Contemporary Jewelry Brand ABOAB’s Five-Year Journey: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Timeless Design in New York

New York-based contemporary jewelry brand ABOAB recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking its fifth anniversary with an engaging pop-up event in the city. This exclusive showcase featured all eight collections launched since the brand’s inception, presenting a captivating journey through ABOAB’s evolving aesthetic.

The pop-up elegantly displayed a range of pieces—from necklaces and bracelets to rings and
earrings—all embodying the brand’s commitment to diversity and fusion. Each item reflects a
dedication to craftsmanship, timelessness, and an aesthetic that blends elegance with simplicity. The collections were artfully arranged on a long table, with select pieces nestled among natural elements such as leaves, bark, and branches, inviting guests to reflect on the brand’s journey over time. The event welcomed Yana Echko, Raymond Casas, Maksim Mizgirev, Stephanie Wengerkiewicz, Samia Laaboudi, Sabina Kahn, Madina Archakova, Jiwon Ra, Larissa Marchiori, Natalie Kim, Zizi Zeng, Taylor Quinton, Joony Kim, Becca Jackson, and more.

Yana Echko @yanaechko_ny

Mischa Yan, co-founder of ABOAB, reflected on the defining moments that have shaped the brand’s identity: “The launch of our first collection, INTIMACY, in 2019 set the tone for our overall visuals and storytelling. We aimed to create something wearable yet art-related.” The challenges posed by the pandemic tested the brand’s resilience. However, collections like SENSE OF TOUCH connected with customers on a personal level, resonating with the emotional challenges faced during that time. “Each collection has been an opportunity to push boundaries and explore new ideas,” Mischa noted, emphasizing how these moments bonded with people during the anniversary event.

Jiwon Ra @jiwonchristinera

ABOAB is known for its blend of elegance, simplicity, and diversity—values that Mischa describes as the brand’s heartbeat. “Elegance doesn’t have to be loud; it can be found in subtle details and
thoughtful design. Simplicity means creating pieces that transcend trends, while diversity reflects the inspirations in our collections and the varied backgrounds of our team.” This approach has guided every decision, from design to global presentation.

Samia Laaboudi @theslstory

The pop-up event allowed guests to experience the full spectrum of ABOAB’s evolution. “Seeing all
eight collections side by side gave guests a sense of how ABOAB has evolved while staying true to its vision,” Mischa explained. “Each collection has its own story, yet they’re interconnected by common themes—nature, art, form, and human connection.” Feedback from attendees highlighted the thoughtfulness behind each piece and the cohesive dialogue among the collections.

K Li, ABOAB’s creative director and co-founder, shared insights about the latest collection, AW24,
which is inspired by Hiroshi Yoshimura’s ambient music work Surround. “Yoshimura envisioned his
music as part of daily life,” K said, elaborating on how the collection explores the intimate
relationships between people, objects, and spaces. “We use silver to enwrap gold, symbolizing
emotional connections and dependencies.” She also offered a glimpse into the upcoming SS25
collection, inspired by Argentine artist Leandro Katz’s moon poetry, exploring themes of day and night through clay sculpture techniques.

Mischa Yan @mischayan (left) and K Li @k.u.n.li (right)

K’s journey with ABOAB has also shaped her approach to design. “Initially, I viewed design as purely aesthetic, but over time, I’ve delved into the cultural narratives behind each piece,” she explained. This evolution is evident in her favorite collection, TEN CHI, which reflects the symbiotic relationship between heaven and earth, drawing inspiration from nature. “It embodies the harmony found in the cosmos, using circular and square shapes to represent life’s interconnectedness.”

As ABOAB expands into cities like Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, Mischa and K are mindful of
maintaining the brand’s intimate New York roots. “Our dual heritage—growing up in China and having been living in the US for over ten years—informs our global expansion,” Mischa noted. The brand aims to explore markets with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, like Seoul and Milan, while ensuring that each collection reflects a thoughtful understanding of the cultures it engages with. Looking ahead, ABOAB has ambitious goals. “We want to deepen our connection with our audience and innovate creatively,” Mischa stated. “This includes collaborating with other artists across disciplines and enhancing our focus on sustainability.”

Photos: Courtesy of ABOAB