In a series of merged portraits, Uzbek designer J.Kim celebrates our shared connections

Uzbek-Korean fashion brand J.Kim has dropped its inaugural jewellery line.

The new collection features human-like pendants at the heart of multicoloured beaded necklaces. In another piece, a chain of miniature figures link hands to create a choker with pearl detailing.

“We wanted to highlight the importance of community and support,” says the brand’s founder and creative director Jenia Kim. “Even though we look so different from the outside, on the inside we are all the same, and our strength is in our unity.”

The release was launched together with the designer’s latest artistic project, Merge. Created together with photographer Vokum, the project blends portraits of several models to make them look like a single person. Kim and Vokum wanted the collaged portraits to celebrate diversity in appearances, cultures, and individuals.

“We think the desire to merge with others and feel part of something bigger is especially relevant in the post-quarantine era,” they say. “We still feel disconnected from most countries, but we dream of rebuilding our connections and becoming ‘citizens of the world’ again.”