Inside the Studio with Iskin Sisters

Step into the captivating world of Gabriela Iskin, Creative Director of Iskin Sisters, as she sits down for an exclusive interview with NJAL. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gabriela invites us into her thoughtfully designed studio that seamlessly combines elements of an art gallery with a modern aesthetic. Discover how this space serves as the birthplace of their creations and a hub for collaboration, where ideas come to life before they make their way to countries around the world. Explore their sustainable practices, inspiring artworks, and the vibrant atmosphere that fuels their team of 12 women. From her work ethic to guilty pleasures, gain a deeper understanding of the creative mind behind Iskin Sisters in this insightful interview.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO

The studio is thoughtfully designed with inspiration from an art gallery, allowing us to organize exhibitions and host guest artists. It exudes a modern aesthetic with neutral colors, where the products take center stage. As the headquarters, it serves as the birthplace and hub of ideas, where our pieces are perfected before they are sent to various countries around the world. We also aim to provide a more interactive and immersive buying experience by offering guided tours and engaging activities. Additionally, our studio boasts ample natural light, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for both our team and visitors.

VIEW ALL ISKIN SISTERS COLLECTIONS IN NJAL'S SHOWROOM

HOW DID YOU TRANSFORM THE SPACE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS?

Originally an old, poorly maintained university building, we had to completely reimagine the space and redefine its areas to create a microclimate that fosters creativity and collaboration. The building itself is a two-story structure, complemented by a spacious terrace that serves as a lunch area and event space for our team.

We embarked on a transformative restoration project to adapt the building to our specific needs, aligning it with our brand's deep appreciation for art and design. Our primary focus was on the showroom, where we aimed to showcase our collections in a captivating and engaging manner. To accomplish this, we engaged the expertise of two talented young architects who meticulously designed the space to meet our requirements.

Furthermore, we collaborated with a skilled female sculptor, entrusting her to create striking metal sculptures and body parts that serve as stunning displays for our jewelry and accessories. The combined efforts of our architects and sculptor have resulted in remarkable outcomes that we are truly delighted with.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK IN YOUR STUDIO?

In our studio, we have a team of 12 individuals, all of whom are women. This includes designers, sales representatives, and artisans who work collaboratively to bring our vision to life. Additionally, we work with an additional team of 7 women externally, who contribute their expertise and craftsmanship to our projects. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workspace that values the skills and perspectives of all team members, fostering a dynamic and vibrant creative environment.

DO YOU AND YOUR TEAM HAVE ANY SPECIAL TALENTS?

Yes, our team members indeed have special roles and talents that contribute to the dynamic and enjoyable work environment. While we no longer have the pastry chef who used to bake amazing cakes, we still fondly remember her and her delicious creations. However, we now have someone who knows the best places to buy tasty treats for the team. We also have a dedicated birthday party organizer. Additionally, we have a team member with a great sense of humor, always ready to share the funniest jokes and bring smiles to our faces. Lastly, we are lucky to have someone who consistently brings sweet treats to share with the team. These unique roles and contributions from our team members enhance the camaraderie and enjoyment we experience as we work together.

HOW DO YOU CREATE A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

We work in a spacious and brilliantly lit environment, with sunlight streaming in at different times of the day. Our priority is to ensure the comfort of our all-female team, promoting collaboration and fostering a consistently positive energy in the workplace. We also encourage constant movement within the workspace, allowing them to transition between different areas based on the tasks at hand. This dynamic approach enhances productivity and keeps the environment fresh and inspiring.

CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH THOSE DIFFERENT AREAS?

Our studio revolves around the central and essential area of our showroom. While I primarily conduct my design work in my office, I frequently collaborate with our design team as we ascend to the upper level to engage with materials firsthand. We have deliberately created a spacious area upstairs, featuring a generously-sized table that allows us to work collaboratively, fostering an uninhibited flow of creativity. As for our clients, they are typically greeted by the captivating center space of our office, where we proudly display our extensive collections, showcasing the culmination of our artistic endeavors.

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WHAT SONGS ARE ON YOUR STUDIO PLAYLIST?

Un Bossa + by Zoe Gotusso, Parce Que Cést toi by Yann Muller, Ilusao by Marisa Monte and Julieta Venegas, and Foule Sentimentale x La vie en rose by L.E.J.

TELL US ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES YOU HAVE IN PLACE

1. Energy Efficiency: We have invested in energy-efficient lighting systems and appliances, reducing our overall energy consumption. Additionally, we promote a culture of turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
2. Responsible Supply Chain: We collaborate with suppliers and artisans who adhere to sustainable practices and ethical standards. We prioritize transparency and ensure that our materials are sourced responsibly, minimizing environmental and social impacts.
3. In addition to our existing sustainability measures, we are proud to say that our production process aims for zero waste. We strive to maximize material utilization, ensuring that approximately 80% of our materials are effectively utilized in our creations. Any excess material is repurposed and transformed into intricate cut-out pieces for future collections. By reusing and repurposing the leftover material, we minimize waste and embrace a circular approach to our design and production practices. This commitment to waste reduction aligns with our goal of creating sustainable and environmentally conscious jewelry
4. Our packaging is 100% recyclable. We understand the importance of minimizing waste and reducing our environmental impact. By prioritizing recyclable packaging, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE PIECES OF FURNITURE OR INSPIRING ARTWORKS IN YOUR STUDIO?

Absolutely! In our studio, we have a collection of unique and inspiring artworks that adorn our space. One particularly captivating feature is a set of three sculptures of women created by the artist Luz Tisera. These sculptures draw inspiration from the works of Giacometti and immediately captivate your attention as soon as you enter the space. To enhance their impact, we have strategically placed a mirror in the room, creating a mesmerizing reflection that multiplies the presence of these sculptures. These artworks serve as our inspirational muses, representing the community of women that inspires us to create and with whom we deeply identify. They evoke a sense of empowerment, creativity, and connection within our studio environment.

