Using feathers, anchor charms, and sterling silver as staple materials,
designer Michael Mercanti’s debut jewelry line screams a raw, edgy,
aesthetic that will turn the heads of even the most jaded rockers. The
collection of handmade statement pieces is created from long antique
chains, which are adorned with onyx beads, silver pendants, and
unlikely artifacts (safety pins or nails anyone?) that reveal
inspirations ranging from piracy to punk rock. More conservative
chicettes will appreciate the wood pieces, which can be paired with
work attire for a bit of attitude in the office. The Toronto-based
designer, who is only in his early 20s, studied fashion arts in college
and interned at menswear label Bully for several years before launching
Speech.
-Jessalynn Keller