DECEMBER 28TH, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
I love my work. If you know me personally or virtually, you know that already. Everyday I wake up with excitement, and a rush, for what I am going to create, achieve, or just get better at. It’s an amazing feeling, to create a piece of jewelry that will be worn, that may be gifted, and that will serve as a visible token of an emotion, whether it’s bought for oneself, or a loved one.
That definitely fuels me. And perhaps as important as that, is my commitment to be a part of something larger, and for me, that is being involved with a few select charities and foundations. In 2011 ZAIKEN Jewelry was a proud partner to NYC based Community Word Project, which works to keep the arts in NYC public schools. Additionally, through sales of select pieces by our clients, we made contributions to Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, and Susan G Komen for the Cure.
It’s a wonderful gift, to be able to give something to these organizations whose raison d’etre is to give to others; to give beyond the tangible. I hope you have an organization that you give to, and stay close to. You will see what a gift it is to you, the giver. Sounds like something to put on the resolution list for 2012…
DECEMBER 22ND, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
Super excited about our recent launch at Nina at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. They are carrying a great representation of the line, with a mix of silver and gold pieces, with some diamonds sprinkled in…
If you are in the Santa Monica area, be sure to check it out; given their amazing selection of trend-setting jewelry and accessories, you won’t walk out empty handed.
OCTOBER 3RD, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
October. Many things come to mind with this the start of this month – the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, the audible crunch of fresh picked apples, ghosts & pumpkins. And breast cancer – yes, breast cancer. October is the national month for Breast Cancer Awareness. So many of us have been touched by this disease, either directly or through loved ones. Cancer changes everything, and everyone it touches. And the incidences of it are on the rise.
There are many ways to get involved to help raise money for research…there are ribbons to be bought and races to be ran. For me, I want to create a cancer conversation piece – and that can only mean one thing – Jewelry! So with that in mind, I created this limited edition pink sapphire evil eye pendant…fighting the evils of cancer never looked so good! Even better, is that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure. I’m quite proud to say that it’s available at Greenwich Jewelers. Check it out online, or in person at their Manhattan location. They have created a specialty boutique just for jewelry pieces that support cancer research, so you can help fight cancer while sparkling!
ZAIKEN Jewelry Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Sapphire Evil Eye
APRIL 5TH, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
Limited edition custom bracelet for Community Word Project
Last night I attended the 11th annual gala for Community Word Project (CWP)
at the National Arts Club in NYC. I knew from the first time that I met Michele Kotler, the founder and executive director, that I wanted to be a part of this organization in some way.
Community Word Project works with underserved NYC public schools to ensure that the school children will have access to various arts. They work with working artists, that means artists who actually make a living through their art, give them a residency training program for 20+ weeks to learn how to convey their artistic skill to children in a classroom. To date, over 12,000 NYC school children have been through this program – just imagine the difference in 12,000 minds now…
I knew going in that it was a great organization, but I truly had no idea how amazing the children would be. To see the power in these children’s voices, the confidence in their stance, and the simple sparkle in their eyes was a clear visual of why this is so important. Access to art should not be a luxury. Exposure to artistic forms allows for non linear thinking. It allows for self expression. It allows us to go to a place in our mind that we may not have been, nor would we ever go…
After seeing the children perform, meeting the artists and speaking with some of the parents whose children are in these classrooms, I was moved. As I said, I knew going in that Community Word Project was an amazing organization, and after last night I have seen first hand the power that the arts can have on us.
To further support their efforts and raise visibility, I have created a Custom Bracelet for Community Word Project, of blackened silver on white leather macrame. It retails for $120 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the organization. Make your purchase today, and help change the life of a NYC student.
Malak
MARCH 9TH, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
I am so excited by the newest addition to my Calligraphy Collection, the Terms of Endearment. This collection has been brewing in my mind for some time and seeing the start of it come to life is such a thrill for me. It is a whimsical and visual reminder of sentiments that we crave…”Adored”, “Beloved”, “Cherished”, and my personal favorite, “Angel”…I usually wear a couple of them – I feel fortunate enough to say that yes, I am all of these things, and now you can show everyone that you are too. 
