2013 – AmeliasMagazine

Amelia’s Magazine | Secret Emporium Christmas Market: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

Diane Turner necklace Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Niecklace by Diane Turner.

Secret Emporium events always promise plenty of atmosphere and this year’s Winter Edition Christmas Market did not disappoint – visitors to the old Nicholls and Clark tile showroom in Bishopsgate were greeted with a greenery festooned stairwell, huge paper stars, a disco ball and lashings of fairy lights. It was the perfect ambience to put shoppers in the mood for all things glittering and twinkling, which was apt, given the amount of jewellery available to buy. For a jewellery lover such as myself, this was heaven. Here’s a small selection of my Secret Emporium finds so that you can seek out this talent online should you fancy.

Secret Emporium Christmas Market Josephine Hicks print

This collaged print is by Josephine Hicks, who had a selection of intriguing one off designs on show.

Diane Turner Secret Emporium Christmas Market

I love the way that goldsmith Diane Turner mixes wood in this spiky statement necklace (at the top). Her awesome gilded bogwood pendant is also a real winner in the style stakes.

Strange Loop mandala Secret Emporium Christmas Market

This jewel and resin wall art mandala is by Miles of Strange Loop, who specialises in weird and wonderful one off pieces.

EA Burns geometric necklaces Secret Emporium

It was great to see the new Ancient Rites collection by EA Burns, who creates avante grade pieces with an ethical heart. The pieces above are part of her classic range, featuring up cycled leather and spikes.

Jessica de Lotz squirrel Secret Emporium Christmas Market

This stuffed squirrel sports an apple core necklace by Jessica de Lotz. A strong way to show work!

Tessa Metcalfe claw rings Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Claw rings by Tessa Metcalfe glinted in the low light. I was particularly enamoured of her new labradorite rings: stunning. One day I will own one of her pieces.

Ali Forbes leather broach Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Ali Forbes is an RCA graduate whose latest leather jewellery collection was inspired by her time in Austria. I look forward to her new collection which she will be launching next year.

Rosita Bonita Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Rosita Bonita always puts together a superb display of jewellery. Her holographic embossed earrings were particularly eye catching… so tempting.

Typical Freaks pendant Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Typical Freaks are Sonia Xiao and Seun Ade-Onojobi, and together they have amalgamated their talents to produce a clothing line and laser cut jewellery collection that features this tribal face pendant necklace.

Tawn holographic sweater Secret Emporium Christmas Market

There will always be a space in my heart for holowear, and downstairs Tawn won me over with her Chelyabinsk Meteorite Collection. I don’t care if these sweatshirts demand good lighting to give their best, I want one now.

There were undoubtedly many other fabulous things at the Secret Emporium Christmas Market but I had to get home to feed the little one. Make sure you catch their next live event if you want to discover and support the most interesting creatives working in London today.

See my best creative finds as I discover them by following me on instagram.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Tuesday December 17th, 2013 10:05 am

Categories ,2013, ,Ali Forbes, ,Ancient Rites, ,Bishopsgate, ,Chelyabinsk Meteorite Collection, ,Christmas Market, ,Diane Turner, ,EA Burns, ,Jessica De Lotz, ,jewellery, ,Josephine Hicks, ,Nicholls and Clarke, ,Rosita Bonita, ,Secret Emporium, ,Seun Ade-Onojobi, ,Sonia Xiao, ,Strange Loop, ,Tawn, ,Tessa Metcalfe, ,Typical Freaks, ,Winter Edition

Amelia’s Magazine | The 2013 FAD Awards: London Fashion Week Catwalk Review

Stephanie Kitchen by Warren Clarke

The Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) Awards are always an end-of-fashion-week treat. After five days of the freshest fashion talent dominating the catwalks at the Fashion Scout venue, FAD looks even further into the future at the best of the country’s undergraduate talent, based each season around a different theme.

Louis Anderson-Bythell – all photography by Matt Bramford

There could be no better a theme in this age of global change and austerity than ‘Future Optimism‘, which was the brief for this year’s students. Over 100 undergraduates submitted work for the competition, with fifteen entries showcased at this climatic event.

