Matthew Harris
The Visionary Behind Mateo New York
Matthew Harris, the creative mind behind Mateo New York, was born and raised in the vibrant coastal city of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Growing up as the son of a seamstress, Harris was immersed in a world of craftsmanship and creativity from an early age. At 16, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education. While attending college, he discovered his passion for jewelry design, a field that would later become his life’s work.
A self-taught designer, Harris dedicated countless hours to mastering his craft in New York City’s bustling jewelry district. It was here that he cultivated the skills and artistic vision that would define his brand. His journey culminated in the launch of Mateo New York in 2009, a label initially focused on creating elegant men’s jewelry. The debut collection drew inspiration from the functional beauty of a working man’s toolbox, blending practicality with artistic design.
Building on the success of his men’s line, Harris introduced a capsule collection for women, which quickly garnered attention. In 2014, he pivoted the brand entirely toward women’s fine jewelry, unveiling a collection that embraced simplicity, minimalism, and modern elegance. Drawing influence from contemporary art, each piece in the collection is crafted using precious metals, diamonds, and gemstones, embodying a timeless aesthetic for the modern woman.
Mateo New York’s refined designs have earned international acclaim and are now featured in some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, including Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, and Farfetch. The brand has also been highlighted in leading fashion publications such as American Vogue, Vogue Paris, W Magazine, The New York Times Style Magazine, and Elle. In a significant milestone, Mateo New York was selected to be showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Hirshhorn Museum of Contemporary Art.
The brand’s success has allowed for continued growth, culminating in the opening of its flagship store in SoHo, New York City, in December 2016. Mateo New York was also named a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, cementing its place as a leader in the fine jewelry sector.
Matthew Harris, the founder and creative force behind Mateo New York, has received significant recognition for his exceptional contributions to the jewelry design world. His commitment to minimalism, artistry, and modern elegance has earned him prestigious awards and accolades, including:
- 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist
Mateo New York was named a finalist in the highly coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which highlights emerging designers making an impactful contribution to fashion and jewelry design. - Smithsonian Recognition
Mateo New York’s work has been showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, further solidifying its cultural and artistic significance. - Highlighted by Major Fashion Publications
While not a traditional award, the widespread recognition of Mateo New York in leading publications such as American Vogue, Vogue Paris, W Magazine, and The New York Times Style Magazine is a testament to Matthew Harris’s influence and creativity. - Inclusion in Prestigious Retailers
Mateo New York’s presence in global luxury retail giants such as Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, and Farfetch reflects the brand’s widespread acclaim and enduring success.
Harris’s dedication to creating accessible, relatable, and luxurious jewelry has reshaped the fashion industry’s approach to fine jewelry. With a focus on quality, artistry, and modernity, Matthew Harris continues to make a lasting impact, proving that vision and hard work can transform dreams into enduring legacies.