Thursday, July 28, 2011

Violet Darkling: Jewellery and Interview

Violet Darkling is the creation of jeweller Louisa Richwhite, her striking designs combine nature, humour and darkness to produce some fantastic silver jewellery. Featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, The Metro and everything in-between her work has captured the imagination of many people, including the likes of musician Rihanna and actress Sienna Miller.

Can you tell me more about your alter ego, Violet Darkling?

Violet is ‘a girl of the night’. I imagine her as being cute but naughty with a Victorian-esque style. She’s fascinated by all things to do with the dark and the night….Fierce little nocturnal animals, nice dreams and nightmares. She is like a creature of the night herself. And it is during these hours when her imagination runs riot, seeing and believing things are real. All these experiences inspire her.

I love having a personality I can hide behind.

You have lived in many parts of the world, what has inspired you most about each country?

New Zealand revolves so much around the outdoors, nature and the animals. That's where I got my love for animals and the night. In New Zealand my family lives on an island and some of the most interesting things take place at night. I love going for walks and horse riding under the moonlight. It truly is an experience, simultaneously scary and spiritual.

Whilst studying fashion design at the American University in London, I took time off to go back to New Zealand to work for Karen Walker and Mala Brajkovic. Both of these were hugely influential and insightful experiences, and I learnt very quickly that the fashion industry is super tough…However, if you are inspired by what you do and you bring your own quirky personality to your work, then you can actually have a lot of fun. Both Karen and Mala are fantastic at doing this.

Living in Switzerland and being surrounded by all the luxury watch and jewellery houses also inspired me. It gave me that finishing touch needed to design and create a product of quality.

I have now been in London for 9 years, which is the centre of creativity, stimulus and business for me and my ‘Violet Darkling’.

During the week I work with the Darkling team in our London office, while at the weekends I escape to the country to design in a little studio set in my family’s 14th Century barn overlooking fields and woods of the surrounding countryside. The walls of the studio are covered with photos, fabrics, gemstones, and old taxidermy. Its very inspiring hearing and seeing the owls, foxes and other woodland creatures

What’s been your favourite piece or collection so far?

It would probably be the Spider Bow earrings, because they are unique, delicate and feminine but with a dark twist.

The spider on its own would have been too creepy and unoriginal, but the bow adds a girly element and acts as the spiders thread. I love that they are asymmetric, as it makes an outfit look quite quirky. I find a matching set of earring is predictable and can be too much.

How do you start your design process?

I always start the design process by going through images and curious objects I collect, creating mood boards and editing until I have a cohesive theme and look that I love. The brand is all about the night, so even though each collection will be different there is a consistency in the notion of mysterious animals. I create some of my best work on holiday in New Zealand. The art, fashion and architecture there really motivate me, so much so that I am still working when I intended to relax! Being out of the city, on an isolated island where there is nothing but the sounds of nocturnal creatures, the dark black night and stars…this is where I can become ‘Violet’.

We love rings at F7, and your Dark Cluster and Tarsier rings are amazing, but where did you find the skull?

I was researching images of nocturnal animals and came across the tarsier skull. I never intended to focus on skulls, as I felt they were way over done…but I couldn’t resist myself. The skull with its oversized eye sockets was too irresistible!

Violet Darkling - Tarsier Ring

Have you ever come across someone wearing your jewellery who you didn’t know? If so, how did it feel?

Yes, I have come across a few people wearing the jewellery. It was quite surprising but funny for some reason. I felt kind of embarrassed, but then proud ….. Weird feeling!

What has been your highlight of the year so far?

It would probably be the shoot I did with Vogue Russia in my house. It was such an exciting day, with loads of creative, interesting people. And everyone was SO nice. I don’t really like getting my photo taken, but it was a fun day anyway!

Who has been your biggest or most exciting client?

Sienna Miller and Rihanna are the most exciting clients. Rihanna particularly went crazy for the Fossa ring; it hasn’t left her finger now for months. It’s so flattering to have such talented and respected people interested in the jewellery.Violet Darkling - Fossa Ring

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My older sister Rebecca, who is an architect/creative director.

Whenever I am designing or dreaming up concepts and my mind goes blank, I always go to her for inspiration and advice. She is so creative and always full of such crazy, theatrical ideas. Even though her style is different to mine, we always have the best brainstorming sessions. It’s great to have someone who totally ‘gets’ the brand, my style and me.

Violet Darkling is available to buy from Wolf and Badger, please click below to be sent to there online store.