Anna Kim by Gabriel Ayala

Here’s a quick photographic rundown of the fifteen entries:

MATTHEW O’BRIEN

LUCINDA ROBERTS

STEPHANOS KONSTANTIOU

Stephanos Konstantiou by Laura Hickman

ROBERT MILLS

STEPHANIE KITCHEN

JOSEPH HORTON

CHELSEY CROSSLAND

LOUIS ANDERSON-BYTHELL

AYSHA SIMPSON

NNEKA OKORIE

KIMBERLEY PHILLIPS

LAURA CHITTENDEN

ANNA KIM

ESTELA NEVINSKAITE

MORWENNA DARWELL

And so on to the winners. It must have been a tough job for Hilary Alexander, Fashion Scout’s Martyn Roberts, Topshops’ Geraldine O’Brien, FAD’s Claire Muldoon and our pal Milly Jackson (who won the 2011 Award) to choose a winner.

Sitting at the end of the catwalk is fantastic for shots of models but not so fantastic if the awards action takes place at the opposite end.

One of my personal favourites, Nneka Okorie‘s glorious menswear, took one of the runner up prizes. Her slick trench-coats with digital printing techniques brought both expert tailoring and vivid colours to the catwalk and I loved the discrete details of city skylights on a backpack and trouser hems.

Stephanos Konstantiou took the other runner up prize with his futuristic neoprene collection with rigid cutaway details. His laser-cut houndstooth pattern was completely original, and I enjoyed the sharp silhouettes that his collection projected. Nneka and Stephanos both take home five hundred quid and an industry placement. Well done, pals!

The winner, described by Hilary Alexander as ‘unanimous’ and ‘one to watch’ for the coming seasons, was, deservedly, Stephanie Kitchen. A final year student at Bath Spa University (always a good show at Graduate Fashion Week), Stephanie’s innovative cycle wear earned cheers when it first appeared at the beginning of the show and rapturous applause when it was announced Stephanie had won. This collection brought together wearability, sustainability, style and functionality all in one. The cycle sunglasses were a hit, too.

Stephanie wins £1000 and an industry placement and her designs were also shown at London Fashion Weekend. I don’t think this will be the last time we see Stephanie on the London fashion catwalks.

Winner Stephanie Kitchen by Milly Jackson for FAD

Written by Matt Bramford on Monday February 25th, 2013 11:50 am

Categories ,2013, ,Anna Kim, ,Awards, ,Aysha Simpson, ,BA, ,catwalk, ,Chelsey Crossland, ,Estela Nevinskaite, ,FAD, ,Fashion Scout, ,Freemasons’ Hall, ,Gabriel Ayala, ,Hilary Alexander, ,Joseph Horton, ,Kimberley Phillips, ,Laura Chittenden, ,Laura Hickman, ,London Fashion Week, ,Louis Anderson-Bythell, ,Lucinda Roberts, ,Matt Bramford, ,Matthew O’Brien, ,menswear, ,Milly Jackson, ,Morwenna Darwell, ,Nneka Okorie, ,review, ,Robert Mills, ,Stephanie Kitchen, ,Stephanos Konstantinou, ,students, ,sustainability, ,undergraduate, ,Warren Clarke, ,Womenswear

Amelia’s Magazine | New Designers 2013 Jewellery: The Best Graduate Designers

Annie Lucilla wearing her etched earrings
New Designers show 2013-Annabelle Lucilla
I always discover a huge number of brilliant new jewellery designers at the New Designers exhibition, and this year was no exception. Firstly, at the One Year On section I was blown away by a wonderful display from Annabelle Lucilla, who recognised me from twitter – always a strange but rather lovely thing when it happens! This multiple award winning jewellery designer is currently a resident of Cockpit Arts, thanks to a recent bursary. I love the way that she uses her own illustrations to create unique statement pieces; here she is wearing a pair of her beautiful etched dangly earrings in front of an illustration that features in one of her pieces.

Silicone jewels by Isabelle Busnell in oneyearon
I was also drawn to this beautiful display by Isabelle Busnell, who recreates traditional designs such as cameos in deceptively flexible silicone.

beaded knitted fringed necklaces by HannaBalloo
At Central Saint Martins Hannah Newell, who designs under the name Hanna Baloo, created these immensely cute beaded, knitted and fringed necklaces featuring ghostly letters.

Simona Kubertavivacuite - jewellery
New Designers show 2013-Simona Kubertaviciute
This year there were were loads of designs inspired by lifeforms found in the oceans, which seems to be an ongoing trend in jewellery. Simona Kubertaviciute from Bucks New University was inspired by sea creatures that overtake shipwrecks and other underwater manmade structures. She works with brass and Fimo to create peculiarly shaped gems that look oxidised and eroded, as if they have indeed just been hauled out of the ocean.

