"I want to remind you of your power, and together we will change the world"

Empowering individuals with his art and reminding them of their inherent strength, Simon Alcantara crafts handmade, magical, whimsical, and modernist jewelry pieces that convey an adventurous spirit. Drawing inspiration from the modern person who celebrates their own personal power, Alcantara is continuously exploring multiple art forms, including jewelry, photography, film, and handwoven structures.

Native New Yorker Simon Alcantara started his artistic journey as a professional classical dancer, performing soloist and principal roles in the U.S. and abroad. As an award-winning jewelry designer, he has designed for esteemed fashion houses such as Oscar de la Renta, Balmain Haute Couture, and J. Mendel.

Alcantara has been honored with the Rising Star Award for Fine Jewelry by Fashion Group International Inc. and was selected by a panel of fashion editors, executives, and members of the CFDA and the NY Transit System to design a subway-inspired accessory for the centennial celebration of the New York Subway System.

Alcantara has received thousands of pages of press around the world, including twenty-five covers, further cementing his reputation as a master jewelry designer. His iconic hoops, as worn by Meryl Streep in the film The Devil Wears Prada, have become a hallmark of his brand, and have been worn by many other notable figures in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Alcantara was accepted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2004 and co-founded CREATIVE COLLECTIVE COL-LAB in March 2013. In October of the same year, he and Talya Cousins co-founded the Jewelry Designers of the CFDA Showcase. In 2015, Alcantara was elected chairman of the Jewelry Designers of the CFDA Committee, serving until the end of 2017.

Alcantara's art has been featured in high-end stores and galleries, and his handcrafted pieces have earned him recognition as a master of his craft. As Alcantara himself puts it, his intention is "to create something beautiful, meaningful, timeless, memorable, and powerful." He believes that working on one's craft with passion, respect, and integrity daily is the most valuable lesson one can learn.

Chasing Perfection: The Role of Hand Weaving in My Creative Journey

“The core of my artistic practice revolves around hand weaving - a technique that I use consistently throughout my work, ranging from the most intricate to the most minimalist pieces. Hand weaving holds a deep connection to my ancestral roots, and I view it as a crucial element in my creative process. My dedication to refining my weaving skills is unwavering, as I aim to achieve a level of mastery that is as close to perfection as possible.” Simon Alcantara

The Shape of Sound: How Music Inspires My Art

“Music has a compelling effect on me, and I see shapes when I listen to it, much like architecture. This ability proved very helpful in quickly learning choreography during my past career as a dancer. When creating jewelry and art pieces, I translate the shapes that I 'hear' into my work and imagine how they will complement and interact with the movements of the human body, almost like a dance." Simon Alcantara