Meet Cass DiMicco, the designer-founder behind Aureum Collective (based in New York City and beyond), whose story is as much about building a brand as it is about redefining everyday luxury.
From NYC Apartment to Global Accessories Brand
Cass co-founded Aureum Collective with partner and co-founder Matthew Hoyle, blending her background in fashion with his expertise in finance. They started the brand out of their New York apartment with a simple idea: create high-quality, versatile accessories rooted in vintage inspiration but designed for today.
The name “Aureum” is derived from Latin, meaning “golden,” which already signals their aim: warmth, luxury, subtle opulence. All pieces are plated in 24K gold or silver, and designed to be layered, mixed, and made part of your daily ritual. Aureum Collective
The Foundering Vision
What stands out in Cass’s vision is a democratized approach to “luxury”: not loud, not so far removed that you only see it on runways or in magazines, but built so you can pick it up in the morning and it feels effortless. From the About page:
“Think of Aureum as the only accessory you need to reach for in the morning, and a little dose of daily luxury.
Milestones & Momentum
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In 2024 the brand celebrated its five-year anniversary with a pop-up shop in New York City, extending into belts, sunglasses and jewellery categories.
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Cass has built a strong social presence (Instagram, YouTube) and uses it not just for product—she shares style tips, behind-the-scenes, and her journey as a founder.
Style DNA & What the Brand Stands For
Vintage inspiration + modern minimalism: The pieces nod to classic shapes, forms, and finishes, but are re-imagined for today’s wardrobe.
Quality + layering: The plating in 24K gold or silver is emphasized, as is the modularity—stacking necklaces, mixing metals, using one piece as a signature.
Accessiblity (in the luxury space): While luxury is part of the branding, Cass has made it clear the goal is wearability and versatility—not one-and-done but worn daily, across occasions.
Why It Matters (Especially in NYC & for You)
New York City is a fashion capital where hustle meets creativity. A brand like Aureum, born in a NYC apartment, bridges that world of entrepreneurial grit + aesthetic sensibility.
For someone like you—interested in business development, partnerships, growth—Cass’s journey offers a potent case study: starting small, building brand identity, expanding product lines, launching pop-ups, using digital channels, and leveraging lifestyle/influencer culture.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
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Expansion of categories: With belts, sunglasses, jewellery already in play, Aureum could further venture into apparel, collaborations, limited edition drops.
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Strategic partnerships: Given your interests, the brand might be open to partnering with lifestyle platforms, retail chains or international roll-outs.
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Sustainability / craft storytelling: Many brands now lean into ethical manufacturing, traceability and stories behind each accessory. Aureum could deepen this.
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Global presence: Starting in NYC and Miami (Cass resides partly in Miami as lifestyle inspiration) gives them a coastal US base; global expansion could be next.
Cass DiMicco isn’t just another fashion-founder producing accessories. She’s crafted a brand whose identity—“golden everyday luxury”—aligns with both product and lifestyle. For someone who appreciates business development and brand growth (especially from a NY/Silicon Valley lens), her story is timely: founding a brand, scaling smartly, bridging fashion and entrepreneurship.