New Designers show 2013-clio may davies
I’m a sucker for a good dangly earring, and love these organic offerings from the Crustacean Collection by Clio May Davies, a graduate of UCA Rochester.

New Designers show 2013-alma sophia
Alma Sophia was inspired by the tactile feel of jewellery to create her Touch ring collection, which come with convex or concave fronts that are meant to be explored by the thumb.

New Designers show 2013-Kirsty Isla Nicholson oversized rings
Giant white chocolate pearls by Kirsty Isla Nicholson
At the University of Dundee Kirsty Isla Nicholson had created an extremely imaginative collection working in unorthodox materials and unexpected scales: giant white chocolate pearls and oversized rings inspired by the construction of earring backs and jewellery boxes were particularly clever. Her beautifully made 187 rings wall installation asked visitors to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in exchange for a ring.

New Designers show 2013 fay mcglashan
Fay McGlashan worked in porcelain and metal to create large pendants that mimic the carapaces of mottled and ridged insects.

New Designers show 2013-Mirka Janeckova
The deepwater inspiration continued with the White Collection from Mirka Janeckova, featuring rings that seemed to sprout like exotic corals in all directions.

Oversized gold flock ring by Nadia Deen
This oversized Alien gold and brass flock ring was made by Nadia Deen at The Cass.

Olivia Creber beard jewellery for men
Edinburgh College of Art graduate Olivia Creber‘s Veni, Veci beard jewellery for men was used to style an award winning catwalk show earlier this year. These certainly make an unusual and eye-catching accessory that push the traditional definition of jewellery, so it’s no surprise to discover that she begins an MA at the Royal College of Art this year.

New Designers show 2013-Caitlin Gregory-Thomas

At the well appointed stand for the Jewellery Futures course in Birmingham Caitlin Gregory-Thomas was inspired by the plight of dairy cows to create this highly unusual collection of pins and bracelets in metal and flock. The centrepiece is a jelly mould character with cow hooves, guaranteed to prompt questions of the wearer. Check out CVGT Jewellery here.

Over in the stands supporting different disciplines I discovered Rosalind Clara Bryan‘s delicate geometric collection, which is supported by a super professional website.

On a more conceptual front Karl Robert Gundstrom put together this beautiful display of jewellery made with expanding foam. He will be pursuing his fine art career in Berlin.

I’ve still got 3D wall art, ricrac madness, ceramics and crafts to cover… and that’s just from the first New Designers exhibition…

*Many of these images first appeared on my instagram feed, where you can view my pick of design graduates as I find them.*

Written by Amelia Gregory on Friday July 19th, 2013 11:34 am

Categories ,187 rings, ,2013, ,Alien, ,Alma Sophia, ,Annabelle Lucilla, ,Birmingham, ,Bucks New University, ,Caitlin Gregory-Thomas, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Clio May Davies, ,Cockpit Arts, ,Crustacean Collection, ,CVGT Jewellery, ,Cystic Fibrosis Trust, ,Edinburgh College of Art, ,Fay McGlashan, ,Fimo, ,Hanna Baloo, ,Hannah Newell, ,Isabelle Busnell, ,jewellery, ,Jewellery Futures, ,Karl Robert Gundstrom, ,Kirsty Isla Nicholson, ,Mirka Janeckova, ,Nadia Deen, ,New Designers, ,Olivia Creber, ,One Year On, ,review, ,Rosalind Clara Bryan, ,Royal College of Art, ,Simona Kubertaviciute, ,The Cass, ,Touch, ,UCA Rochester, ,University of Dundee, ,Veni Veci, ,White Collection

Amelia’s Magazine | Ravensbourne: Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Catwalk Review

Illustration by Francesca Valorsa

As Northumbria University alumni, I haven’t missed one of their Graduate Fashion Week shows in the last eight years. Sadly, I broke this record this time around due to a rather tedious, but completely incapacitating 30th birthday hangover.

On top of this, I’ve had a holiday on the brink of collapse and a molar having a disco in my mouth. My chances of having any fun at GFW this year, thus, were minimal, but I couldn’t resist hot-footing along to Ravensbourne‘s outing on Monday. I had to get my fix of the latest fashion talent somewhere.

