala: http://dujour.com/gallery/new-york-city-ballet-fall-gala-photos

Source URL: https://dujour.com/style/derek-lam-jamie-wolf-jewelry-collab-new-york-city-ballet/