iRi NYC has partnered with the Korea-based social impact brand New Year Market to introduce a unique collection of upcycled key charms, crafted by seniors. These versatile charms, which can also adorn shoes, will be available starting March 15, 2024.
This collaboration marks a continuation of iRi NYC’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. The brand focuses on creating small, meaningful products using leftover materials from production. In previous years, iRi NYC collaborated with other organizations, such as the woman-owned upcycling brand Cueclyp, to create items like cup coasters made from surplus neoprene fabric.
The new key charms, priced between $20 and $30, are particularly special due to the artisans behind them. New Year Market is dedicated to providing safe employment opportunities for seniors who live independently or rely on collecting recyclables to support their livelihoods. This initiative empowers seniors to express their creativity by allowing them to work alongside younger designers, transforming their ideas into products that bring joy and meaning to their lives.
The handcrafted charms, which include hardware made from all upcycled materials, reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. The materials used consist of scraps from sock production, shoe laces, and small leather remnants from shoe manufacturing. This project is part of a relaunch of iRi NYC, which has increasingly focused on environmentally friendly production methods since its inception in 2017.
In a recent statement, the founder of iRi NYC shared insights about the brand’s journey toward sustainable practices. “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,” they noted.
The introduction of these upcycled key charms aligns perfectly with iRi NYC’s mission to foster self-expression across generations. By collaborating with New Year Market, iRi NYC not only enhances its product offerings but also contributes meaningfully to the lives of seniors involved in the production process. The charms serve as a reminder of the potential for creativity and sustainability to intertwine, creating positive social impact while promoting environmental responsibility.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thoughtful and innovative addition to the accessory market.