The A/W 2013 womenswear shows feel like only days ago and London Collections: Men kicks off in a couple of weeks. I always forget that it’s bloody hard work with the graduates: Ravensbourne presented no less than 25 collections, covering womenswear, menswear and textiles; all capable of catwalk conquering away from Earl’s Court. What I’m trying to say is that it’s like viewing 25 on-schedule shows at once – pretty exhausting.

Do you care? Probably not, so here’s a fruity rundown of some of my favourite graduates:

Graduate illustration by Phiney Pet

Josephine Pettman, aka Phiney Pet, opened the show with a stunning display of vibrant, illustrated textiles, sporty cuts and badge-emblazoned jackets.

Sofie Malmgren swiftly followed with a collection that couldn’t have been more different: a futuristic set of white, linear pieces with contrasting panels in varying materials and rectangular transparent clutch bags:

Tabitha Williamson‘s ethereal collection followed. Floor-sweeping numbers with balaclava hoods and masses of thick fabrics enveloped her models:

Illustration by Jack Bebbington

Menswear was abundant, with as much emphasis on radical fashion as well as commercial viability. William Baxter was the first to bring menswear to this show, presenting a selection of sharply tailored suits with an enlarged herringbone pattern, styled with a Great Gatsby influence:

Jane Swansbury‘s men were covered in tropical prints, featuring gorilla faces, hibiscus leaves and fruit and vegetables:

Illustration by Jane Swansbury

Sarah Frances Ratcliffe‘s expedition aesthetic proved popular, particularly metallic overcoats with hoods:

Jack Bebbington‘s oversized faux fur jackets and shorts also favoured the A/W season – I liked this a lot:

Illustration by Leanne Warren

Leanne Warren‘s capes featured intricate illustrations in vibrant colours:

Illustration by Chen-Yu Wang

…whilst Chen-Yu Wang drew inspiration from childhood, with this playful collection mastering oversized silhouettes. Knitted eyeballs and doll-like frayed hems featured:

Clio Peppiatt‘s collection was one of my favourites. Plastics, acid prints, chavvy styling, ridiculous blingy heels, burger handbags on chains and graffiti-esque burger patterns – what’s not to love?

In stark contrast, Madeleine Ayers‘ sleek collection drew comparisons to Japanese couturiers, with straight lines, unfinished hems and a monochrome colour palette:

Illustration by Anne Lina Dingsor Uudelepp

Anne Lina Dingsor Uudelepp‘s street fashion featured lots of striking prints and textures, styled with gold hoops and ghetto-gold jewellery:

Francesca Valorsa‘s ethereal veils, decorated with obscure faces, created drama and complimented her collection of intricate, haphazard fabrics:

Illustration by Charlotte Harris

…but it was to Charlotte Harris to close the show, whose collection of chunky knitwear, vibrant colours and metallic jackets brought whoops and cheers.

Written by Matt Bramford on Thursday June 6th, 2013 8:55 am

Categories ,2013, ,Anne Lina Dingsor Uudelepp, ,catwalk, ,Charlotte Harris, ,Chen-Yu Wang, ,Clio Peppiatt, ,Earls Court, ,Francesca Valorsa, ,Graduate Fashion Week, ,Great Gatsby, ,Jack Bebbington, ,Jane Swansbury, ,Leanne Warren, ,london, ,Madeleine Ayers, ,menswear, ,Phiney Pet, ,ravensbourne, ,review, ,Sarah Frances Ratcliffe, ,Sofie Malmgren, ,Tabitha Williamson, ,textiles, ,William Baxter, ,Womenswear

Amelia’s Magazine | Raw Talent University of the Arts Graduate Fashion Show: Review

Jeyanthy Balakrisnen by Ruth Joyce.

Raw Talent kicked off their graduate design exhibition at the Hoxton Gallery with a catwalk show featuring hand selected designers from the University of the Arts. Despite a shaky start and numerous amateurish glitches (poor lighting, dodgy models & questionable styling, stop and start music, no designated photographer’s pit) I was glad I stayed until the end, for there were a few really promising collections on show.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-cindy zhang
Cindy Zhang of the London College of Fashion creates delicate leather accessories.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-seung youn lee
Raw Talent show Seung Youn Lee by Rebecca Elliston
Seung Youn Lee by Rebecca Elliston.

