A new collaboration between iRi NYC and the Korea-based social impact brand New Year Market has resulted in the launch of unique upcycled key charms designed by seniors. Set to debut on Wednesday, these handmade charms can also serve as decorative additions to shoes, reflecting a commitment to creativity and sustainability.
This partnership continues iRi NYC’s annual mission to promote upcycling by creating products from leftover materials. In previous years, the organization has collaborated with various entities sharing similar social and environmental values. Last year, they worked with the woman-owned upcycling brand Cueclyp to produce cup coasters from surplus neoprene fabric. This year’s offering diversifies the application of upcycled materials to footwear accessories.
The key charms are particularly meaningful as they are designed and handcrafted by senior citizens. New Year Market focuses on providing safe employment opportunities for seniors who may live alone or rely on collecting recyclables for income. By involving these seniors in the design process, the brand fosters intergenerational collaboration, pairing them with younger designers, referred to as “juniors,” to bring their ideas to life.
Empowering Through Creativity
The collaboration aligns with iRi’s goal of enabling individuals of all ages to express themselves freely. The senior designers, alongside the iRi team, have crafted key charms that are priced between $20 and $30. Except for the hardware, these charms are made entirely from upcycled materials sourced from both iRi NYC and New Year Market. The materials include scraps from sock production, shoelaces, and small leather remnants from shoe manufacturing.
This initiative marks a significant relaunch for iRi NYC, which first debuted in 2017. The brand has shifted its focus towards more environmentally friendly production and distribution practices. Over the summer, iRi NYC detailed its journey towards sustainability, highlighting the advantages of relocating production to Korea. “When we first launched, none of our products had anything to do with sustainable materials,” said a representative from iRi NYC. The move to Korea allowed access to a variety of sustainable footwear materials at reasonable prices, eliminating the need for bulk fabric orders and fostering more eco-friendly designs.
The upcycled key charms not only exemplify creativity but also underscore the importance of community, sustainability, and empowerment. By engaging seniors in the design process, both iRi NYC and New Year Market are crafting products that carry a story and a purpose, transforming leftover materials into joyful and meaningful merchandise. As the launch date approaches, anticipation grows for these unique accessories that celebrate both artistry and the contributions of seniors.
