Lou-Lou

In the details!!!

2009-11-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

Maybe giving me ideas for a wedding chocker I'm making.

It's the smalls things that change fashion!

Hey!

2009-11-12T03:31:00.000-08:00

This reminds me of something.

Safety First!!

2009-11-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

I like this saftypin collar by Brook&Lyn.

I baked a PIE and made a DRESS!!

2009-11-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

Well baked a whole pie and made half a dress. I'm hoping to finish the dress by the end of the week. I've talking about the integration of jewellery and clothing so the line between the two does not exist. They should be worn together. They must need each other. As seen in the work of Donna Karan and Robert Lee Morris. I'm not a fashion designer or seamstress in other words I'm not good at sewing. This will not be world's best design in terms of fashion, but I'm hoping the jewellery will make up for that.
The pie was great by the way!!!

NO TKZee!!!

2009-10-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

After a very bad week, I hoped for some relief by listening to favourite kwaito trio TKZ, at the Zulu Jazz Lounge last night. Imagine my disappointment when they didn't perform. I was there ready to transported back in time. But alas it was not meant to be.

2009-10-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

Donna Karan Spring 2005
Alexander McQueen Fall 2000

Donna Karan fall 2003 courtesy of Style.com

Don't get me wrong is a response to a comment made to my blogpost on the DUT Fashion show. I received a comment from one the designers involved, saying that they felt that the point of the show was to showcase their craftsmanship as fashion designers and not have people commenting on "How nice those Foschini earrings are". I totally understand this point. Only i think my point was misunderstood.

My comments where in regards to the lack of collaborations between fashion designers and jewellery designers. I didn't see much jewellery that has been specifically designed for the fashion show. Having a collaboration between disciplines would serve to enhance the fashion designer's craftsmanship. Such examples can be found in the collaborations between Alexander McQueen and Shaun Leane, Donna Karan and Robert Lee Morris. Being able to combine the characteristics of the metal with those of fabric is not any easy thing and when successful looks like the above examples.

This does not mean that one can not use jewellery in a less integrated way then the above. Donna Karan used jewellery by Robert Lee Morris in her Spring2005 fashion show that already existed Using jewellery pieces that already exist can work as well.

Jewellery and fashion are now integral parts of each other. On the street you don't see one without the other. The collaborations can be natural and wouldn't take away from the either. So to the fashion designer who commented (somehow I lost your comment), if you want the experience of working with a jewellery designer, please let me know. I would like that.

2009-10-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Sanlam SA fashion Week
Amanda Laird Cherry
Colleen Eitzen
Terrence Bray
Picture by ifashion.com

I was surprised by a friend with aticket for the SA Fashion Week in Durban at the Durban Manor. On the line up were Colleen Eitzen, Amanda Laird Cherry, Rjkay Creations and Terrence bray. Amanda laird Cherry is my favorite SA fashion designer and seeng her latest offering, confirmed that. I noticed that she had used jewellery such as rings and neckpieces. The jewellery she used had fabric as an intergral part of the piece. Maybe it was what she had to use. Colleen on the other had long neckpieces that had pierced out pendents on them in silver and twisted rope. It looked like it was made by a jewellery designer. I noticed no earrings though.

2009-10-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Streetsightings
When i saw the picture about on the Streetsightingsl blog I knew I had seen it before. And I was right. I had seen the cuff captured by the blogger of Streetsightings on the street, in the Chanel Fall ready to wear collection. This is a classic example of accessories from the ramp translating to street wear. Below is picture courtesy of Style.com of the Chanel fashion show. On the ramp (below) the jacket is worn with a large ring and the street wearer follows the same suite with her take on the ramp example.

Style.com

Stacking

2009-10-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Style.com
Stolkholm street style

Jak and Jil

I've seem alot of stacking of accessories and I thought I would show a few examples here. I think It makes a greater affect especially with smaller items such as braclets and rings. I like the temporary tattoos by Chanel.

Street Fashion

2009-10-09T06:40:00.001-07:00

Stylesightings
Amlul

The real deal. Fashion on the streets around the world. From stylesightings, the use of bangles and accssorizing the arm, I find interesting. I have also seem this on many catwalks for the S/S 2010. the bangles are big and bold and are stacked. This reminds me of Coco Chanel because she also used many accessories at once. The use of victorian theme in the first pivture is also interesting. This picture aslo shows the combining of the contemporary ring with a historic style of dress (the collar and cuff).

The crucfix is often used in fashion. Here it appears on the the tshirt.

Textures

2009-10-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

More texture!

Steel used objects

2009-10-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

Trying out punches and sanding to get some texture on these things. By the way if anyone know what these are, I would really like to find out. I found them at a scap yard and have no clue want exactly they are. I was told at the scrap yard they come from the engine of a car. I'm just woundering about the sizes and what is the function. I hope to use them in a fashion show.

I'm also trying to find a way to colour the steel. Any suggestions?

Using jewellery

2009-10-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Dolce & Gabbana using jewellery at their fashion show in Milan spring/summer 10.

New Pants

2009-10-07T05:33:00.001-07:00

Stella McCartney
Givenchy
Dolce & Gabbbana

Three fashion designers take on the new shape for pants.