From Central Saint Martin, Seung Youn Lee‘s Dr. Gentle and Mister featured pleated paper skirts and ruffs inspired by historical costumes.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-dian luo

Dian Luo of Central Saint Martin‘s jewellery course showcased beautiful light up LED necklaces, inspired by the shape of cactuses.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-Lorna Doyle
Lorna Doyle was inspired by hoarding to create dishevelled pleated dresses covered with abstract prints.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-Jeyanthy Balakrisnen

My favourite collection of the evening was a colourful ruffled affair from Jeyanthy Balakrisnen of the London College of Fashion – Lost and Found was inspired from a plethora of sources, including the streets of India and the Amish communities of America.

Raw Talent fashion show 2013-Lena Strelets

Lastly, Lena Strelets of London College of Fashion showed a collection inspired by Russian icons. She’s previously showed in Russia and clearly has some cash behind her for this was full of beautiful embroidered details and delicate stitching. Lena took a turn on the catwalk at the end, wearing extremely high sparkly heels that vied for attention with the extravagant wigs worn by her models.

Read my review of the rest of the Raw Talent exhibition here.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 12:56 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Central Saint Martin, ,Cindy Zhang, ,Dian Luo, ,Dr. Gentle and Mister, ,fashion, ,Hoxton Gallery, ,Jeyanthy Balakrisnen, ,Lena Strelets, ,London College of Fashion, ,Lorna Doyle, ,Lost and Found, ,Raw Talent, ,Rebecca Elliston, ,review, ,Ruth Joyce, ,Seung Youn Lee, ,University of the Arts

Amelia’s Magazine | LCF MA Fashion Show 2013, Womenswear: London Fashion Week Catwalk Review

Yi Xie by Jacqueline Valencia.

London College of Fashion womenswear designers showed a series of polished collections, most of which were accessoried with amazing footwear that I was able to ogle as the models climbed the reflective steps onto the raised catwalk at the Royal Opera House.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Maddalena Mangialavori

Maddalena Mangialavori applied raffia fringing to loose fitting dresses, and pretty ruffs to bodices worn with A-line and pencil skirts. Lop-sided low-brimmed hats collapsed over one eye, lending a jaunty air to muted colours in a variety of different textures.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013 Nadia Scullion

Nadia Scullion played with ice cream shades; pastel blues and lemon yellow layered together to create a collection of clean lines that were broken with raggy edged socks and collars. A darker coat decorated with a baby blue waist trim was one of the pieces that caught my eye.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Min Wu

Min Wu‘s beautiful collection took the concept of tie-dye to a new level; jelly coloured panels fading into creamy white furls of fabric that lay flat against the waist or swung nonchalantly from the neck. Plastic soled shoes worked brilliantly with these gorgeous garments.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Sian Davies

Sian Davies worked in blocky oatmeal shades; tight latex paired with over-sized tops.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Yi Xie

yi xie
LFW Yi Xie by Angela Lamb
Yi Xie by Angela Lamb.

I absolutely adored the work of Yi Xie, as did my instagram feed when I shared a photo of her intricate pleated trouser suit, luscious flames of orange licking against the vibrating blues on shoulder, waist and calves. I can see her undulating body con dresses selling really well.

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Keiko Nishiyama

LCF-MA_by_Gaarte
Keiko Nishiyama by Gaarte.

Last and by no means least came possibly my favourite collection of all: Keiko Nishiyama covered blowsy shirts and bib fronted dresses with stunning engineered floral prints that made the digital revolution all her own: fields of flowers on a white ground were styled with matching patterned tights and peasant shoes with exaggerated up-turned toes. Just delightful!

LCF MA fashion AW 2013-Keiko Nishiyama

All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Sunday February 17th, 2013 11:35 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Angela Lamb, ,bodycon, ,Digital Prints, ,floral, ,Gaarte, ,graduate, ,Jacqueline Valencia, ,Keiko Nishiyama, ,London College of Fashion, ,London Fashion Week, ,Maddalena Mangialavori, ,Min Wu, ,Nadia Scullion, ,review, ,Royal Opera House, ,Sian Davies, ,Womenswear, ,Yi Xie

Amelia’s Magazine | London College of Fashion Ba Hons Graduate Catwalk Show 2013: Review part two

Sarah Buchanan 'Cat Goddess in Dress' by Kathryn Corlett
Sarah Buchanan ‘Cat Goddess in Dress’ by Kathryn Corlett.

