DAMIANI released its charity collection, "METROPOLITAN DREAM BY H.NAKATA," in collaboration with Hidetoshi Nakata, on October 20th. A launch party was held that evening at the Damiani Boutique Tokyo in Ginza.
This project was born from the friendship between Giorgio Grassi Damiani, Vice President of Damiani, and Nakata. Based on the 2010 "METROPOLITAN DREAM" collection, the two designers worked together to create designs inspired by each other.
The lineup includes a cross pendant (priced from ¥98,000 to ¥181,000), three types of kangaroo leather cord bracelets featuring cross, plate, and round elements (priced from ¥90,000 to ¥162,000), and a bangle bracelet (priced from ¥363,000). The pink gold and black burnito-finished white gold used are studded with diamonds, giving them a noble sparkle. Nakata, who attended the party, said, "Damiani is a luxury jewelry brand, so I wanted to create pieces that would be more accessible to a younger audience. I used diamonds and leather, so they can be worn casually. I also chose a unisex design that isn't too flashy." A portion of the proceeds from the collection will be donated over the next three years to the NPO "HOME-FOR-ALL," chaired by architect Toyo Ito, to support the recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Under Ito's direction, the organization is building "Minna no Ie" (Home for All) homes, a place of relaxation for those affected by the disaster. The first home was completed in October 2011. By the end of July 2014, 11 homes had been completed, with four more currently underway. Giorgio, Vice President of the Damiani Group, addressed the guests, saying, "This project was a natural progression. We donated funds to support the recovery efforts immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but meeting Hide made me want to continue providing support and also to work on a mutual aid project. I often receive advice from Hide (about the brand). This time, Hide actively provided direction and we spent a long time creating it. I want our customers to enjoy it without feeling pressured." At the party, a video clip was shown of Giorgio and Nakata's visit to the "Home-for-All" in Rikuzentakata City on the previous day, the 19th, as well as their meetings with Mayor Futoshi Toba and members of the architectural team, Kumiko Inui and Akihisa Hirata. The collection will be available at Damiani boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka from October 20th, and at Damiani boutiques and corners nationwide from November 5th.