Ready.Steady.Go Earrings

2009-10-07T04:58:00.000-07:00

I found more the discs that I used to make the Ready.Steady.Go Earrings. This time I found smaller discs which can be worn every day.

DUT fashion show

2009-10-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

I was at the DUT fashion show on the 2nd of October. I was interested to see how the students would interpret the seasons fashion. The nipped-waist, belled-skirt silhouette with simple forms were worked into the collections.

I have been watching many of the Spring/Summer 2010 collections from the fashion shows around the world. I did notice the fashion designers used things outside of the clothing to bring across their concepts. There were layers of necklaces and earrings by Dolce and Gabbana and bags and other accessories by many fashion designers. I found there was a lack in the use of accessories in the DUT fashion show. I feel that using other things other than the clothing can introduce the audience to your concept. Accessories are a tool to be used to tell an individual story so I think fashion designers should use them.

It might be that the lack of finances could be a factor, but with some creativity, I think it can be done.

Closer

2009-09-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling to find good pictures from the night. I think this is better.

Redeye Report

2009-09-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

I'm loving more and more, fashion shows, that don't involve me organizing in any way. I think that's the way of the future. I now know that is not what i like to do. I may have to do it again for my end of year exhibition. But I older and wiser so I'll look at getting help from others. The earrings worked well.They had everyone commenting even me. Jewellery looks different to me on the ramp. I think because I have been looking at the piece (close up) for a long time, while making it, it has an impact once I see it where it's supposed to be.

The Redeye event was what I needed on a Friday night, walking around Smith Street at night watching fashion down the runway. The museum show cased some local artists.

Red Eye : Ready...I think!!

2009-09-21T00:55:00.001-07:00

These earrings are made for the Red Eye Fashion show that will take place on the 25th of this month. They are based on an earring I made a week ago. wanted to created something that is bold and makes a statement. I wanted to create something big, that could be seen from the ramp. I don't know how large the ramp will be. I also wanted to play with the volume that the circles create without the weight on the ear. The earrings are big without weighing big.

I used silver wire and enamelled copper to introduce colour. I used a floral pattern, I think they are more feminie that way.I will be trying them in a smaller scale though because these would head turners on the street.

Red Eye: Ready?

2009-09-15T12:12:00.001-07:00

It's Tuesday and I'm nowhere near being ready! I have 6 days till I submit my body jewellery entry for the Red Eye design festival. Being a procrastinator is not working for me right now.
Looking at the line up of the evening it should be a good time. Can't wait!!

Amy Tavern

2009-09-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

I've been following Amy Tavern's blog and have found it rather interesting. She is a busy lady, always reporting on the exhibitions and fairs that she is involved in. She also sells to independent stores and clothing boutiques. In her work, she seems really sure of what she is about. The clean lines, playing with geometry, she seems to be comfortable there and it works for her. Because I appreciate her experimentation. Like these colourful badges.

I think I want some of this surety in my work. Maybe I should just take the plunge and setup an etsyshop. I think I'm afraid that I'll start something I won't keep up.

Hanna Hedman

2009-09-09T07:19:00.001-07:00

I'm drawn to Hanna Hedman's work because of the piercing and organic messy feel to it. It might be a bit too messy for me. But I'm loving the movement in her work. I also like the photography. It's simple looking. But from experience I'm thinking it wont be as simple to pull off. I might have to try that anyway.

Blue....Red Eye

2009-09-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

I was looking for something light, forged and could be on a ramp. But It didn't go the way I saw it in my head. I might have to change the shape of the enamel because this doesn't look right. It's not balanced. I wanted something that is symmetrical so the earring look balanced. Maybe I'll try a circle or oval. They might need to be bigger for the show. That is possible to do because they can be light in weight.

maybe Red Eye!

2009-09-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Red eye is happening again this year. I heard so much about the RED EYE but I never made it to there. Its an event for art and design. It happens on the street at the City Hall in Durban, South Africa. I'll be making a body piece based on the drawings above for a fashion show. I'm making the piece to be able to fit onto any garment because i don't know what the garment will look like. It will be based on the found object that has bee predominant in mt designs this year. I work on a trial and error method so I will try making an element too, to see what looks good and works with the proportions. I need the body piece to be bold and that means big enough to be seen from the ramp. There will be forging and chain to get the look I want.

My jewellery at the show!

2009-09-07T03:11:00.000-07:00

Azanian Love Songs

2009-09-07T02:55:00.000-07:00

I was invited to style clothing for a fashion show last friday. This fashion show was part of an initiative by Encore event managment company to promote women in the arts. The evening included poetry, song and fashion. Poetry by Don Mattera, a South African poet, most ofwho's work was composed during the apartheid era. This poerty was then turned into song.

The fashion part of the evening featured Controlled Chaos and Suzy Q. My jewellery was worn with Controlled Chaos clothing. It was fun to just do my part. No worries about the management of the event.

Pillowcase

2009-09-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

I used the fabric into pillowcases for my bed. I remembered to iron it so the colour doesn't wash out when it is washed. It was good to just go for it and make something. It's simple but I like the look.

2009-09-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

Screen printing woked out better then the stamping. It was more crisp and the colours we used were great. They were surprisingly bright in the container but dried beautifully. I'll make something and show and tell.

