Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernandez wore a traditional Cuban azabache charm during his Met Gala appearance in New York City [1].
The choice of jewelry highlights the intersection of global celebrity platforms and specific cultural heritage. By wearing the piece, Hernandez brought visibility to a traditional Latin American protection symbol, and a small business in South Florida [1, 3].
The azabache is a black stone charm used in Cuban culture as a form of protection [1, 2]. Hernandez used the high-profile event to give a shout-out to Calle Ocho, a famous street in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood [1, 3].
Specifically, the comedian credited Sammy’s Joyeria, the jewelry shop where his mother sourced the piece [1, 3]. The promotion of the shop serves as a bridge between the exclusive environment of the Met Gala and the community-driven commerce of Miami [3].
Hernandez's presence on the carpet emphasized his Latin roots through this specific accessory [1, 2]. The charm has since sparked wider interest in the meaning and origin of the azabache among viewers of the event [2].
By integrating a personal family item into a curated fashion event, Hernandez shifted the focus from high-fashion brands to cultural identity [1, 3]. This approach allows performers to leverage their visibility to support local artisans, and familial traditions on a global stage [3].
“Marcello Hernandez wore a traditional Cuban azabache charm during his Met Gala appearance.”
The use of the azabache charm by a public figure like Hernandez demonstrates how celebrities are increasingly using red-carpet visibility to promote cultural literacy and grassroots businesses. By bypassing traditional luxury sponsorships in favor of a family-sourced item from Little Havana, Hernandez signals a shift toward authenticity and heritage-based storytelling in high-fashion spaces.
