Stockholm-based Alexander Urombi is a jewellery enthusiast, stylist, photographer, DJ and founder of ULAX Studios. He is also a firm believer that jewellery should be the main character of your outfit. Here he gives us a sneak peek into some of his collection while explaining how to use grillz, necklaces, rings and earrings to elevate your own personal style
Many years ago in New York City, I met this guy by the name of Milton who wore a lot of jewellery. I was so fascinated by how over-accessorised he was and his jewellery caught my eye from every angle I saw him through. I’ve always loved expressing myself through what I’m wearing but it wasn’t until then I realised I wanted to accessorise every possible area of my body. I consider accessories and especially jewellery, as the main character of my day-to-day looks.
Secret to building a jewellery collection
I’m still building my collection of rings, earrings, chains, bracelets and grillz. I started out by going to a store in Fridhemsplan in Stockholm thinking I would get my whole collection from the same place. Rookie mistake. Building a jewellery collection takes time, you’ll never find everything that you need in one place as your taste evolves and changes all the time. I still find pieces that I add to my collection and I have more rings than fingers.
Good jewellery is an investment but it can also be very powerful since it’s often pieces that mean something. You can keep them for a long time, as memories, or maybe gift them to someone you love. I love asking people about their pieces and getting to know them through their jewellery.
Always be on the 'hunt'
I always see jewellery and accessories as the foundation for a successful outfit. People can buy the latest pieces of clothing from the runway but what makes the clothing and looks interesting is the accessories. The outfit is a compliment to the jewellery.
Working as a stylist and photographer I’m constantly on the hunt for new and inspiring jewellers. Luckily, living in Stockholm I’m surrounded by a lot of creative brands such as All Blues, Yasar Aydin, Maria Nilsdotter, Iameleni, Mia Larsson, Sophie by Sophie to name a few.
Jewellery holds powerful memories
I'm half Ugandan, 25 per cent Russian and 25 percent Ukrainian. My parents met in Kharkiv when it was still The Soviet Union, which today is Ukraine, before moving to Sweden where I was born. When I was a little kid, my mother, my sister and I would to visit my grandmother in Kharkiv, Ukraine, every other summer. The first time I met my grandmother I was six years old and I thought she was the coolest person ever because she had gold teeth. Growing up listening to hip hop and watching rap videos I’ve always been fascinated by grillz.
In 2017, I flew to Paris, with my girlfriend, to meet one of the greats when it comes to making grillz - Dolly Cohen who now makes pieces for Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Pharrell, Beyoncé and Drake. We didn’t want anyone else to make our teeth pieces as she’s a master at what she does. Grillz are the frosting on the cake, they give me the look I always thought was so cool when I was little and when I see my grillz I think of my grandmother. May she rest in peace.
Photography by Ulax Studios