Need to know US jeweller Azlee

The aesthetic is modern and wearable, interesting but not over the top

Hailing from a fashion magazine background—namely at Glamour and Allure in New York—Baylee Ann Zwart moved to Guatemala to work for a Fair Trade non-profit with local artisans. And it was while there she got a taste for jewellery, studying metalwork and becoming fascinated by the idea of sculpting pieces that could be worn every day. She was keen that they would also be pieces that could be handed down through the generations. The name of her brand is a combination of her middle, first and last names, AZLEE.

She then went back to the US, interested in pursuing sustainable fashion. She worked at Toms shoes and it was while there that she developed her first collection. The brand was established in 2015. Pieces are made locally in Los Angeles and the role of the craftsman is something that is especially important to her.

The aesthetic is modern and wearable, interesting but not over the top. Influences include French Art Deco and her personal interest in Ancient civilisations.

Collaboration with clients is also key for bespoke and one-of-a-kind pieces featuring rare-cut diamonds. Notable names that have worn AZLEE include Emma Watson, Rihanna, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Scarlett Johannsson and Zoe Kravitz.

When not designing jewellery, Zwart is a surfer and scuba diver and each year donates to a different ocean-related cause. Heal the Bay, her current partner, is a non-profit working to make coastal waters in LA safer and cleaner.

The brand’s dipped coin charms are especially compelling.