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WHAT IS YOUR COMMUTE LIKE TO WORK?

I am 20 blocks away from work, so I try to walk to the studio while listening to music or a podcast. It's a beautiful area in Buenos Aires.

WHAT SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT DO YOU WORK WITH?

In our space, we have a variety of equipment that caters to our design and production needs. This includes a cutting table for fabrics and leathers, which allows us to precisely cut materials for our creations. We also have a sublimation machine, which is essential for applying vibrant and durable prints to our products. To ensure proper drying of certain items, we have a drying oven that efficiently completes the drying process. Additionally, we maintain a collection of small tools such as pliers, rivet setters, and other essential hand tools that enable us to assemble and refine our designs with precision. These equipment and tools are indispensable in bringing our creative visions to life and maintaining the high quality of our craftsmanship.

VIEW ALL ISKIN SISTER'S COLLECTIONS IN NJAL'S SHOWROOM

DESCRIBE THE KIND OF AMBIANCE THAT FUELS YOUR CREATIVITY

In order to work optimally, I thrive in a calm and tranquil environment. My most productive and creative moments occur when I arrive earlier than the rest of the team or when I stay alone in the studio after hours. Having that solitude allows me to fully focus on my work without distractions, enabling me to dive deep into my creative process. This quiet and uninterrupted atmosphere helps me concentrate, generate new ideas, and bring them to life.

The atmosphere in our studio space can be described as warm and inviting. We have worked diligently to create a positive and friendly vibe that resonates with those who visit us. The energy in our studio is often praised by others, as it fosters collaboration and a strong sense of teamwork. We aim to maintain an environment where creativity thrives, and where everyone feels comfortable and inspired to do their best work.

IF YOU HAD A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU ADD OR CHANGE ABOUT YOUR STUDIO?

If I had a magic wand, there are a few things I would love to add or change about our studio space. First and foremost, I would make it even more spacious, allowing for ample room to move around and work comfortably. Additionally, I would love to incorporate annexes to different artists' workshops within the studio, creating a vibrant community of creative minds. These shared spaces would serve as common areas for exchanging ideas, collaborating on projects, and fostering a sense of artistic synergy. The opportunity for cross-pollination and collaboration with other artists would greatly enrich our creative process and inspire innovative ideas. With these additions, our studio would become an even more dynamic and inspiring environment for all involved.

VIEW ALL ISKIN SISTER'S COLLECTIONS IN NJAL'S SHOWROOM

DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE THAT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I have 3 - 'Art make us happy,' 'Kindness is the new black,' and 'One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art' by Oscar Wilde.

WHAT DO YOU EAT IN A DAY?

During a regular day, I like to start my mornings with a refreshing cup of mate. I add some coconut flakes and a few herbs to enhance the flavor. For breakfast, I usually opt for eggs or avocado toast paired with a cup of coffee. It gives me the energy I need to kickstart my day. When it's time for lunch, I prefer a hearty and nutritious salad, packed with a variety of fresh ingredients. It keeps me feeling satisfied and focused throughout the afternoon. In the evening, I'm fortunate to have my husband cook something delicious for dinner, and we often enjoy it with a glass of wine.

GUILTY PLEASURES?

I have a few guilty pleasures that bring me joy. One is having a weekly lunch with a friend at a local restaurant. Another is taking occasional afternoons off to explore the city. I also enjoy engaging in activities unrelated to work, such as attending ceramics workshops and designing non-commercial projects. These indulgences allow me to relax, find inspiration, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

PET PEEVES?

I have a couple of habits that I'm aware of. One is leaving the glasses I use around the house. I can be a bit disorganized, but strangely enough, I always remember where I left things.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE HAVING A DOWN DAY AT WORK?

When I'm having a down day at the office, first, I crank up the music really loud. It helps me shift my mood and energize myself. Then, I try to engage in activities that bring me pleasure. If possible, I step outside for a walk around the neighborhood to clear my mind and gain a fresh perspective. Throughout it all, I remind myself that it's just a momentary feeling and that it will pass. Taking proactive steps to uplift my spirits helps me regain focus and motivation.

DESCRIBE A MOMENT WHERE YOU AND YOUR TEAM HAD TO PROBLEM-SOLVE

A few months ago, our production manager was on vacation while our production team diligently prepared a substantial wholesale order for a client based in the US. It was an incredibly busy period for us, as we were receiving numerous wholesale orders from around the world. This order for the US was particularly significant, and our team meticulously controlled the quality and quantities before shipping it out. They were overjoyed to have successfully shipped the order on time, and we all celebrated this achievement together.

However, a few days later, we received an email from the client stating that an entire bag of earrings and rings was missing from the shipment. This posed a major problem as the client couldn't fulfill their own orders without these items. In response, we approached some of our skilled artisans and offered them the opportunity to work from their homes over the weekend, providing them with extra compensation, in order to create the missing pieces. Our aim was to ensure that we could ship out the complete order on Monday, given the urgent nature of the situation.

To our surprise, the client later discovered that the missing earrings and rings were actually in her own office, and thus the fault did not lie with us. Nonetheless, this incident serves as a testament to the dedication and capability of our team. We are immensely proud of their efforts and the way they rallied together to resolve the issue promptly. It reaffirms that we have an exceptional team that consistently rises to the occasion, regardless of the challenges they face.

See all of the Iskin Sisters collections past and present in the Not Just A Label virtual showroom, a space for creatives in over 150 countries that has been supporting emerging and contemporary talent for over 15 years. SHOP CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS NOW