iRi NYC Partners with New Year Market for Senior-Designed Charms

iRi NYC has launched a collaboration with the Korea-based social impact brand New Year Market to produce a unique line of upcycled key charms, designed by seniors. This initiative, which also allows the charms to be used as shoe decorations, reflects a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, continuing iRi NYC’s annual upcycling mission.

The handmade key charms will officially launch on Wednesday, with prices ranging from $20 to $30. Each charm is crafted predominantly from upcycled materials, including scraps of knits from sock production, shoelaces, and small leather remnants from footwear manufacturing. This partnership aims to empower seniors, many of whom may face economic challenges, by allowing them to take on creative roles in the design process.

Empowering Seniors Through Design

New Year Market is dedicated to providing safe employment opportunities for seniors, particularly those living alone or relying on the collection of recyclables for income. By pairing senior designers with younger collaborators, the initiative fosters intergenerational teamwork, transforming ideas into tangible, joyful products.

In previous years, iRi NYC collaborated with various organizations that share similar social and environmental values. For instance, last year’s project involved the woman-owned upcycling brand Cueclyp, which produced cup coasters from surplus neoprene fabric. This year’s focus on footwear charms represents a continued evolution in iRi NYC’s product offerings while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.

Sustainable Practices and Future Directions

The collaboration with New Year Market aligns with iRi NYC’s broader goal of encouraging self-expression across all ages. The handmade nature of the charms emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and sustainable sourcing in the fashion industry. The relaunch of iRi NYC’s product line since its initial debut in 2017 has focused heavily on environmentally friendly production methods.

The founder of iRi NYC shared insights on the brand’s journey toward sustainability, stating, “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.” This shift has allowed for a more responsible approach to sourcing materials without the need for large minimum orders, significantly enhancing the brand’s environmental impact.

As the demand for sustainable and ethically produced goods continues to rise, initiatives like this collaboration not only address consumer needs but also contribute to the economic empowerment of marginalized communities. The upcycled key charms from iRi NYC and New Year Market are more than just accessories; they symbolize a commitment to social change and environmental stewardship, showcasing the power of collaboration in today’s fashion landscape.