SUSTAINABLE STATEMENT JEWELRY BY ADELE DEJAK

Adele Dejak is a world-renowned, Kenya-based jewelry designer with a passion for jewelry that began during her childhood. Learn more about Adele Dejak and her namesake brand below.

WEST AFRICAN HERITAGE

Having grown up in Nigeria, Dejak adored watching her mother and grandmother dress in magnificent fabrics and traditional jewelry. She earned a law degree, but returned to school to follow her passion for design and studied typographic design at the London College of Communication.

Dejak then moved to Kenya in 2005, where she began making her own jewelry primarily from brass. Given her early passion for both fashion and jewelry, Dejak has been able to collaborate with brands including Salvatore Ferragamo and Africa Fashion International in South Africa. Dejak draws from her West African heritage as she creates one-of-a-kind pieces out of recycled brass.

ADELE DEJAK CREATIVE PROCESS

“ I am often inspired by nature and people. I also love to visit art galleries and read a lot of African cultural books to draw inspiration from my history. Once I have a direction, I create a mood board and begin sketching. Usually I find that the things I like, people like too! However, my team and I work very closely to produce what the customers want. Customer feedback is very important.”

“I love all the pieces, in a different way. They all speak to a specific time or frame in my mind. Of course, I have certain pieces I wear all the time but it’s hard to choose a favorite.”

THOUGHTFUL AND INSPIRING DESIGN

Adele’s uniquely crafted designs come to life as jewelry pieces that timelessly represent African luxury. She celebrates her West African heritage by incorporating both traditional and modern materials in her jewelry, drawing from the long history of metalwork seen around the continent.

Traditionally, various metals have been used in African jewelry to symbolize wealth, power, and status. Materials vary widely based on local availability, but African jewelry is often more than just ornamental, representing family heritage, religious beliefs or an individual’s standing in society. Dejak’s designs draw on these traditions, melding history with a contemporary aesthetic that has a global appeal. Each piece has the power to elevate any look to a uniquely bold brand of luxury.

In 2018, Dejak released the The Love Collection, made from environmentally friendly materials which offers pieces inspired by emotion. This bold collection is perfect for weddings, events, or a boost of confidence. Her more recent Faith Collection ushered in the new decade with pieces that serve as a visual representation of faith, hope, and trust.

A selection of Dejak’s gorgeous pieces are available on 54kibo, but a trip to one of Dejak’s two Kenyan-based boutiques is bound bound to be worthwhile.