THE ” TRIBAL IN SPACE ” COLLABORATION WITH NIXON BUI
How a Tribal Heritage Journey Blended with Futuristic Fashion
When two designers from distinct creative realms come together, magic happens. It’s not just about the exchange of ideas, but the merging of stories, visions, and artistry. Collaborations between jewelry designers and fashion designers are particularly unique, as they bring two crafts—one rooted in precious materials and intricate details, the other in fabric and form—into a harmonious celebration of creativity. These partnerships are often marked by the joy of pushing boundaries, by finding balance in each other’s strengths, and by building narratives that neither designer could have achieved alone.
This was the exact spirit behind House of Macnok’s first-ever project with renowned designer Nixon Bui. Nixon, born in Arunachal Pradesh and later settled in Copenhagen, carried with him the essence of his roots, which were deeply woven into his designs. His “Tribal in Space” collection wasn’t just about fashion—it was a bold, experimental fusion of the traditional and the futuristic, of Arunachal’s cultural heritage and the boundless possibilities of space.
For us at House of Macnok, this project was not only a creative collaboration but also a profound learning experience. The process was more than just designing jewelry for a celebrated international designer; it was about understanding the story behind each element. Nixon’s collection was a testament to Arunachal’s rich heritage, and we embraced the challenge of translating that story into jewelry that spoke both to tradition and innovation.
The Fusion of Tribal and Futuristic
The theme, “Tribal in Space,” was something entirely new for House of Macnok. It brought together two seemingly different worlds—the age-old traditions of tribal art forms and the uncharted frontier of space. But Nixon’s vision made it clear that these two worlds could coexist beautifully, creating something far greater than the sum of its parts. The collaboration wasn’t just about following a brief; it was about deeply understanding the essence of Arunachal’s warriors, its traditional looms, and the beads that have been a part of the region’s identity for generations.
From the start, working with Nixon was a seamless blend of creativity and mutual respect. He was not only supportive but also deeply grounded in his roots. Every piece in his collection screamed the tradition of Arunachal, whether through the silhouettes of his garments or the textures and patterns we embedded into our jewelry. The pieces we created were not just accessories; they were stories—stories of warriors who wore intricate beads, of tribes that spun looms with meaning, of a culture that thrives on connection with the land.
Challenges and Creative Flow
This project was an experiment for both Nixon and us. Merging tribal aesthetics with futuristic elements was no easy feat, but the creative flow between our teams made it all possible. There were moments of trial and error, times when we had to go back to the drawing board to ensure we were doing justice to both the heritage and the futuristic vision Nixon had in mind. But throughout, Nixon’s grounded personality and his deep understanding of our culture made it easy to navigate even the toughest challenges.
Our shared love for storytelling through design was what brought us closer. Nixon’s willingness to listen and appreciate the intricacies of jewelry design—and our admiration for his bold vision—made this collaboration special. Together, we crafted not just a collection, but a cohesive narrative that celebrated both tribal heritage and the limitless possibilities of the future.
A Project that Brought Us Together
In February 2019, at the Statehood Day Festival of Arunachal Pradesh, the “Tribal in Space” collection was unveiled to the world. It was a proud moment for House of Macnok, not just because we had completed our first international collaboration, but because of the journey we had taken to get there. We had grown as a team, learned new things about our own roots, and found deeper meaning in the craft we had always loved.
This collaboration wasn’t just a project—it was a memory we will carry with us for a lifetime. Nixon Bui, with his supportive, rooted nature, allowed us to explore new creative boundaries while staying true to our heritage. The stories of warriors, the traditional looms, and the timeless beads of our land became the foundation of every piece we crafted. We had succeeded not only in blending the tribal and the futuristic but in understanding how the past can inform the future in ways we had never imagined.
As we look back on this collaboration, we see it as a defining moment in House of Macnok’s journey. Working with Nixon Bui wasn’t just about jewelry-making—it was about crafting memories, pushing creative limits, and understanding the power of storytelling through design. The “Tribal in Space” project will forever remain a cherished milestone, a beautiful fusion of two worlds that brought out the best in both.