The new charms, which will be available from Wednesday, are handcrafted by a team that includes seniors who have the opportunity to act as designers. These individuals often face challenges such as living alone or relying on recyclable materials for income. By partnering with New Year Market, iRi NYC is empowering these seniors to express their creativity while also providing a source of income.
The charms are priced between $20 and $30 and are constructed from various upcycled materials. These include remnants from sock production, shoelaces, and small leather scraps from shoe manufacturing. The project not only supports sustainable practices but also fosters intergenerational collaboration, with “juniors” assisting seniors in bringing their designs to life.
Continuing a Sustainable Mission
This collaboration follows iRi NYC’s previous project with the woman-owned upcycling brand Cueclyp, which produced cup coasters from surplus neoprene fabric. Since its establishment in 2017, iRi NYC has aimed to create meaningful products from leftover materials, continually evolving its approach to sustainability.
As part of the brand’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, iRi NYC relocated its production to Korea, which has increased access to sustainable materials without the constraints of large minimum orders. This strategic move has allowed for the incorporation of eco-friendly resources into their designs.
In a recent statement, the brand noted, “When we first launched, none of our products had anything to do with sustainable materials. But thankfully, once we moved our production to Korea, I was shocked that they have a lot of availability with sustainable footwear materials, finally, and they’re not too expensive. Or we don’t have to order 1000 yards of fabric to actually use them. So moving the whole production site helped a lot to finally incorporate more sustainable materials into our designs.”
By focusing on upcycling and community engagement, iRi NYC and New Year Market continue to set a precedent for socially responsible business practices. As the new charms hit the market, they not only serve as fashionable accessories but also as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the seniors involved in their creation.
