Mama Benz shines a light on the bold and sophisticated beauty of the Afro-Caribbean roots of founder and designer Aasiya Folly.
Growing up on the Caribbean island of Martinique, precious metals were, and still remain, a major part of folklore.
At 6 months old your ears are pierced and ornate with gold hoops. The presents you receive for your first birthdays are gold bracelets, necklaces and pendants with initials engraved.
Men rock "forçats, grains de café" necklaces and "torsadés" chains, gold teeth and bracelets. Nanas, mothers and aunties are donning timeless sets of heavy jewellery that have been passed on through generations.
On the left is a photo of Aasiya’s grand auntie, Annie, covered in gold and wearing the traditional attire of Martinique. This would have been taken in the 50's or 60's.
You live, sleep, swim, dance and love in jewellery.
Adornment is culture.
Mama Benz jewellery is handcrafted by Alioune, father, husband and jewellery artisan from Senegal, West Africa.
The pieces are produced using techniques, tools and systems that have been passed down for generations.
The challenges establishing a partnership with a supplier from West Africa made Aasiya think more than once how much easier it would be sourcing them in south est Asia.
The voice of her Mamie (photographed at a party with a friend) is still loud in her mind: as a child she would tell her how after all the misfortune suffered in Africa, this continent still has so much to be seen and how she must help bring back life to this land.
Mama Benz is a grass roots project, where we share timeless fashion and culture with the world.