About
Christine Olowonira is the Founder and Creative Director of Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, an atelier rooted in storytelling, heritage, and bold self-expression. Named for the Yorùbá word Kokoro (“Ant”), Cocoerow bridges cultural symbolism and modern elegance, crafting sculptural heirlooms that feel both timeless and new.
Christine designs with a unique tension of realism and imagination, grounded in truth yet alive with possibility. Her work is an invitation into a world where narrative and artistry are cherished, and where jewelry is made to be lived in now and treasured for generations.
Her path into fine jewelry was born not only from a love of beauty, but also from the absence she once felt- the lack of designers who reflected her identity, honored diverse narratives, and created pieces that embodied the complexity and power of self-expression. With a background in luxury fashion, having worked with esteemed maisons including Valentino, Céline, and Oscar de la Renta, she brings refined craftsmanship and an elevated perspective to every collection. Yet Cocoerow is distinctly her own: a celebration of womanhood, nature, and heritage, expressed through ethically sourced materials such as recycled gold and conflict-free gemstones.
Her work has been featured by leading retailers and publications, including Moda Operandi, 1stDibs, JCK, and National Jeweler. Christine extends her influence beyond the atelier in Fall 2025 as she is appointed to the university’s Industry Advisory Board for Fashion & Luxury, where she will influence curriculum, mentor rising talent, and empower the next generation of creative leaders.
Through Cocoerow, Christine designs more than adornment; she creates modern heirlooms meant to be worn with intention, passed down through generations, and remembered for the stories they carry. Each piece is a study in purpose: designed to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and invite deeper connection. Whether worn as a quiet reminder of strength or as a bold declaration of identity, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry becomes part of the wearer’s unfolding story- worn as statements and kept as treasures.