Printing Supplies

2009-09-01T03:10:00.000-07:00

Went to Spectrum, an art supply shop on Umgeni road in Durban. They also screen printing supplies. So we are on our way to screen printing. Got some paints and screens. So watch this space,

Fabric Printing by hand

2009-09-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

These are the results of my first attempt at fabric printing by hand. I know it would be easier to screen print right away, but I want go through all the different ways and the affects the methods could have on the fabric. I might do some cut outs in metal again. Or try the same affect in anodizing aluminium.

This stamping method left smudges of paint on the outside of the pattern. Which when repeated too look like part of pattern. I'll be making a dress for myself.

Fabric Printing

2009-08-31T04:10:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with fabric printing. Started with stamping used cutout patterns and fabric paint. I wanted it to be fun and simple to do. I will show the results soon. I am buying a screen so I do screen printing too. How is this going to be an influence on my work? I don't know yet!

Under the Potential Covers

2009-08-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

I've become interested in magazines. Well I'm kinda falling into magazines. So why not make up a magazine and dream of the perfect one. I call it Gudenuf Design. A magazine that will profile local design heros. Any type of design, profile local designers and what they are doing and how to find them in Durban. This is all in my dreams anyway.

I got help with a cover for my non-existant mag, from Thomas de Beer. It ws good working with a graphic designer who has done this before. i could just say stuff like "sorry I don't like this!" or "it just looks wrong!" and he just fixes it. Unlike me on photoshop (hours of toil and hardship). I tried to find pictures from the fashion shoot I did that would show my jewellery and kinda introduce me as a design hero. Getting a piece of jewellery onto a cover is alot of work. the process is long and feels rather random. I mean which piece ends up on the cover depended on which picture worked for that cover. i don't think magazne editors are that deliberate with the jewellery or the clothing. The cover of a fashion magazine is usually about the person on the cover and whatever enhances that person. Not at all about a spacific jeweller or specific clothing. If the picture doesn't work then it doesn't work.

So what type of jewellery is most likely to be on a cover? What can I make that is likely to land on a cover of a magazine

Cover Girls 2

2009-07-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently the important thing missing from my display at the Art Space Exhibition is a cover page. I think I was working towards it anyway but kinda stopped short. It isn't too late. I've made this cover above just from looking at my favourite fashion magazine Elle Magazine. It was suggested that I get a real cover page made. So I'm working with a graphic design student to make something happen.

Artspace Exhibition

2009-07-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

The exhibition went off without a hitch! Except that the final set up looked a little different then planned. But I think that was okay in the end. Now the problem is writing about the thing. This is not my favourite thing. I have to try to be more formal!

I presented my work jewellery based on fashion and fashion magazines. I wanted the experience of a fashion shoot so I created one myself. I selected clothing from a fashion designer and then matched my jewellery to the clothing. There was a pre-selection of clothing and jewellery, but on the day the fit of the clothing and the jewellery on the models dictated what i would use. The best pictures that have been edited by the photographer are featured in the exhibition. The intention was to present the results of a fashion shoot and the jewellery used. I do think that a final product was lacking from the display. I have tried out magazine cover mock ups in previous posts. But I felt that none of them were actual magazine cover page worthy. One has to take photographs with the cover in mind and I didn't do that. I think I can try to get one that comes close. So watch this space for my MAGAZINE.

Cover Girl!

2009-07-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Just messing around.

Photoshoot

2009-07-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

This turned out way more difficult then I thought. I was fun difficult though. I enjoyed running around and looking crazy at Warwick Junction(eMakete). I guess two highly made up girls with a camera following them around is unusual eMakete. So we got lots of curious looks and appeals to appear in "the magazine". I didn't want disappoint any one so I said yes.

I think we did well with trying capture the "new girl in the city" feeling I wanted. The is a juxtaposition between the clothing and jewellery and the surroundings the models are in. I wanted the feeling of the city in my context. Creating a contrast between the surrounds and the way they are dressed. I also feel like the character (Holy Golightly) says in the movie "nothing really bad can happen to you here". I really do feel eMakete is safe. It is crazy but safe.

In retrospect I would have organised the location better rather then just wing it. It could have given me more variation in the photos that were taken and save time, if I had decided on the specific places I wanted to go. Maybe find a way to do the wardrobe changes closer to the location because that takes up alot of time. I did have fun doing this and would do it again!

Thank you to Kristy Carlson(photographer), Controlled Chaos(Clothing) Vuyo (Model), Cristy(Model), Robin(Makeup) and Ben(Art Direction).

Integration

2009-06-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

This dress looks crazy to me and is not what i would want at the moment. So I'm still trying to get there. The round flower elements are looking too small. I need them bolder and unapologetic. When I thin of Alexander McQueen's and Robert Lee Morris' work the metal work is not an addition but an important component of the dress. I need more elements.

Love comes softly

2009-06-22T01:53:00.000-07:00

Been making these soft heart badges. Taken them around the Davenport areas to see if they will sell.

Holly Golightly

2009-06-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

When I thought a photo shoot would be interesting, I had no idea what that really meant. I like to say these things sometimes like "I doing a fashion show" or " a photo shoot would be fun". So now I have to organise one.

