Israeli designer Mirit Weinstock was invited to participate in ITS#ONE (International Talent Support) in Trieste, Italy, after her graduation from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. A few months later, Alexander McQueen fashion house in London offered her an internship. Today, her M♥W luxury crafts jewelry collection is sold in specialty stores such as Paris’ Colette, Japan’s ZOZO and Anthropologie in the U.S.

Among Mirit Weinstock’s jewelry are many pieces inspired by traditional Japanese ornaments. For instance, the primary material in her shuttlecock collection is a gold or silver coating applied with the “electroforming” process. This collection is a product of her fascination with a characteristic of some Japanese jewelry that looks massive but is actually lightweight. She has also developed a collection featuring a combination of raffia and twigs deriving inspiration from the traditional Japanese packaging method of stringing together a row of fish, a method introduced in the book “How to Wrap Five Eggs”. Both collections, utilizing unique materials, are the result of her inspirational insight into Japanese culture, her beginnings in a career as a fashion designer and her individualistic interpretation and aesthetic sensitivity.

During a talk session with fellow international jewelry designer Takafumi Inuzuka, Ms. Weinstock told the audience of aspiring jewelry designers that being an independent jewelry designer requires a tremendous amount of energy, and that although the internet today affords us global access, it is important to visit the field and have firsthand knowledge of both creators and the market.

Mirit Weinstock
Designer, M♥W
1977, Born in Haifa, Israel. 2002, Graduated from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. She was invited to participate in ITS#ONE (International Talent Support) in Trieste, Italy, and a few months later, was offered internships at Alexander McQueen fashion house in London; trend magazine “View On Colour” and “Maison Lanvin”, where she had the privilege to work with artistic director Alber Elbaz. 2004, own women’s ready-to-wear label, launched. 2011, M♥W, an international jewelry brand,  launched. 2011-2012, the two-year MFA program at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem. M♥W is a luxury crafts jewelry collection sold in such specialty stores as Paris’ Colette, Japan’s ZOZO and Anthropologie in the U.S.

Mirit Weinstock
http://www.miritweinstock.com/

Takafumi Inuzuka
Designer, uni-t Design
Born in 1977. After graduating from Tokyo Metropolitan University, with a B.A. in Physics, he plunged wholeheartedly into design and studied professional jewelry making techniques at Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry for two years. In the rich international environment, in the BA Jewellery Design course at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, he learned a great many things, including a theory of design unfettered by traditional practice. After graduation, he developed his professional jewelry design and manufacturing skills by working with young, spirited designers and leading figures like Vivienne Westwood and Hussein Chalayan. He was also privileged to improve both knowledge and skills as a high jewelry production assistant to Shaun Leane. After returning to Japan, he launched a jewelry and accessory brand, “uni-t Design”, with the theme “unique creation through an art & design approach”. He considers concept and aesthetics originating in his scientific sensibilities the distinctive features of his design.

uni-t Design
http://www.uni-td.com/en/index.html

Mirit Weinstock [M♥W] Design Talk
Date: Mon., July 16 2012, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: creators shop Loop
Organizer: International Design Center NAGOYA Inc.
Co-operation: creators shop Loop
Supporter: Embassy of Israel in Tokyo