Eastern Blocks: A Concrete Manifesto in Jewelry

Gerda Liudvinaviciute's Brutalist-Inspired Collection Wins Silver A' Design Award

Liudvinaviciute's collection, named "Eastern Blocks," is a tribute to the iconic modern community symbol of Eastern European blockhouses. The designer sees these structures as a reflection of individuality and commonality illusion. The jewelry pieces, made from concrete, silver, and leather, are an embodiment of this concept, representing the few centimeters of wall that separate individuals in these buildings.

The collection stands out for its unique use of materials and design. Liudvinaviciute chose concrete for its lightness, non-allergenic properties, and less fragile nature. The pieces were created using 3D drawings, prototypes, and silicon molds for the concrete details. The result is a series of wearable architecture pieces that serve as a fashionable manifesto about architectural heritage and society.

Liudvinaviciute's collection includes necklaces and earrings with dimensions ranging from 17.5 cm x 15.5 cm to 18x11 thickness 0.5- 1 cm for necklaces and 4x2 cm concrete detail and optional 5-9 cm silver wire long for earrings. The pieces are light, strong, and non-allergenic, making them comfortable and wearable. The designer describes the collection as an opportunity to wear architecture in its real form and material as a piece of jewelry.

Liudvinaviciute's design process involved extensive research on the architecture and societal attitudes towards Eastern European houses. The aim was to start a discussion about the post-Soviet society and Eastern European architectural heritage through fashion accessories. The collection invites people to take a fresh look at Soviet architecture and question societal illusions.

The "Eastern Blocks" collection was recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a prestigious accolade awarded to creative and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to Liudvinaviciute's unique vision and the successful execution of her design concept.

Liudvinaviciute's work is a bold statement about architectural heritage and society, encapsulated in wearable art. The "Eastern Blocks" collection is not just a series of jewelry pieces; it is a conversation starter, a fresh perspective on Soviet architectural heritage, and a testament to the power of design to communicate complex ideas.