Jalil Johnson’s emphasizes the timelessness and novelty of evolving . The writer and stylist has developed a history-informed signature on sartorial storytelling, referencing past practices in meaningful adornment in a world of fast fashion. Now, with a new acrostic jewelry collaboration with At Present, Jalil reintroduces his styling ethos through a conversation with the past—one where culture and deeply personal expression are worn on the body.
The Bold collection which is currently available online features avant-garde geometry and referential approach to haute joaillerie spell out an eponymous characterization of both collection and designer in blue sapphire, opal, lapis, and diamond (B-O-L-D). Johnson regularly shares his musings on his blog, “ ,” the textual component of his widening profile as a tastemaker. To look through his chronology of outfits is to see a throughline of historical intrigue with a contemporary application, bringing an almost anachronistic presence to an often hyper-cyclical fashion space.
Acrostic jewelry holds a distinct place in fashion history as a relic of romanticism and mystery. The 18th-century design method uses gemstones to spell out messages, each gem representing a letter in a word or phrase. This new way to communicate without speaking allowed exchanging parties to bypass propriety and social expectations.
In conversation, Johnson says the ethos around the collection is reminding people to be themselves and also to not be afraid.