I’ve already shared with you my first review of the London College of Fashion Ba Hons Graduate Catwalk Show at The Yard in Shoreditch, now here’s the rest of the graduate designers I loved on the night.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Sarah Buchanan

Using shimmering strips of cleverly cut metal Sarah Buchanan created her dramatic Empire of the Clouds collection, which was inspired by machines of flight. She collaborated with jeweller Georgina Howling and textile designer Claire Kelly.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Miuniku

Sisters Nikita and Tina Sutradhar go under the moniker , and worked together to produce a stunning collection titled Mundane Things, combining striking graphic elements, 80s garment shapes and an intriguing Scandinavian colour palette. The pair already have extensive business and technical training, a basic stand alone website and received the Fashion Innovation award. Miuniku is definitely a label to watch out for in the future.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Adland Yima Sounga

Adland Yima Sounga worked with menswear designer Ashley Robinson on a series of neon block coloured garments with rich textural details.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Lucy Seabrook
Lucy Seabrook collaborated with Shanna Brent on a tailored unisex range that featured tie detailing.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Yunhui An

I absolutely adored a super clever collection by Yunhui An, with trompe l’oeil garments that mimicked other clothes in a Mondrian colour palette. The collection was styled with matching drawn paper bag faces.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Antonia Beard

Antonia Beard‘s colourful pixelated textile designs were plastered across casual menswear designs by Wei Yu (Adrien) Chen.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Ya-Pei Tseng

Ya-Pei Tseng showed a bunched, tied and pleated collection of cream & grey dresses peppered with mustard yellow highlights, all influenced by Japanese culture.

Riyeka Silburn by Gareth A Hopkins.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Riyeka Silburn

Riyeka Silburn‘s duffel coats came with a boxy 80s touch that was heightened by the use of a jewel coloured palette. She collaborated with Jessica Hearnshaw who made boxy bags to match.

Riyeka Silburn by Gareth A Hopkins.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Brogan Toyn

Brogan Toyn‘s models gyrated and strutted down the catwalk, all the better to show off neon bright club wear embellished by Zoe Sterling.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Xinyu Hu

Xinyu Hu by Gareth A Hopkins.

Xinyu Hu‘s relaxed menswear took geometric panels as a starting point for sleek camel and black tailored casual wear.

London College of Fashion degree show 2013-Edward Curtis

Edward Curtis closed the show with a stunning collection of dresses inspired by paint splatters. He had carefully constructed an unusual selection of garments using the finest of tailoring techniques.

You can read the first part of this review here.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Monday July 22nd, 2013 9:18 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Adland Yima Sounga, ,Antonia Beard, ,Ashley Robinson, ,BA Hons, ,Brogan Toyn, ,catwalk show, ,Claire Kelly, ,Edward Curtis, ,Empire of the Clouds, ,Fashion Innovation, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,Georgina Howling, ,Jessica Hearnshaw, ,Kathryn Corlett, ,London College of Fashion, ,Lucy Seabrook, ,Miuniku, ,Mundane Things, ,Nikita and Tina Sutradhar, ,review, ,Riyeka Silburn, ,Sarah Buchanan, ,Shanna Brent, ,Wei Yu (Adrien) Chen, ,Xinyu Hu, ,Ya-Pei Tseng, ,Yunhui An, ,Zoe Sterling

Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

repurposed coloured pencils by Katrine Standahl
I was gutted to discover that the Middlesex University Jewellery degree course will close down when the current first years have passed through the system, for I always look forward to reviewing this show. No other jewellery degree showcases the same level of inventiveness and skills, so it’s no wonder that Middlesex graduates permeate the whole of the UK craft industry. This year the students displayed their wares under bright spot lighting on unforgiving scaffolding sets, but I did my best to take flattering photos. Here are my favourites from the Un-Earthed show.

Free Range shows 2013-katrine standahl
These rings and bracelet by Katrine Standahl are made out of repurposed coloured pencils. She works by bonding together different materials such as wood, cork and metals, then segmenting the results into different pieces which the viewer is encouraged to visualise in their original form.

Crochet & recycled plastic necklaces by Kirke Raava
Crochet & recycled plastic kitchen utensil necklaces by Kirke Raava were inspired by her childhood in Estonia, and in particular her memories of traditional crochet, macrame and knit.

Like a curious jellyfish- knitted elastic & porcelain jewellery by Sabina Johal
This knitted elastic and porcelain piece by Sabina Johal reminds me of a curious jellyfish. She has a particular interest in using unconventional materials in jewellery and her work is inspired by a fascination with tribal jewellery and medical supports such as bandages and splints.

