Putting his own playful spin on a modern myth, Konstantinos Leoussis, debuts two new styles available in sterling silver, 18k yellow gold over sterling silver, and 14K yellow gold.
All over the world, cultures have created myths about women with teeth in their vagina. These have resulted in the male fear of injury during intercourse and even potential castration. Sigmund Freud is credited for coining the term “Vagina Dentata” to describe the idea of devouring or being devoured. Many feminists have reclaimed the idea of this myth, turning it into a symbol of empowerment and pride.
Combining this myth with another tool used to control women, the chastity belt, founder of KIL N.Y.C., Konstantinos Leoussis, created the Dentata Ring and Dentata Pendant. With the news buzzing about reproductive rights, he draws parallels between current events and urban legend. Styled on an 18 inch chain, the Dentata Pendant shows this spiky design laid flat, creating a teardrop shape to elongate the neck. The Dentata Ring features the same spiky design, curved around the finger, mimicking the way the chastity belt would have been worn. Both styles are made-to-order in customer’s choice of sterling silver, 18k yellow gold over sterling silver, or 14k yellow gold.
Generating an impact with these pieces, 10% of each sale will be donated to Her Justice, an organization dedicated to assisting women living in poverty in New York City, by recruiting and mentoring volunteer lawyers to provide free legal help to address individual and systemic legal barriers.
Leoussis says of his design, “We wanted to create an empowering, yet fashionable, ring and we believe we succeeded. I have kind of a twisted sense of humor and love for all things taboo, so this felt like the perfect way to pay homage to the feminist movement while staying true to myself. The pieces feel like a fun dirty secret, granting power only to those that recognize the symbol.”
All Dentata pieces come carefully wrapped in KIL N.Y.C.’s signature sustainable packaging and ship carbon negative. The packaging is designed from post-consumer recycled paper, using algae-based inks. Bury the care card that accompanies the jewelry, and wildflowers will bloom.
To contact KIL N.Y.C, email Operations and Sales Assistant, Krystelle Diaz, at krystelle@kil-nyc.com, or call/text 646-824-1502.
ABOUT KIL N.Y.C.
Inspired by a life of travel and antiquities, jeweler Konstantinos Leoussis created KIL N.Y.C. in 2018, to showcase his love of old-world techniques and motifs. With styles referencing mythology, antiquities, and teenage melancholia, KIL N.Y.C. puts an edgy and modern spin on sentimental jewelry. Leoussis’ aim was to create styles that feel like modern talismans, bringing magic to the everyday wearer. Each piece is lovingly made by hard working hands in New York City, keeping sustainability and fair wages at the forefront of their production.