FEBRUARY 24TH, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
“globalDESIGN, the Showcase of Exceptional Jewelers” was this past weekend in Philadelphia. It was my first time participating in any trade show, and what an honor to have this particular show as my first. Up until now I had been a bit anxious about doing a trade show, doing my “first” show…there just seemed to be so much involved in it. In the weeks leading up to the show I drove my family just a little crazy with my prep schedule and lack of availability to the family; my husband and my mother did more than their fair share of putting my sons to bed at night. My 4 year old son couldn’t quite understand why “mommy going to global” meant mommy going to Philadelphia. Knowing that I would be away from them for 4 days was not as easy as I had hoped, yet knowing that they were in great hands made it more bearable. Knowing that I was going to the show to really learn and lay the foundation for great shows in the future made it MUCH more bearable.
The show experience was exhilarating – from the roster of designers that were also exhibiting, to the attendees. I had the chance to speak to gallery owners and learn about their businesses and how fine designer jewelry fits into their mix. I heard from several who just loved my line – the Calligraphy, Talisman, and the Pillars Collections were particular favorites. And I heard from several retailers who said that the economy just hasn’t turned the corner enough for them to invest in an emerging designer. But best of all I walked away with a new focus and energy for my company. Nothing replaces first hand experience, no matter what. So if you find yourself putting something off, that you know you need to do…you want to do, just do it. Do it for the sake of doing it, and watch what happens…
Until next time,
Malak
FEBRUARY 7TH, 2011
By MALAK ATUT
So you’ve heard me say it – ZAIKEN Jewelry makes everything in NYC, and I am so proud of that. Proud to be part of our local economy. Proud to work with some of the finest crafts people around. Proud that we can turn an idea into a piece of wearable art in few weeks time, and maintain quality control over it the whole time.
Just like the local food movement, there is a local fashion movement – consumers want to know where the objects of their affection are made. It feels good to buy local; it feels right to support local designers, who in turn support a whole industry. When I was setting up ZAIKEN Jewelry I had the option to set up overseas…but that was never going to happen. NYC is the only place for me, and the only place for my company…Proudly!
Check out this article in the NY Daily News about the NYC Garment District, and the fashion designers who work there
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2011/02/05/2011-02-05_clothes_made_in_nyc_fashion_made_in_new_york_city_gets_the_cache_it_deserves.html
JULY 13TH, 2010
By MALAK ATUT
Palm Trees? Check.
Golden Logo Cupcakes? Check.
Sand Castle Lady Towers? Check.
Just a few of the details that went into the official ZAIKEN Jewelry launch event/press preview at the Bryant Park Hotel in Manhattan just a few weeks ago. What an experience! What a thrill to announce to the world that ZAIKEN Jewelry is here, and that we are playing for keeps. We created an “urban oasis” to showcase our “east meets west” jewelry collections, and served a menu, mock-tails included, to complement the overall theme…after all, its the details that make the difference, both in jewelry and in life.
We worked feverishly up to 5:01pm, when the doors opened and we welcomed our guests. Middle- eastern fusion music played in the background as guests made their way from the “ZAIKEN Jewelry Step and Repeat” to the showcase area. We were honored to have jewelry industry insiders, fashion press, and stylists in attendance. The guests loved the collections, and especially noted the historical context and significance of the collections. As one of the uber hip attendees noted, “what makes this so cool and special is that is totally unique, and it comes from your perspective, which is authentic”. Yes, authenticity matters. Even in jewelry.
The Calligraphy Collection was a crowd favorite, featuring traditional words reworked into clean and elegant lines made of gold, which can also be customized to capture the names of beloved ones, or any special thought. Another favorite was the Arabesque Collection, which offers pieces in both gold and oxidized silver, which is made of an infinite geometric repeating pattern. The Talisman Collection also received rave reviews – who couldn’t use a little extra protection with an evil eye or the hand of Fatima?
As ZAIKEN Jewelry continues to move forward we remain committed to our founding vision of creating beautiful jewelry that tells a story. Please visit us at www.zaikenjewelry.com to see select pieces of our collection, or to arrange for a private viewing of the entire collection.
JUNE 14TH, 2010
By MALAK ATUT
Pushing through, premiering several collections at launch party tomorrow!
JUNE 9TH, 2010
By MALAK ATUT
Counting down to our official launch event in NYC next week!
