IMAGE: SSENSE

It’s a clear given that Yoon Ahn (of Ambush Design) is the reigning queen of cool, streetwear-approved jewellery pieces, but Brooklyn-based designer Martine Ali is another one to watch, especially if you’re a fan of all things silver.

Inspired by hip-hop artists and the heavy chains worn extensively in the late 90s and early 2000s, Martine Ali’s repertoire consists of everything from earrings to necklaces and accessories like wallet keychains, all made by hand in her studio in New York City. Her signature pieces typically come in heirloom silver, essentially brass that’s dipped in sterling silver and finished with a hand-treated patina to give an appearance of aged silver while maintaining a precious shine. There’s also a selection of pieces that come in 925 sterling silver sourced globally from Bali to Italy, perfect for those who love a solid shiny piece.

Her latest foray into bags is particularly interesting, seen in the Silver Desi Crossbody above that’s made entirely out of metal. The cage-like bag might remind you of a grocery basket (or a pet-friendly mini cage) and measures 20 cm across and 12 cm high, with a width of approximately 7 cm. It’s one that won’t exactly store much, but good enough to make for a statement accessory out on the streets or for your Instagram-worthy shot of the day.

Conservative folk who aren’t fans of baring everything will find that the Silver Desi Crossbody (USD625) comes with an additional logo-embossed grained leather pouch in white, which can be also used on its own. Available over at SSENSE, you will also be able to find 2 other options like a gunmetal version or another that comes with a seatbelt strap, but nothing beats a piece in full shiny silver, right?

IMAGE: SSENSE