The man behind Mateo New York is obsessed with modern art and architecture. Matthew 'Mateo' Harris invests his passion back into his jewellery designs; his refined S/S 2017 collection bears the mark of a designer who has studied the contemporary creative greats.
The new collection celebrates the opening of the Mateo flagship boutique in Manhattan. Also designed by Harris, it is located where Nolita meets Soho, its neighbours including Steven Alan, Aesop and Rag & Bone. The interior has been purposely considered to create harmony between the jewellery and its setting. As such, the 300 sq ft space is defined by a monochrome interior, so that the glinting jewels within can better catch the eye.
Harris reflects upon the influences that have played a key part in shaping his aesthetic. 'I adore Alexander Calder, Wassily Kandinsky and the architects Norman Foster and the late Zaha Hadid,' he reveals. Indeed, Hadid's gravity-defying structures are reflected in Mateo’s swinging, sculptural earrings, while Foster's clean lines can be read in the simplicity of the new, fine, semi-spherical rings.
A sculptural ring from Mateo's S/S 2017 collection
But it was Calder’s work that provided the main inspiration for the new collection, including the 14ct gold and enamel Mobile Installation earrings. Infused with a palette of Kandinsky's colours, these statement pieces are on show in the Mateo New York flagship directly beneath a Calder chandelier, making the connection between the two difficult to ignore.
Not all the new collection's pieces are based on a particular artist or structure, however. The Suspended Diamond Circ earrings, for instance, are loosely inspired by a light fixture Harris caught a glimpse of while visiting an interior design expo.
There’s a joy in Harris’ approach that is summed up by this collection: instead of drawing on just one influence, Harris succeeds in bringing together many, all the while remaining true to Mateo’s visual DNA.
Left, Orbit lapis ring. Right, Point of Focus diamond ring
Shapes Mobile earrings
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Mateo New York website
ADDRESS
Mateo New York
244 Elizabeth Street
New York NY 10012
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
-
Book a table at Row on 5 in London for the dinner party of dreamsRow on 5, located on the storied Savile Row, emerges as a perfectly tailored fit for fans of fine dining
-
How a bijou jewellery salon in Monaco set the jewellery trends for 2025Inside the inaugural edition of Joya, where jewellery is celebrated as miniature works of art
-
Art takes London: Tiffany & Co, Damien Hirst and artists take over Selfridges' windowsFour British contemporary artists celebrate Tiffany & Co's pioneering history with a series of storied window displays
-
Late summer jewels: what to wear at Golden HourLate summer signals a jewellery style-shift. These independent designers have got it covered
-
All smiles: How a grillz jewellery making class in London became an international hitWhat started as a passion project quickly exploded in popularity. We get the story behind the grillz-making workshop at Cockpit London
-
Emerging jewellery designers to get to knowThese independent, new and emerging jewellery designers and brands from New York to Paris are firmly on our radar
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal piecesA host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a momentWe've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
-
Eternity rings for the modern coupleEternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edgeAs the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