I was house sitting this weekend and watch the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn is so stylish and the thought her carefree life is so romantic. She plays the role of Holly Golightly, a twenty-something who moves to New York to live the high life and hopefully find herself a rich husband. Holly's mission doesn't go as planned. She finds refuge at Tiffany's Jewelley store where she says "nothing really bad could happen to her there".

I like the reference to jewellery as a refuge and escape. The place to go when all is not well with the world. I would like to use the movie as the theme for the photo shoot of my jewellery. Only bringing it into my current context. I don't want to be too literal with it. No replicas of the famous photographs but just the feeling and the story. Lets see what happens.

Integration

2009-06-03T01:22:00.000-07:00

When speaking with Nokwanda I realised that integrating these two design disciplines would not be easy. I had an idea in my head and I wanted it work. She was telling me how it couldn't work. Maybe I just wanted her to just make it happen. I have to find a better way to work as a team. And I will be workin with her on a dress for the July Horse race in July.

In the meanwhile Since I want what I want, I'll try my had at making a dress. I have made dresses before. So I'll be the jeweller and the fashion designer. Above are sketches for two dresses I will attemp to make. Good luck to me!

Intergration

2009-06-03T01:08:00.000-07:00

Elements pierced out from copper plate
I had this idea that I wanted to try integrating jewellery with fashion. I meet with Nokwanda, a fashion designer of Controlled Chaos and discussed the technical issues of combining metal with fabric. These are the sketches from that talk. I had cut out these flower elements from copper plate, which I thought could be used for a dress. I planned on enameling each one to add colour. The copper might be too heavy and the enameling take too long. I have started investigating aluminium and anodising.

Exhibition @ Artspace

2009-06-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

This is a mock up of my display for an exhibition by the DUT Btech jewellery students @ the Artspace Gallery on the 13 July 2009. I made a mock up in my lounge. Our lecturer thought we were not creative enough, and that the ideas we had were forgettable. I suddenly felt like I was on Idols and just attempted to sing(which I don't do) . Forgettable..... maybe I agree! Any ideas... anyone.

Anodising Aluminium

2009-06-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Jane Adam- anodised aluminium

I started thinking about a dress that is integrated- jewellery and fashion together. I don't want a dividing line between the two. After talking to Nokwanda about the technical difficulties of combining metal with fabric. The main problem would be the weight of the metal on the fabric. And since I want to use smaller elements to cover the body, if these pieces move they might not be seen the way I want them to. I'm going to have to think of a dress design that will show the elements best. So I'm thinking of lighter metals like aluminium. Aluminium can also be anodised and gives many colours.

So here goes the ride. Any help with anodising would be greatly appreciated!!

Jewellery and Fashion Intergrated

2009-05-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

Chloe'

Pierced Copper and Black Stretch Tule

There are two ways of approaching designing for fashion shows, working independently of a fashion designer or designing specifically for a fashion designer. Within specific design for a fashion designer is the intergrated jewellery and fashion design. Jewellery designers such as Robert Lee Morris and Shaun Leane have creaated jewellety that is intergrated withe fashion disigners work. The result is not recognising the line between when the dress stars and the jewellery ends.

So I'm trying my hand at it. I was insipred by a dress (above) from the Chloe' Spring/Summer Collection. I like the flowing fabrics and two toned fabric. So i want to create this effect with metal. Using metal to create a colour.

Alexander McQueen fall 2009

2009-05-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

This guy does seem to shy away from doing the "wrong thing". At a time when the economy has caused us to question our role in it's downward spiral. When the fashion world has to downsize and be practical. Most designers are being sensible and practical, cutting back on the theatrical antics. Alexander McQueen was not afraid to go there in his Fall ready to wear collection!

Flower Layers

2009-05-18T05:17:00.001-07:00

These earrings brought together two things that I thought I woud never use. I make elements somtimes that I don't intend using at that time. But I know that the element will have the perfect use at sometime. I pierced out the flower pattern last year and it hung on my wall untill this fashion show came up. So I used the engine plate and added the freshly enamelled, long forgotten pierced flower pattern.

the earring compliments the clothing because of the layers on it and on the clothing on the model. The layer clours on the clothing match that of the earrings.

Engine Earrings

2009-05-18T05:07:00.001-07:00

This is also part of the recession chic collection. I cut the engine part into two and added plastic beads for the colour. Not that they needed colour to make them stand out on the ramp. The size would work for the fashion show because the audience can see them from afar. Steel metal piece was symmetrical so it worked well as earrings because when cut, they could look the same. They are big and loud and avant gaude. They complimented the outfit or the outfit compliments the earrings. What do you think?

Body Wear

2009-05-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

Two Xhosa men Dressed in traditional wear

I picked up a few of these plates from the dump a few months ago. I had been thinking a lot about the thought of being recession chic ( style on a budget). So I've been looking at my environment differently. I pick up things! This theme also found it's way into the fashion show. So I picked up these plates because they looked interesting. They have a perfect pattern on the inside and are geometric. When the fashion show came up they were sitting at my bench so i started to play with them.

