SPOTLIGHT: Yacine Hamdani, Designer, Engineer & Inventor of Eargrillz

In the world of jewellery-making, generational tradition often dictates what is considered “in” or “out.” Canadian-Algerian designer and engineer Yacine Hamdani, however, has never been one to conform, now creating highly personalised, tech-driven ear jewellery. “Jewellery is seen as something passed down through generations, a family tradition,” Hamdani tells SceneStyled. “But I looked at it and thought, I don’t need to have a family business to create something. I can do it all with a 3D printer and a vision.”

His earpieces, known as Eargrillz, are a prime example of his philosophy. Crafted using 3D printing, each pair is designed to fit the contours of an individual’s ears, creating a one-of-a-kind accessory that no one else can wear. “The ear is like a fingerprint, a unique, personal ID that only you possess - and now, can show off,” Hamdani says. The use of generative design AI algorithms allows Hamdani to create intricate, lattice-like structures that would be impossible to achieve using traditional jewellery-making techniques.

With a background in engineering and a passion for 3D printing, Hamdani found the tools to transform his creative visions into reality. “The moment I discovered jewellery can be 3D printed, I knew I had to pursue it. I wanted to build something entirely new, something that had never been done before.” Though his career began in the world of engineering, where he studied software development and coding in Montreal, Canada, it wasn’t long before Hamdani realised his creative instincts could not be ignored.

Born to a mother who was a nuclear engineer, the influence of technology was inescapable.“I was always interested in how things worked. But there was also this artistic side to me that wanted to create,” he says. “I take an engineering approach to jewellery design.” To Hamdani, designing jewellery isn't just about making the pieces look pretty; rather, it's a continuous effort to try and push the boundaries of design through technology. “For me, science comes first,” he explains. “The technology and the materials are the heart of the design. Everything else - the form, the aesthetic - comes around it.”

Much of Hamdani's design philosophy emanates from his fascination with human anatomy and biology. The human body, he believes, is an intricate, elaborate system that forms the very base of his design inspiration. The organic flow of biological forms - from the structure of ear bones, to their individual contours and proportions - are inculcated into the very fabric of his work. “The body is the art, the jewellery just enhances it,” says Hamdani. “The earpiece becomes part of the person’s identity, an extension of who they are.”

What makes Hamdani’s work stand out is his ability to merge the precision of engineering with the fluidity of art. His designs are not merely decorative; they are pieces of wearable technology that interact with the human body in ways traditional jewellery cannot. “I see the human body as a canvas,” he says. “When creating something like an earpiece, it’s about listening to the person, understanding their anatomy, and tailoring the design to them. No two people are the same, and that’s what makes each piece truly unique.”

Hamdani’s approach to customisation goes beyond simply taking measurements. It’s about understanding the person wearing the jewellery - their personality, their interests, their story. “I ask a lot of questions,” he says. “I want to know what drives the person, what excites them, and then I translate that into their earpiece design.” To the designer and engineer, it’s a form of body art that you can wear, albeit more permanent. “Paint comes off, precious stones and metal last forever.”

It's an extremely custom process, resulting in some deeply impactful pieces, such as a commissioned earpiece for a client who'd lost the hearing in one ear due to a rare medical condition, and had a cochlear implant. Together with Hamdani, she created a custom earpiece that not only complemented her advanced implant but also helped restore her confidence. “That piece really touched me,” Hamdani shares. “It also represented the peak of technology.”

While Hamdani’s designs are highly personal and intimate, they have also caught the attention of the fashion world. During the previous Paris Fashion Week, Hamdani connected with Italian-American model and actress Julia Fox, who expressed interest in his creations. Their collaboration led to a series of custom pieces, marking Hamdani’s foray into the celebrity world. He’s also worked with other high-profile figures, including artists like Australian photographer and stylist Tre Koch, and celebrity makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.

Despite the rising demand from celebrities, Hamdani remains grounded in his mission. “I don’t create pieces with the goal of working with celebrities or in the media,” he says. “It just happens that the people who are drawn to my work are visionaries, creatives, and leaders in their own fields. I’m just focused on creating something that speaks to them.”

Hamdani’s target customer isn’t just interested in jewellery - it’s people who are passionate about both technology and art, individuals who are eager to embrace the next evolution of wearable design. “It’s about creating something that stands at the intersection of science, technology, and fashion,” he says. “I want to push the boundaries of what jewellery can be and how it can be experienced.”