Hasta La Ideas

Australian jewelry designers band together to creatively promote their works

More than an online boutique, Melbourne Metal Collective is an artist-run retail concept for Australia’s up-and-coming jewelry designs with a strong focus on the community of craftspeople who make them. MMC hosts exhibitions, pop-up shops and more to highlight the fresh roster of bright minds currently making up their site, which includes Estelle Deve, Hamish Munro, Henson, Polly van der Glas and Young Hunting.

Alchemy—MMC’s first exhibition and pop-up store—reflects the consortium’s sophisticated earthy vibe, recalling the ancient Greek practice of melding metals. For the opening, the Collective commissioned a short film by South African director Michael Matthews, highlighting pieces and adding to the collective’s overall creative atmosphere.

Working primarily with raw materials (at times including hair and teeth), together MMC designers evoke a strong sense of mysticism and urban simplicity. Each offers their own style, but through a seemingly shared interest in the past, the collective creates beautiful pieces that transcend time.

Select works from each of the designers are available from the MMC shop, where you can also find out more about what the Melbourne-based collective is up to next on their blog.