Jewel East – What a find!
‘Oh My Gosh, Look Out!’. This is what my purse shouted from inside my handbag when I walked into Jewel East at the Old Spitalfields Market in London. It just knew that although this visit was technically work it was going to turn into shopping no matter how much I knew deep down I shouldn’t spend the money that was essentially lunch and dinner for the day.
Approaching the market you can already feel the buzz coming from it, designers mingling, shoppers shopping and those of us there for work……working, (sort of). As with any of these events I always do a room sweep first, take a wander round the entire venue and see what jumps out at you, then focus in your attention to whatever caught your eye. And this is where the fun begins.
There were designers there from all different genres of jewellery, from those with a darker, Gothic appeal to delicate silver pieces, with a little bit of every kind of thing in between thrown in for good measure. There really was something for everyone, and no two designers produced the same so there was plenty to take your fancy. Walking round each stall gave a glimpse into the person behind the designs, the style, size and even the presentation of each collection was vastly varied.
As with all creative gatherings there are one or two pieces that always grab your attention more than others but in this case it was more like three or four. Each designer and their collection has their own unique personality that lures you into their world and tempts you with their beauty. They all deserved the attention for different reasons but there were a few that were a little more unusual than your expectations might lead you to believe.
Walking into the market I made a beeline for the Jewellery Week stalls and came face to face with Livia Lazzari and what a collision it was. At first glance Livia’s pieces may seem quite feminine and light but as you look closer the darker, ritualistic natures of the jewellery appear. With voodoo and shamanistic rituals as influence, her pieces have a dark and mysterious air about them, making you want to look closer. With miniature solid skulls mixed amongst light flowing feathers Livia’s designs are truly unique and unusual. If you are adverse to mainstream and like something a little more on the wild side I would definitely recommend taking a look at the designer’s creations. Take a look for yourself at http://www.livialazzari.com, what do her pieces say to you?
After being drawn towards Livia Lazzari’s stall my attention strayed sideways and my gaze fell upon Vlum. Immediately you are bamboozled by an array of colours, bright against the white display stands of the stall. At first glance you might not realise what each piece is made of, but what you are looking at is a gorgeous interpretation of nylon threads.
Each piece is sculpted from tubes of the nylon thread by hand in Dorine Decayeux’s, (the designer behind Vlum) studio. From rounded shapes creating long flowing necklaces to sharp pointed pieces on an eye catching ring, each item is quirky and interesting in its own way. Big and bold yet light as a feather, perfect for anyone who wants a statement piece without being weighed down. Step into Vlum’s world at http://www.vlum.fr/ and see where you’re transported to.
Wandering a little further around the stalls I came across Becky Dockree. If statement in the game then Becky Dockree is the name you should be looking for. Large statement pieces made from metal and hand etched with delicate images you really can’t pass them by, and you won’t forget you’re wearing one of these pieces, their material makes then very solid and tangible. I was quite surprised to find how heavy they were when I lifted one off the table to take a closer look at it. Needing nothing more than to be placed upon the table these striking pieces did all the talking for her, they know what they are about and aren’t afraid to shout it. Becky’s pieces are both tangible and elegant, a combination you don’t often find with pieces as prominent as these are. Each piece has a delicate, magical feel to it, will you find the magic at www.beckydockree.com ?
And this is where I caved. I had no intention of this turning into a shopping trip, it was work after all. To the left of the last stall I was browsing was where it all happened……….. I saw those earrings…….. Oh for a long time I have contemplated a pair of feather earrings but always dismissed them as too dark amongst my blonde hair and then there was these. Pale and neutral and just screaming out to be bought, I couldn’t resist any longer and reached for my purse. Where was I at this moment? At the stall belonging to Decadorn a.k.a. Helen Bailey. It is this temptress with her dazzling designs that has parted me with my money. The table is adorned with spirited pieces ranging from light feather earrings to vivid gemstone pendants, all laid out upon a bed of rice. It was the unusual display method and the promise of something delicate and interesting that drew me over to the Decadorn stand and I am sure by looking through the website www.decadorn.co.uk you will see why Helen Bailey’s designs deserved the attention they got.
As with any exhibition like this there are a few designers you end up spending more time admiring than others, but there were a couple more that caught my attention even just for a second or two. LaParra Jewels and Vicky Forrester both deserve a mention for catching my eye on my way round. I can honestly say that if you ever get the chance to go to one of these exhibitions, hit the floor running and get there as soon as you can. However! Make sure you take your purse with you, I am sure you will find at least one thing you want to buy and plenty more that end up on a wish list. I know my list of wants grew by a few items that day!!
Related posts:
No related posts.
No comments yet.