This particular one came about from thinking about my background and how I have always wanted to do something related t the way the Xhosa dress traditionally. I wanted a non-cheesy way. By that I mean i didn't want a replica of the Xhosa body jewellery but my own Xhosa body wear. The chain is brass and bought and I learnt how to crochet and made this round disc in black. I could wear this!

What's your Flavour....tell what's your Flavour!!!

2009-05-08T05:48:00.001-07:00

The atmosphere is charged!!! The dancers look alive.

A Recession Fashion Show

2009-05-08T03:07:00.001-07:00

The show went well. It was a lot of work and I appreciate it now that it's over. All the crazy hours and running around I would not wish on anyone. Thank you to all the models and my sister for building a fantastic set. Thank you to a Controlled Chaos for the clothing. Thanks Kristy for the business cards.

Fashion show part 6

2009-04-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

This is on the earrings for the fashion show. The design began a few months ago with a picture from the Elle magazine. The dress had circle print on it and i wanted a piece of jewellery that would work for the outfit in the picture. Since I began focusing on design jewellery for a fashion show, the clothing became important. The colour and where on the body it could fit. I had old buttons hung up on the board in front of me that echoed the circle print on the dress. I had cut out discs out of copper for enameling. I pierced out a floral motif from the discs and enameled with black. I noticed that when put against the yellow button it made a good contrast for the earring and worked for the colour in the fashion show( yellow, purple, brown, blues,white).

This seems to fall into a ready to wear jewellery category of fashion jewellery. In that it will work for the ramp and for everyday wear. As apposed the theatrical jewellery seen at fashion shows.

Fashion Show part 5

2009-04-29T05:25:00.001-07:00

The show is on. And there is so much to fashion shows then meets the eye. Firstly the SHOW part of it! Phew I anxious about the actual show not working and then theres the clothing, the jewellery, the make up, the hair, the bossy models(Kristy this is you) and more. I know i would rather let someone else worry about everything else and let me make jewellery.

So see you there. On the 5th May 2009, UKZN Square Space Theater(drama dept.), 12pm and 7pm.

And the Word is...

2009-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Collaborations means working together with a common goal. This means that a goal had to have been decided before the work begins. Both parties must have agreed and participated in the forming of the goal.

I feel collaboration is a factor to be considered when designing for a fashion show. The decided goal will determine the level of integration of the two disciplines.

Philippa Green

2009-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

One of her famous cuffs.
Philippa Green in her studio

I have this thing about designers not answering emails from me and Philippa Green actually answered and offered her telephone number. CRAZY......right! I thought I would ask her about her experience with fashion show and designing for a show.

Phillipa Green started collaborations with her fellow fashion design friends while she was studying jewellery design at Natal Tech ( D.U.T). She has worked with fashion designers Abigale Betz, Malcolm Kluk, Gideon, Geraldine De Beer, Helene Bull, Craig Native, Stiaan Louw, X&O, Vertigo. I need to know what her experiences with working with these fashion designers like. I will be conducting a telephone interview with her as soon as I have my questions for her sorted. Any suggestions?

Featured Jeweller - Robert Lee Morris

2009-04-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

Robert Lee Morris collaborated with Donna Karan since 1985. They worked together, integrating jewellery into a collection of clothing instead of lending jewellery to a designer to add onto clothing. Even though Robert Lee Morris has created and continues to create his own jewellery, he works with fashion designers to create jewellery for specific collections.

Fashion Show part4

2009-03-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at jewellery for the fashion show. I like the colours and the use of the old coins(finally). The way it is worn has a story to be told a little later. It doesn't seem bold enough to me. Does every piece have to be bold?

These earrings are starting to look fashion show-esk! I found plates that have a pattern at the scrap yard on Sydney road months ago. apparently parts from a car engine. I like the idea of them. They don't seem practical to me. But I would definately wear something like them. This got me thinking about how conceptual a jewellery designer needs to be to design for a fashion show? It seems to me that maybe I need to concentrate on the show of fashion show?

Fashion Show part2

2009-03-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Some chiffon fabrics Nokwanda will be using. Through this process I was hoping to find clarity on my research and I think it's happening. Designing jewellery for a fashion show turns out to be different then for just a person. There more things to consider. Is it big enough to see from the audience? Does it suit the style or theme of the fashion designer? What is your theme?

Fashion Show

2009-03-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

I have been interested in fashion for a long time. I just haven't had the guts to just do it. Or I haven't known how as a jewellery designer I would do that. So I'm working with a fashion designer friend, Nokwanda, of Controlled Chaos. Above is her and her partner Mandi's studio on Smith Street, West Walk Arcade, Office 826. I know it looks crazy, but some good things happen there. Soon to be revealed.

I have begun working with Nokwanda, designing jewellery for a collection of clothing. We began with looking through her sketches (she has lots). and chose designs we felt were wearable in the Durban climate and accessible to buy to the average Joe / Jane. the show is scheduled for the 7th May 2009. To be held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Square Space Theatre.

Claudia Correa

2009-03-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

This brooch is part of the clothing. It looks like it can be removed. I couldn't read anything off Claudia's blog because it's in Spanish( I wish I had completed that course in Spanish). Thats interesting, maybe I can try something like that for the Fashion Show.

