Photo Courtesy: Vaishnav Praveen

Hey there, fashionistas and jewellery enthusiasts! We’ve got some exciting news that will make your accessory-loving hearts skip a beat. Brace yourselves for the groundbreaking collaboration between Papa Don’t Preach and the iconic thought leader, activist and poet – Alok Vaid Menon, as they launch their gender-neutral jewellery line that not only sparkles with style but also represents the empowering values of acceptance and self-love. Get ready to adorn yourself with some serious self-expression!

In a world where fashion often comes with prescribed gender norms, Papa Don’t Preach and Alok Menon have joined forces to challenge the status quo. Together, they’ve designed a collection that transcends traditional expectations, allowing individuals to embrace their authentic selves while making a bold fashion statement. 

And let me tell you, this collaboration is nothing short of extraordinary and has culminated in a 17-piece  jewellery line designed to empower the wearer, reminding them of the inner strength and rarity.

The Papa Don’t Preach X Alok Menon jewellery maintains a classic look of celestial and floral elements, central to the brand aesthetic but the special touch and one-of-a-kind edition is the addition of Alok’s thoughts and words. Embodying the essence of Alok’s self-love philosophy, is the ‘Letters of Love’ pendant, a statement piece that takes the form of a gold-plated brass flower etched with reaffirming words from Alok – ‘becoming,’ ‘alive,’ ‘love you and need you.’ The words serve as reminders to stay in your power. Oh, and did I mention the colours? Prepare to be dazzled by a rainbow of hues that will make your inner unicorn prance with delight! Each of these pieces are encrusted with cabochon stones in rose quartz, glass jade stones, and tumble stones in amethyst and turquoise tones.

A central motif to the Papa Don’t Preach X Alok Menon collection takes the form of the Sapphic flower, named after the ancient Greek poetess Sappho. Her words became a symbol of strength for the LGBTQIA+ community and the flower is believed to represent the beauty, resilience, and strength of same-sex love.

Moving deeper into embracing one’s truth and lived experience whole heartedly, the jewellery also takes inspiration from Alok’s roots in Kerala with elements typically seen in South Indian ornaments. The Suriyan hair pin of Papa Don’t Preach, hinting towards the beauty of traditional hair jewellery of Kerala, features delicate hand-embroidered metal elements with a design inspired by the sun, known as Suriyan.

The theme of the campaign shoot of Papa Don’t Preach, modelled beautifully by Alok, is centred around deities and showcases the power of sacred geometric symbols and mudras as portals to the worlds within us.  Symbols of the merkaba and sacred geometry are also used to represent divine harmony, duality, the collaborative energies of mind and body and the divine amalgamation of masculine and feminine. 

Papa Don’t Preach and Alok Menon have undoubtedly created more than just jewellery. They have crafted tangible expressions of empowerment, acceptance and self love, understanding that true beauty lies in embracing one’s uniqueness. The collection’s inclusive designs cater to every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or expression, encouraging wearers to celebrate their authentic selves with pride.

The presentation of this one of a kind collection of Papa Don’t Preach is visualised by Creative Director & Stylist- Mohit Rai, Photographer- Vaishnav Praveen and the collective efforts of Marcelo Pedrozo for hair and Savleen Manchanda for the bold makeup.