Azlee

     AZLEE is a combination of designer Baylee Ann Zwart’s middle, last and first names. Zwart was raised between Colorado and California. After working at Glamour and Allure Magazines in New York, she moved to Guatemala to work for a fair-trade non-profit with local artisans. It was there on the shores of Lake Atitlan that she began to study the art of jewelry metalworking and was immediately enamored with the notion of being able to sculpt pieces from the ground up that can be worn every day, and passed down from generation to generation. She made many of the original pieces that are still present in the collection today. Upon moving back to the states to further pursue her interest in sustainable fashion, Zwart worked in Design and Product Sustainability at TOMS Shoes. She developed ĀZLEE’s first collection while still at TOMS, eventually parting ways to establish her brand in Spring 2015.

     Made of 18k gold and platinum, ĀZLEE’s pieces are made locally in Los Angeles by master craftsman. The enamel is hand-painted by a local artist and the jewelers are top craftsmen in their field. Zwart’s design aesthetic is characterized by her fresh perspective and restrained approach. Pieces feel modern and interesting, yet effortlessly wearable. Her personal influences include design approaches signature of the French Art Deco era as well as her fascination with ancient civilizations.

     Zwart is strongly invested in creating long-lasting, quality pieces which pinnacles in her Custom Atelier. ĀZLEE Atelier offers clients an incredibly special experience of creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that feature rare-cut diamonds Zwart has collected over many years. Zwart collaborates directly with clients to bring their pieces to life through an intimate and personalized process.