Wolf and Badger



Violet Darkling - Tarsier RingViolet Darkling - ClusterViolet Darkling - Heart and Bone PendantViolet Darkling - Tarsier and Citrine Pendant

Mala Brajkovic

Karen Walker - karenwalker.com

Rebecca Richwhite - rrstudiosonline.com

violetdarkling.com

Monday, July 18, 2011

Tithi Kutchamuch: Personal Space Ring

Really interesting ring by Tithi Kutchamuch, I love the use of a pig for this ring, all about the un-wanted intrusion upon personal space, it seems they have really summed it up quite well!

“I often get a knock from the flat below. The inner side of the ring rubs against my bare skin, my personal space. It’s not always comfortable when someone try to get intimate.”

 

allraquel's

http://www.tithi.info/

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

2011 Graduates; Miranda Chambers

Starting the list of the best graduates of 2011, I give you Miranda Chambers

Sweet, innocent, and extremely well made, Miranda has taken inspiration from traditional rhymes and stories. Working in precious metals and stones, she gives her jewellery character and her distinct style conveys personality while still allowing each piece to be completely wearable.

Graduating from Sheffield Hallam, she plans to carry on in the jewellery world.

Her work is available to buy from F7jewellery.com

Miranda Chambers: JewelleryMiranda Chambers: JewelleryBird Ring - Oxidised cast silver with green sapphire eyes.

Miranda Chambers: JewelleryMiranda Chambers: JewelleryMiranda Chambers: Jewellery

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

F7 Jewellery SHOP!!!!





F7 Jewellery has finally started to add designers, which means that F7 Jewellery is finally in full operation!
The first designer to sign up is Miranda Chambers, with more to be added soon!
Please have a look, comments will really be appreciated.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Jane Gowans Jewellery: Her Work & Twitter Interview

Jane Gowans work is simplicity and complexity, bundled together. Her “matchstick” collection is simply divine, with every piece creating striking yet simple visual lines with the occasional flourish of white. While her “limited edition” collection walks forward from previous work but still keeps her signature style, working with precious stones, thick gold plating and only producing one of each ring really projects a welcome warm luxury.

Working from her studio in Scotland, Jane is dedicated to pushing her work and expanding her audience. She has worked with companies such as EMI Records, as well as other international stockists, clients from the fashion industry and private commissions.

http://www.janegowans.co.uk/

We did a quick twitter interview.

@janegowans How did you get into making jewellery?

@F7jewellery I was inspired to become a jewellery designer because of its tactile, 3-dimensional construction.

@F7jewellery I have always been drawn to working with my hands and precious metal too- its soo shiny #magpie

@janegowans Where does your inspiration come from?

@F7jewellery I am inspired by the everyday things. I love process and materials and always enjoy finding new ways to work with them.

@janegowans How do you go about designing a piece of work, i.e. where is your starting point?

@F7jewellery I work in so many ways. I tend to use the constructionist approach of piecing it together and building as I go.

@F7jewellery Altho I love to draw, scribble and paint too.

@janegowans What's your favourite piece so far, or which one did you enjoy making the most?

@F7jewellery It has to be the limited Edition series. It was just so luxurious. My fav in the series has to be this one bit.ly/lfPcRa

@janegowans ok last question! What do you go for first in a haribo starmix?

@F7jewellery It would have to be the jelly rings :) #predictable

Jane Gowans MatchsticksJane Gowans MatchsticksJane Gowans MatchsticksJane Gowans Matchsticks

Jane Gowans Limited EditionJane Gowans Limited EditionJane Gowans Limited Edition

Monday, July 4, 2011

Celebrities Jewellery

I’m not really sure why, but over the last few hours I've spent ages looking at celebrities and the jewellery they are wearing… here is a few of my favourite!

Did any one see Jessie J’s performance at glasto this year?? she sang the whole thing with her leg in a cast, anyway she was wearing this really interesting ring by YUEN London
Jessie J at glastonbury Yeun LondonYeun London

You might have seen these earrings by Cabinet Studios adorning Cheryl Cole in her latest commercial for L'Oreal, they also do a really great collection of model aeroplanes pendants.
cabinetstudios adorning Cheryl Colecabinetstudios adorning Cheryl Cole

Earlier this year Alex Monroe was lucky enough to have Emma Watson wearing her Bumble bee pendant,
Emma Watson wears Alex MonroeEmma Watson, Bumble Bee Pendant by Alex Monroe

I'm totally at a loss as to who made this ring that Kylie Minogue wears in the Lexus CT200 commercial, but if anyone knows, please tell me! I've been searching the internet for answers, but so far no good…
Kylie Minogue, Who Makes this ring??