Author | Oscar Lopez
All images courtesy of Varon
Aaron Changpo is an innovative Mexican designer breaking down gender barriers one glorious jewelry piece at a time. ‘Varon‘ is his jewelry line which he began during his last year at college when he had “an urge to materialize and express all the ideas in my mind.” This resulted in the creation of a fascinating jewelry line which is not only aesthetically beautiful, but more importantly questions the very idea of what jewelry can be.
Changpo’s design often center around a particular theme, yet linking them all is a sense of transcendence: “I always find architecture, human culture and symbolism the most inspiring.” Of particular significance to his design is traditional Mexican culture: “Mexico is a big influence in my work, the cultural heritage of Pre-Columbian Cultures.”
Yet by transcending time, Varon manages to transgress a more stalwart barrier still: gender. As Changpo points out, “Since humans origins, jewelry has been a tool to embellish and stand out. Men of ancient cultures and tribes used jewelry and ornaments to make themselves stronger and more attractive. Nowadays jewelry is more related to women.” Changpo is determined to change this trend: “I want to help alter the gender do’s and don’ts and make it more equal.”
To do so, Changpo has created a number of beautiful pieces which cannot be easily grouped as either male or female. With strong geometric designs and smooth, sharp lines, his pieces are beautiful no matter the gender identity of the wearer. Rather than reinforcing any particular gender stereotype, his pieces serve to highlight the individual identity of the wearer. By altering the very concept of gendered jewelry, Changpo is questioning the norms and traditions that are implicit both in fashion and in the culture at large.
This has been a deliberate choice for Changpo, and it is clear in not just his designs but also the advertising material that he uses to promote them which often feature androgynous models or videos with vague homoerotic undertones. The result is startling: “I want to help transcend what one is supposed to use or wear according to your gender.”
Ultimately, however, Varon isn’t just about making a statement. It’s about being cool and comfortable in yourself, whoever that may be. For while Changpo believes in “the power of androgyny” ultimately “the key is to find a balance with your style.”