Finger porcelain jewellery by Ellie Lee was showcased with leather on chains, and inside miniature bowls. Her work toys with an old Chinese tradition that says breaking ceramic is very bad luck: yet to access the personal porcelain body parts the bowls must be broken. Gruesome or cool?

Clever jewellery inspired by the weather from Emma Aitchison
Clever jewellery by Emma Aitchison is designed to interact with the weather, be it sun, wind or rain. The boldness and wearability of this sculptural collection could perhaps be traced back to a placement year when she interned with Scott Wilson, for she she has clearly been influenced by his large and playful dynamic. She then worked with milliner Piers Atkinson, after which she was offered a job making leather and metal work for his collections. Her professional website is well worth a look: Emma Aitchison is definitely a name to watch.

If you are graduating this year don’t forget to check out Amelia’s Award, in collaboration with the Secret Emporium. Enter your details and you could be in with a chance to kick start your creative career by receiving a scholarship worth £495 to sell your wares at Wilderness Festival this summer. Deadline: 2nd July 2013.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Monday June 17th, 2013 1:05 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Ellie Lee, ,Emma Aitchison, ,Free Range Shows, ,jewellery, ,Katrine Standahl, ,Kirke Raava, ,middlesex university, ,piers atkinson, ,review, ,Sabina Johal, ,Scott Wilson, ,Un-Earthed

Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

Written by Amelia Gregory on Monday June 17th, 2013 1:05 pm

Amelia’s Magazine | Jewellery Week 2013: Jewel East Review

Amberwood jewellery by Marta Wlodarska
My first experience of Jewellery Week 2013 was a trip to Jewel East in Spitalfields Market. Here a range of up and coming designers display their wares in a sheltered spot that delineates them from the rest of the bustling market. I was expecting a far larger showcase, but the trip was well worth it for a few really exciting discoveries.

Amberwood jewellery by Marta Wlodarska earrings

Firstly, Amberwood, the astonishing work of Polish jewellery designer Marta Wlodarska, who had travelled over from Poland specifically to take part in the show. Marta‘s passion for her materials is evident in the way she describes her creations. To find the baltic amber that is the core of her creations she heads down to the beach and sifts through piles of floating driftwood, some of which becomes a part of her earrings and pendants. She also sources beautiful woods from further afield, searching high and low for unusual colours to include in her conical shapes and chequered patterns which are all individually glued and sanded, so that no two pieces are the same.

Amberwood jewellery by Marta Wlodarska ring
Nestled inside bands of wood the strips of amber glow enticingly like lamps, and I found it very hard to decide which big (but very light) earrings I liked best. Marta told me she is super pleased with the response she has so far received on her trip to the UK, so here’s hoping she’ll return as her pieces are not currently available online.

Decadorn stalactite amethyst pendants
Decadorn drusy pendants
Helen Bailey is the brains behind Decadorn, utilising raw gemstones such as druzy quartz and crystal encrusted geodes to create unique pendants encased in luscious layers of gold plate. Her previous career as a buyer for the high street might explain why she was not keen for me to take photos of her beautiful display, but I’m a firm believer that if someone is going to nick your ideas they will find a way to do it, so designer makers should always welcome photographic attention. Anyway, long story short, I couldn’t resist those amethyst stalactites…

Michelle Oh coral ring
For those more keen on delicate jewellery I was taken by a coral inspired collection by Michelle Oh, particularly a bespoke ring featuring an upside down green sapphire. Love those coloured sapphires.

I hope to discover many more exciting jewellery designers over Jewellery Week and at the graduate shows.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Saturday June 8th, 2013 8:37 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Amberwood, ,Amethyst, ,Baltic Amber, ,Decadorn, ,Druzy quartz, ,Geodes, ,Helen Bailey, ,Jewel East, ,Jewellery Week, ,Marta Wlodarska, ,Michelle Oh, ,poland, ,review, ,Sapphire, ,Spitalfields Market

Amelia’s Magazine | Secret Emporium Christmas Market: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | The 2013 FAD Awards: London Fashion Week Catwalk Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | New Designers 2013 Jewellery: The Best Graduate Designers

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | Ravensbourne: Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Catwalk Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | Raw Talent University of the Arts Graduate Fashion Show: Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | LCF MA Fashion Show 2013, Womenswear: London Fashion Week Catwalk Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | London College of Fashion Ba Hons Graduate Catwalk Show 2013: Review part two

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

Similar Posts:

Amelia’s Magazine | Jewellery Week 2013: Jewel East Review

Similar Posts: