Chéjo! Exporting Fearlessness From The Dominican Republic

Category: Fashion Created on Saturday, 25 June 2011 10:36

Kristi Collado of Chejo Jewelry Chéjo by Kristi Collado! Chéjo is the newest name in enviable jewellery to come out of our region. Influenced by the diverse mix and symbolisms of the Amerindian, Spanish and African - Caribbean, Chéjo brings home a seriously unique and metropolitan look.

The young woman behind this 'coolbrand' is Dominicana/American jewellery designer, Kristy Collado. Her work appeals directly to my love of directional design with a real focus on quality materials and finish. Chéjo is versatile, fearless and arty all in one, styling individuals across gender and age groups.

It is Kristy's love of the relationship between art and fashion that lead her to become a designer and this is what I find most striking about her work. For Kristy creating jewellery is akin to creating small sculptures and it is just one of the forms of art that she uses to express herself. She also uses materials such as up-cycled leather, fabric, seeds and mixed metals, with a focus on always bringing something fresh and interesting to her customer.

The name Chéjo pronounced Chehhoe was Kristy's grandfather’s nickname; a man who she considers to be 'a special soul,who taught [her] a lot.' Naming her company Chéjo is her recognition of the significant part he played in her upbringing. Kristy now lives in Queens, New York and is an Art Graduate of Saint Lawrence University, New York.

Since launching her brand, Kristy has had some fantastic collaborations, with the likes of well-known Caribbean designers such as design supremo - Meiling and Anya Ayoung-Chee of Pilar [reference Fay Anne Lyons at Fantastic Friday 2011], she also provided the jewellery for Protoje/Ky-Mani Marley's 'Rasta Love' Video. It just goes to show how rewarding working with great people can be. "To work with Meiling is a joy, she's an amazing designer and great person. I am very thankful for the opportunities."

The Caribbean is obviously close to Kristy's heart and design direction. 'Being Dominicana/American influences my art process. Dominicana culture is rich in art, traditions and we are very passionate about what we do'.

Her pieces are forward looking and edgy, I wondered who does she envisage wearing Chéjo? “Anyone can rock Chéjo!! Anywhere!! It is up to the individual to make Chéjo his/her own.”

As with many artists/designers trying to find that balance between their art and business, we find an increasing number of forward looking brands adopting the services of a Marketing/PR company or representative.

We were interested in the benefits Kristy felt her company gained from such a service, 'I would recommend other designers to utilize a marketing/PR firm because it allows for more time to be creative. It is important that whomever works with you understands your vision.'

Currently focused on expanding her young brand, Kristy is encouraged by the fantastic response Chéjo has received from the American public. At the same time, she is clearly aware of the potential of the emerging Caribbean fashion industry, '[It] is growing and is highly competitive. There are well accomplished and established designers living there. Like in any business it is viable to seek and reach new markets.'

So, what's next for Kristy Collado? 'I am currently working on a website www.iamchejo.com and an ETSY Chéjo shop where individuals will be able to purchase merchandise. Chéjo FW2011 is going to be exciting. I feel good about the new look and forms, I am incorporating precious metals and unconventional materials.'

Simply put, Kristy's advice to others interested in following a similar path is that 'hard work pays off.'