I like the vibrant colours. But mostly the way she puts elements together. What do I mean? It looks simple but it works. It may not actually be simple but it looks like it is.

Enamels and Lace

2009-03-16T05:40:00.001-07:00

I found Rubygirl on the Etsymetal site. She has her own etsy shop. I was inspired again to use enamels. really the inspiration needed to come for the piercing, which is not fun. But seeing something look so good, I think I'll take the pain. She calls hers Victorian inspired, I think my work is not as intricate but the same inspiration. I hadn't thought that the use of lace comes from a Victorian source. I think thats the vintage in my modern vintage.

Logo Update!!!

2009-03-09T06:53:00.001-07:00

How exciting! I'm almost Gudenuf. Just a little while longer!

I learnt a new word Recessionista, recessionista n. A person who dresses stylishly on a tight budget. Example Citations: She's superstylish, always able to buy a round of drinks and still seems to be...

So recession chic would be style and elegance on a tight budget. Which is what I have always had to do, It looks like we have to change the way we live and mostly spend. Living on a budget sounds like a death sentance but it's how it has to be. I hope to be able to provide quality designer jewellery that will keep the recessinista within her budget. Good luck to you Girl!

Car Boot Market!!!

2009-03-02T04:18:00.001-08:00

My friend Kristy(oh and Ben) took me to the Car Boot Market on Stamford hill road in morning side. She originally wanted to show me a stall with old buttons. But the old buttons guy wasn't there. So we found these coins from all over the world. Namely England, China, Morocco, Zimbabwe, India, Hong Kong.... This should satisfy my Vintage side of my Vintage Modern combination. According to a style quiz at Sproost.com, I am 50% Vintage Modern, 25% Rustic Revival, 25% Modern Elegance. It helped me define what was jumbled in my head.

Next!

2009-02-27T00:28:00.000-08:00

I've decided to move on to my next picture. A friend gave me these old buttons.

Beads Again!

2009-02-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show the almost finised product.

Beads

2009-02-20T04:37:00.000-08:00

These beads have been sold in stores like The Space as fashion's take on the traditional Zulu beads sold at any self respecting Zulu traditional medicine shop. I have never seen a black person wearing the beads as a fashion statement. I think it would be confusing as to why wear them. So I've steered clear of the beads. But I think I've found a way to wear these with feeling like people might mistake me for isangoma.

Seam-stress

2009-02-20T04:30:00.001-08:00

I have been trying my hand at sewing again and embriodery. The stitches are not too sofisticated but I like the affect.More to come!

Boontje Earrings

2009-02-19T23:31:00.001-08:00

Photographs by Kristy Carlson

These earrings were inspired by Tord Boontje's lights. I have been inspired by other designers or existing designs. I made these to compliment the another designer's work with the forged hook as something from me. I like to feel like I collaborating with someone. Maybe it's my personality, group work is more interesting to me. Or it's my method of working. I think these worked well. Thanks Tord!

2008-12-17T00:59:00.000-08:00

Just having some fun with a ring I made. Photoshop made it easy for me to make a video (coming soon) of my work.

Wedding!

2008-12-17T00:50:00.000-08:00

This me actually wearing something I have made and feeling comfortable in it. What do you suppose that means about me or my jewellery?

So I'm OFF...

2008-11-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

I'm off to Cape Town!! Hopefully I'll find some inspiration. I desperately need some. I will be stocking the KZNSA with some of my Gud.enuff range pictured in my last post. It it's about to rain and thunder and I'm boarding a plane to Cape Town... should I be worried?

The softer side

2008-11-05T00:50:00.001-08:00

I've been making these cushy hearts out of fabric that I had around from my serious sewing days. I enjoy making these. I would like to find other shapes though and other fabrics. It could be cool for my Gud.enuff range of jewellery.

Funny Faces

2008-10-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

On a rainy Saturday we found some funny faces. I had fun doing this!!!

Gud.enuff.to.wear!!!

2008-10-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

I came up with this name Gud.enuff. to. wear for a line of jewellery that is made easy with everyday things. I know this is not a novel idea but I want to try it and see what I see. So I just saw a post on the Studio Violet blog that gave me inspiration. The post is called Faces we meet along the way. That looks so cool and fun. And Girls just wanna have fun you know!. So I'm going to try it too this weekend and see what comes up. Maybe it will inspire my Gud.enuff.to.wear range. Yey exciting!!!

Bonda Women

2008-10-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

I found this picture on one of the blogs I follow called fashionphile. I have only a few blogs I follow and fashion is a weakness and I want to know whats going on in that industry even though I would like to think I'm "above" all that "materialistic stuff". Well I'm not. I think these ladies from East India in the Orissa region are beautiful. The colourful beads are held together by what looks to me like hair pins(guess they would fall out). The use of colour makes me want to cut all my hair off( I think not). The silver neck pieces look used and handmade. The imperfections make them look real or authentic (they are). I particularly like the clasps. They just look easy and form a feature in the piece.

I think I have to make myself some head gear. I have been frustrated with my hair now I have some think to look forward to. YAY!!!!!

Story so far!!!

2008-10-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Watch this.

Art Smith... Made me over!

