KFC has turned up the heat for the return of its fan-favourite KFC Hot and Crispy Boneless, collaborating with renowned New Zealand jeweller Nick Von K to release a bespoke jewellery collection.
The unexpected pairing unveils 11 hand-crafted sterling silver and pearl necklaces, an ode to each of the secret herbs and spices KFC is synonymous with, and designed to symbolise the bones that have been removed from the KFC Hot & Crispy Boneless.
Suspended on solid sterling silver chains or strings of cultured pearls, the bones are arranged so that each necklace is unique, with some encrusted with cubic zirconia gemstones. The jewellery line is a natural fit for Nick Von K, renowned for his avant-garde pieces, who launched his first collection over a decade ago.
Nick Von K said that he found inspiration for the project through the product itself.
“These are elevated one-off pieces that would suit anyone and their style - from streetwear to couture. I can see them on an indie kid or the coolest grandma, while sharing some Hot and Crispy Boneless together,” said Von K.
The necklaces are designed in 2D before being programmed into 3D software and printed in wax. From here, they were cast in solid sterling silver and hand-finished to a fine polish, where they were then either encrusted with cubic zirconia gemstones, strung on pearls or Nick Von K’s signature hexagon link chains.
“Each link is individually cast and hand-finished before being put together to form the chain. It’s time intensive, but it’s so worth it for a distinctive look.”
Von K has made jewellery for 25 years, initially designing for Ricochet clothing and later as his eponymous brand, which launched at NZ Fashion Week in 2010. Based on K Road, Nick Von K is famous for his beautiful and unusual pieces for men and women, including custom wedding and engagement rings and his love of gold and silver jewellery studded with precious stones.
The specially designed KFC pieces retail at $1299.00 (but are valued from $1450 due to their bespoke nature), with the proceeds donated to KFC’s charity partner Surf Life Saving New Zealand to help keep Kiwis safe this summer. Last summer, KFC’s limited-edition merchandise sold over 75 percent of the stock in only two days, raising a total of $47,000 for Surf Life Saving NZ.
KFC’s Clark Wilson said that KFC Hot and Crispy Boneless are one of the most craved products, with huge demand for its return.
“This collaboration is our way of celebrating the thing that KFC fans love so much about this product – the missing bones - whilst simultaneously providing to an amazing cause in Surf Life Saving NZ. We’re thrilled to partner with Nick to bring this launch to life,” said Wilson.
KFC Hot and Crispy Boneless is now spicing up menus nationwide for a limited time. New Zealanders can purchase the boneless bites in a four-pack for $9.99 or in the Boneless Box, which includes three pieces of KFC Hot and Crispy Boneless, regular chips, potato and gravy, drink, and a bread roll for $12.99. Prices vary on delivery.
