What happens when one of the world’s most recognisable jewellery brands partners with one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated art collectives? A collaboration that goes far beyond jewellery.
In a first for Pandora, the global brand has teamed up with Wellington’s Dreamgirls Art Collective to create a New Zealand-exclusive collection inspired by the artists’ distinctive creative vision. The partnership also extends into the streets of the capital, where a striking large-scale mural now stands at the intersection of Ghuznee and Leeds Streets, bringing the collaboration to life on a monumental scale.
Known for their bold use of colour and storytelling, Dreamgirls artists Miriama Grace-Smith, Xoë Hall and Gina Kiel have built a reputation for creating work that celebrates identity, creativity and community. Their latest collaboration sees those themes translated into both public art and wearable keepsakes, marking a milestone as Pandora’s first artist collaboration of its kind in New Zealand.
At the heart of the partnership is a collection of nine charms, each inspired by the symbolism woven throughout Dreamgirls’ artwork. Designed as modern keepsakes, the charms allow wearers to carry a piece of the artists’ storytelling with them, while embracing the individuality and personal expression that Pandora is known for.
The mural, meanwhile, transforms an everyday city corner into a vibrant destination. Centred around a contemporary wahine, the artwork features symbols drawn from the natural world and themes of remembrance, abundance, aspiration and connection, inviting passers-by to stop, reflect and discover something new each time they visit.
For Dreamgirls, the collaboration was an opportunity to bring meaningful stories to an even wider audience.
“Public art has the power to meet people where they are,” says Miriama. “To be able to share stories grounded in te ao Māori at this scale, in the heart of our own city, is incredibly meaningful. We hope people see themselves, their whānau and their aspirations reflected in the work.”
Pandora ANZ marketing director Jess Donovan says the partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to celebrating creativity and self-expression through meaningful collaborations.
“The Dreamgirls trio has created something incredibly special – a body of work that honours stories deeply connected to Aotearoa while speaking to universal themes of identity, connection and hope,” she says. “We’re proud to partner with artists who use their platform to inspire and empower others.”
With the mural now becoming a feature of Wellington’s creative landscape and the exclusive charm collection available for a limited time, the collaboration offers New Zealanders an opportunity to experience local artistry in two forms: as a destination to visit and as jewellery designed to be worn, treasured and shared. More than a collection, it is a celebration of contemporary New Zealand creativity and the power of art to connect people through stories that endure.