2008-10-15T01:42:00.001-07:00

I become interested in Art Smith's jewellery because he used forging techniques in his work. It was described as Linear Undulations and I related to those words. Linear meaning created by lines and undulations meaning wave like in form and motion. I think these work explain the look of my work and this ring. It creates a wave like motion formed from soft rounded shapes. There is the illusion of movement to go with the movement of the body.

The setting really intrigued me. The rounded shapes also serve a function of setting a stone. Form follows function. I liked the cleverness of the design. It still keeps that rythmic flow flow yet serving a function.

Love my shoes!!!!

2008-10-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I really like my shoes. I'm sure there are many people who have the same pair, but I like to think they were made just for me. Don't know why that matters to me. Even though thousands of pair of these exact shoe exist, they look different on my feet. But there is some thing about having a special edition item. Is it we want to know so badly how "special" we are that we need "things" to show it. By we I mean me by the way.

But there are somethings (like my shoes) where I don't even care if the next girl walks past wearing the same shoes. I happy that this one is one my feet. But that hasn't happened yet so I can not promise not t freak out an give said girl a serious beat down for wearing MY SHOES!!!!

Urban Grounds Coffee Emporium!!!!!

2008-10-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

So I haven't mentioned that in addition to studying I co-own and manage a coffee shop in Durban South Africa. It's pretty much the coolest place ever. Urban Grounds Coffee Emporium is the name an we serve the best coffee in Durban. Really I mean it!!!! You should try it out!!! The cappuccinos are fantastic and we have a selection of specialty coffees that will blow you over. I mean with names like Bar One Mocha, Mint Condish (what I'm having in the picture), Ginger Snap Latte, it's all good. Kristy(in the picture with me) and I are absolutely passionate about offer the best to our customer and providing Durban with a place to chill, work and play(we have board games). So look out for us at the corner of Frere and Ayott in Glenwood Durban.

We have a promotion on right now. If you blog about Urban Grounds and send a link to our blog then you get a free coffee. And if you join our Facebook group and upload a picture of yourself at Urban Grounds, you get a free coffee. That sounds good to me!!!!

Embracing my inner Lace

2008-10-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

I felt drawn to lace fabric for years and always tried to aviod it. I have this perception that it's girly and frilly and one thing I not is girly and frilly......or so I thought. So I secretly collected all these lacy things and images of lace like fabrics. Any fabric with cut outs, because of it's ability to hide and reveal. I think it's a little naughty. And naughty I am...

I like that you are able to look into the spaces too. Another pattern is created by the negetive space. The more open the pattern the better for me.

The patterns can bee too much for me sometimes so I like to look into the pattern for something simple. Translating that into jewellery is the real test for me. I want to try and keep the openess of the pattern in my work.

How I cut out!!

2008-10-13T07:15:00.001-07:00

I found this picture in a South African House and Leisure Magazine and that is how I found Tord Boontje. I started talking alot about his a found that it seemed as though I was thonly one who didn't know about him. I was a little annoyed coz I like to think I know stuff!!

Anyway I think Tord's work is wonderful and decided I wanted to be him when I grow up. The curtain is my favourite. I makes me feel like being in a forrest of fairies and only good things would happen there. It is delicate and simple. Floral motifs remind me of lace. I love colours. Since there is no way to afford his cirtain I will wait till the day i can get my hands on one of his creations. Tord is originally from the Netherlands. That just makes want to go there even more. I think the designers in the Netherlands are fabulous.

Where in the World am I? ( Between Bizana and Brooksnek)

2008-10-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

Hey I was pleasently surprised when I took a trip home to the Eastern Cape.......SNOW!!!!! In the usually dry and dead Eastern Cape there was snow. I could not believe my eyes. My sister and cousin where in the car with me and I convinced them to stop and have me take a picture on my cell phone and send it to everyone I could. Stark white looked so beautiful again the colours of the houses. The houses are usually painted in very bright colours (blue, yellow, pink, orange). Seeing that all the time again the usual background (green and brown) of the landscape was beautiful but I was not appreciating colour enough. The white background just did for me. The simplicity it brings to the picture makes you pay attention to the details. The houses look unreal from a distance. Almost like toys. I loved the drive down.

A look back!

2008-09-17T06:51:00.001-07:00

Silver Leaf earrings

Silver leaf ring

Enamel brooch

Silver Floral cutout earrings with red enamel

Silver Floral cutouts earrings with blue enamel

Floral cut out studs

Forged Two finger leaf ring

Lady knuckleduster ring

Flower finger hugger

I looked back at the work that I produced over the last two years and realised that I have concentrated on forged rings that are sculptered around the hand and floral patterns inspired by lace or fabric, pierced out of silver. Above are a few of my favourite things( to borrow from the Sound of Music).

Sherbert!!(thats only because I don't want someone else to make me swear)

2008-09-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt so frustrated that you could just explode!!!! Well that is how I feel this very moment. Today I got a taste of the real world and that people are not nice all the time. When they are just mean it can really get you unexpectedly. I didn't see that coming at all. Some people want look out for themselves and to hell with the rest. I can imagine that be a lonely place to live in. But lonely as it be right now I am totally pissed off at said people. And before I punch the keys of this computer right through the desk. I'll just stop right here. Hoping that i can put all this in a cyber bubble and blow it away.

