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As John Hardy celebrates its 50th anniversary, creative chairman Reed Krakoff leads the brand into a bold new era.
<figure id="attachment_144163" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-144163" style="width: 1500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-144163 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/1500x1000.jpg" alt="A hands-on Icon Chain masterclass at John Hardy’s boutique in Seminyak." width="1500" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-144163" class="wp-caption-text">A hands-on Icon Chain masterclass at John Hardy’s boutique in Seminyak.</figcaption></figure>
In 1975, Canadian jeweler John Hardy fell in love with Bali, and the rest is a story etched in silver and gold. Over the decades, the brand has remained faithful to its artisanal roots while evolving into a modern icon of craftsmanship. Each creation continues to serve as a bridge between time-honored tradition and contemporary design.
To mark its golden jubilee, John Hardy has unveiled the Icon 50 and Spear 50 anniversary collections, alongside a series of celebratory events at its Seminyak boutique. Among the highlights is the Icon Chain Masterclass, an intimate experience inviting guests to explore the brand’s unique chain-weaving techniques firsthand.
Meanwhile, John Hardy is also reaffirming its enduring commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and the deep cultural connection it shares with the island of Bali. Under the visionary leadership of creative chairman Reed Krakoff, the brand is forging a new legacy, one that reinterprets heritage for today’s global luxury audience while staying grounded in its original values.
Krakoff, a three-time CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year, joined John Hardy in 2022 with a reputation for revitalizing iconic fashion houses. With a sharp eye for design and instinct for storytelling, he has refined the brand’s DNA while expanding its narrative. His reinterpretations of John Hardy’s signature elements—like the Icon handwoven chains, the mythic Naga dragon, and intricately textured carved chains—have given rise to new collections that balance sculptural beauty with meaningful symbolism.
Among the standout additions under Krakoff’s direction are the flowing lines of Surf, the modern elegance of Spear, the organic spontaneity of Pebble, and the Artisan Series, which elevates beloved silhouettes into future classics. Alongside jewelry, he has refreshed the brand’s entire aesthetic from packaging and retail spaces to campaign visuals. These draw inspiration from Balinese elements like the marigold, which lends its vibrant orange hue to the brand’s palette.
Krakoff’s 360-degree approach not only embraces design innovation but also deepens John Hardy’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and community. One of Bali’s largest employers outside of the tourism industry, the brand continues to preserve and promote traditional techniques, such as hand-weaving silver and gold chains and hand-carving wax molds for casting that are increasingly rare in today’s jewelry industry.
Through initiatives like Jobs for Life, John Hardy offers training and mentorship to underprivileged youth, some of whom have gone on to become core members of its design team. The brand’s Ubud-based workshop, set amid rice terraces, stands as a living tribute to creativity, community, and environmental harmony. More than 650 employees gather daily for shared meals at the long communal table.
John Hardy’s social impact also extends beyond its headquarters, with initiatives through the Bamboo Village Trust and programs supporting river and beach cleanups, promoting sustainable livelihoods across the island.
Participants in the Icon Chain Masterclass will craft their own Icon Chain bracelet before enjoying a communal Long Table lunch. Each guest will receive a personalized bracelet engraved with their initials, a tangible memory of the craft and community spirit that defines John Hardy. The Masterclass is priced at IDR 18,100,000 (US$ 1,095) nett per person and is available daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with reservations required at least two days in advance.
For more information, visit <a href="http://johnhardy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">johnhardy.com</a>.
<figure id="attachment_144167" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-144167" style="width: 1500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-144167 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/1500x1000-5.jpg" alt="Craft your own Icon Chain bracelet by joining a special John Hardy masterclass." width="1500" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-144167" class="wp-caption-text">Craft your own Icon Chain bracelet in a John Hardy masterclass.</figcaption></figure>
This article was brought to you by DestinAsian and John Hardy Bali.

A hands-on Icon Chain masterclass at John Hardy’s boutique in Seminyak.

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