From a Blend of Global Influences to a Dynamic Vision: Plah’s Innovation in Jewelry Design

NICHOLAS LEE, CEO of Plah, in conversation with DOMENICO COSTANTINI

Your work reflects “the beauty of the world around us.” What personal experiences or cultural influences have shaped this philosophy?

Having lived across diverse cultures—from the bustling metropolises of China for more than 6 years and New York City for many as well to the serene landscapes of Greece and Thailand, and my buisness partner is Colombian Spanish and another Chinese—our creative lens is a fusion of global influences. I was born in Vicenza Italy and Returning to Italy, the birthplace of artistry and innovation, solidified our philosophy: to craft jewelry that transcends time and place, celebrating the beauty of diversity.

Secondly, at Plah, we believe beauty comes from within and from the shared human experiences that connect us all. Loving, feeling, and our universal search for freedom and happiness are emotions we aim to represent through our jewelry. Ethereal Rhythms invites wearers to romanticize their lives, finding unexpected beauty in fleeting moments—a secluded beach in Salento Puglia, the vibrant energy of South America, or the serene hues of Mont Blanc’s skies. Each piece is designed to inspire dreams and escapism, a window into a world where life becomes art.

Image Andrea Olivo
Model Olivia Kozak
Make Up Marom Tal Winshenk

PLAH is renowned for its innovative use of 3D-printed anodized titanium. What challenges and advantages do such advanced materials bring to luxury jewelry design?

Anodized titanium is our canvas for storytelling. It allows us to create lightweight, vibrant pieces that are as durable as they are striking. However, its mastery requires precision—every hue demands technical expertise and patience. Balancing this cutting-edge material with the timeless allure of 18k gold and precious stones ensures that each piece resonates as both avant-garde and luxurious.

More importantly, Titanium, for us, is more than just a material—it’s freedom in all its forms. It allows us to explore shape and color with unparalleled creativity, perfectly aligning with our ethos of self-expression and individuality. When designing, we imagine a person who loves fashion as a form of self-care, and who sees dressing up as a ritual of wellness. Titanium’s lightness ensures comfort, allowing her to dance all night without discomfort, while the vivid hues of our anodized titanium capture her essence. This material empowers this person to feel beautiful, free, and confident—always wearing an extension of their unique identity.

How do you integrate traditional craftsmanship, such as goldsmithing and diamond cutting, with cutting-edge technologies to achieve contemporary designs?

Innovation is born at the intersection of past and future. To truly move forward, we honor the artistry of traditional craftsmanship while pushing technological boundaries. At PLAH, our titanium and gold cannot be soldered together conventionally, so we’ve developed techniques that blend precision 3D printing with artisanal mastery. This savoir-faire is our signature—a balance between the handmade and the futuristic. By combining the tactile soul of goldsmithing with the freedom of modern technology, we create timeless pieces that connect deeply with people’s hearts while reflecting the pulse of the future. Our Tumbao earrings, with their wing-like elegance, are a perfect example. This synergy between heritage and technology allows us to redefine modern luxury.

With the upcoming presentation of your new collection at Vicenza Oro in January 2025 and in Paris, what are your key objectives for the year ahead?

2025 is a pivotal year for PLAH. Our mission as a young luxury brand goes beyond offering innovative and beautiful products. We aim to deeply connect with our customers, understanding their dreams, lifestyles, and what makes them feel like the best version of themselves. Tradeshows like Vicenza Oro and Precious Room Paris during haute couture week allow us to test reactions, build relationships, and engage with clients and buyers on a personal level. These moments are crucial for crafting not only jewelry but also a dialogue—one where our creations become a part of their stories and aspirations.

What is your long-term vision for PLAH? How do you see the brand evolving over the next five years?

From the very beginning, PLAH has been driven by a vision to evolve into a global luxury lifestyle brand. While fine jewelry in titanium and gold remains our core, we aspire to expand into fashion and beauty, creating pieces that seamlessly integrate into every aspect of our customers’ lives. Creativity is boundless, and we see it as a force of movement and expansion. Just as our jewelry exudes fluidity and growth, we plan to nurture this energy to explore new avenues.  Over the next five years, we envision expanding globally while staying true to our core: crafting wearable art that tells a story. We plan to introduce new materials, collaborate with visionary artists, and further explore the interplay of color and texture. Our ultimate goal is to redefine how luxury is perceived—not as unattainable, but as deeply personal, meaningful, and timeless.

This is only the beginning for PLAH, a journey where innovation and artistry remain at the heart of everything we do.