Transkei Sunsets

2008-07-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

So Maybe you are wondering what the Transkei is. Transkei is where I'm from. Yes I know it's called the Eastern Cape now but I'm from the Transkei. The original if you know what I mean. Some people will know what I mean. The pre-Democracy government formed what they called the "homelands" or the TBVC states made of the former Transkei, Bophutatwana, Venda and Ciskei. That is where I was born and spent many years. I have started to remember what I love about home and all the colours came back. The family holidays at the coast and the sunsets and sunrises at home are like no other. The colours, red, orange, yellows,purples, blues, violets all melt into each other against the green background of the hills.

So I have began my experimenting with enamels to see if I can recreate the sky of the Transkei. This is my first attempt at layering colour. The reds are tough to work on because they burn so easily. And the colours change everytime I fire in the kiln. I'm hoping to add more colours with out over doing it. I don't want that thick look in the enamels. I'm still experimenting so watch this space

Bare Exhibition

2008-07-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

I was invited, along with some of my classmates to exhibit at Bare in Morningside Durban. I said yes but didn't know how I was going to manage doing everything(work and exhibition). I think it was a good thing because I had to push myself and came up with some interesting things. Lets not forget that I became a zombi afterwards but that is a story for
another day.

I found paper in my journal that I had stuck in and forgotten about. I drew on the patterns on the embossed paper and found a shape which became the bases for some of my new jewellery. The obvious leaf shape, I found interesting because of it's simplicity and yet organic connetations. The simplified lines of the shape which still have strong reference to a leaf lead me to forging earrings and rings. I also found myself returning to the old mussle like shape that I used last year and using enamel(in the picture above). The multiple finger rings seem to have stuck with me. I would like develope the one in the picture above by adding to it colour by using stones, enamel or other media.

2008-07-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

A Spoon full of sugar!!!

So I challenged a friend to taking the plunge and write a poem. I have always wanted to be that type of person who can charm with words. But alas I do not posses the gift. I have decided to take the plunge as long as he does the same. So here is my first attempt. It will hopefully become better with time and practise.

A second counts

it changed my everything

Once I was here now I am there

Will you come for me?

I do not know where there is

It feels so foreign to the touch

I do not belong there

Return me here.

Here, where the seconds are sweet as the sun

And pure as the rain.

They can last a lifetime

So come for me in a second

I'll make it count.

2008-06-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Today I stayed in bed way too long trying to avoid all the things I have to do today. One of them being preparing for an exhibition at Bare in Morningside Durban. Which is on the 2nd of July. But alas the guilt finally got to me and I woke up. So we will have to see what i come up with. Another thing I have to do is try to find tickets(free) to either The MTN Durban Fashion Week or the Durban July. How hard is it to find tickets!!!!!! I have been trying but I'm starting to question my skills. I used to be able to do this!!!! I've lost my MOJO!!

Half Year Display

2008-06-18T00:51:00.001-07:00

I had to put up a half year dispaly. Which part of that sentance gives away the fact that I didn't want to do it? But after looking at it I saw somethings that I could work on, like the earrings (now I see I needed a close up). I like the simlpicity of the shape that is formed through forging. The use of line to make a shape is interesting to me. Now I will see if i can actually do some work instead of talking about it.

I did want the display to be a combination of natural, dangerous, harsh and old in the cactus and wood with the delicate lines of the jewellery. But I don't think I achieved that.

Looking for texture

2008-05-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

I found this piece of bark from a tree near my house. I liked the irregularity of the pattern but it reminded me of a fabric(lace). I have always been drawn to fabrics because of the intricacy of the treads which forms something bigger, strong and wearable. The pattern is fluid looking. It has flow, suggesting movement without having any actual movement. I will hopefully be able to add colour and use it with the wire rings.

Wax

2008-05-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted a more fluid feel to the flower so I decided to deconstruct it and build what I wanted from the pieces. I ended up with linked pieces that can move and therefore will give a fluid feel on the body. I would like to enamel these links individually then put then together.

Exploring Colour

2008-05-15T03:11:00.000-07:00

I am exploring colour by using enamels. I chose the technique because I had used it before I liked the results. I think I want to work with something I'm already familiar with for now. I used cut out flowers because of the effect that the enamel has on the pattern. It has that blobby feel or looks like flour but has that glossy fashionable look. It might look too blobby and stiff. The colours I used where random and i would like to choose them more carefully.

Photo Story

2008-05-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

This is a photo story of the rings in my previous blog entry. Just some pictures to explain the process.

Forging on

2008-05-13T02:01:00.000-07:00

The way things look may not be the way they are. I have felt that there are many pitfall to being a young, black South African woman. One is that there are many people waiting to decide who are what you are before you can. I am previously disadvantaged, submissive, can not possibly be accomplished. The impending series of rings is an expression of the frustration I feel about feeling that others have decided who i am or should be, so i don't make decisions about the rings until I'm making them. They still have the quality of not making sense until worn. I am intrigued by this quality.

Connecxions

2008-04-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

I have found an interest in creating jewellery that needs to be on the body to make sense to the viewer. This ring is based on the notion that line can make a statement on and off the body, so can a person. Others can make their minds up about who you are before they know you.