We are so thrilled to announce our first ever brand collaboration with our hermana, Dominican Designer, Nashira Arnó. With nearly a decade of design experience in New York City, Nashira's innate curiosity led her to create a jewelry brand focused on intentionality in both design and storytelling.
Inspired by our mission to end hair assimilation and its resonance with Nashira's personal journey of embracing her textured hair, the multifaceted designer approached us to co-create a campaign depicting the narrative of Dominican hair.
This campaign was crafted with a lot of love and intention. It was months in the making, and we are so proud to finally share it with you. Cory, la hermana mayor, traveled to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the photoshoot and washed and styled all the models' hair.
Through this powerful collaboration translated into jewelry and haircare, we are paying homage to our Dominican roots and championing innate beauty and authenticity to embrace who we are all born to be.
From this collaboration emerges the La Palabra necklace – a personalized necklace handcrafted to order in 14k white or yellow gold. Our namesake, OCOA, (pictured above) was the first of its kind reminding us of the beautiful place that brings us all together.
This essential jewelry piece invites everyone to infuse their style with their affirmative word of choice. More than just jewelry, it serves as an invitation to embrace what makes us unique.
Nashira Arnó Studio is rooted in heritage and craftsmanship, the brand continually explores fresh interpretations of classics while celebrating cultural richness and evoking Caribbean nostalgia.
We are so proud and honored to work alongside Nashira, be inspired by her stunning work and art and watch her start her journey to embrace her gorgeous curls.
Enjoy 10% to shop NASHIRA ARNO STUDIO with code OCOA.
We can't wait to see what palabra you will choose hermanas!
Abrazos,
Cory and Nicol
Footnote: Nashira brought together an all-Dominican team to co-create this campaign. The location, a revamped colonial villa in Santo Domingo’s historic center, Fixie Lofts, provided the perfect backdrop. Photography by Leslie Soto, video by Pepe Melo, and hair by Cory Varona, Ocoa Beauty. Talent includes Jualianny Ariza, Nikola Santiago, Lia Perez, and Ivanna Ramirez.
Credits:
Artistic, Creative, Style Direction: Nashira Arno
Hair: Cory Varona, Styled with Ocoa Beauty
Make Up: Lariza Alfonseca
Photography: Leslie Soto
Video: Pepe Melo
Talent: Jualianny Ariza, Nikola Santiago, Lia Perez, Ivanna Ramirez
Location: Fixie Lofts