Amelia’s Magazine | Christmas Gift Ideas 2013: Jewellery

EA Burns, Ancient Rites, Span the depths earrings

Span the Depths earrings by EA Burns.

Regular readers will know of my love for jewellery, so naturally my new market place (to be launched in the New Year) will feature the work of some wonderful jewellery designers. Expect to find unusual and unique pieces created from a wide variety of materials and styles and to suit whatever budget you have. Think precious metals, fine jewels, hand made, ethical and much more: the one thing that all the pieces you discover on Amelia’s Magazine will share is impeccable design credentials. And so without further ado here’s a selection of gift ideas for Christmas from some of my new partners.

Annabelle Lucilla Jewellery Oriental Tasseled Hoop Ring in silver on model

Annabelle Lucilla is fast making a name for herself with her range of stunning etched jewellery, created from her studio in Cockpit Arts. Rings are a bestseller, so why not lay your hands on this unusual tasselled ring in either silver or gold plated brass at £70 from her Oriental collection – it’s sure to make your Christmas festivities swing. Read my recent interview with Annabelle Lucilla here.

EA Burns Ancient Rites Megalith Necklace

I love the new Ancient Rites collection from ethical jeweller EA Burns, and if you really fancy splashing out on a stand out statement piece you should look no further than this Megalith necklace for £560. If your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far there are many smaller pieces within the collection that are bound to be met with a merry smile on Christmas day. Read my interview with Lizzie Burns here.

Moko Sellars bone china reversed diamond ring

Bone china rings by Moko Sellars make a very unusual gift and are very reasonably priced too. This Reversed Diamond Bone China Ring is glazed in a glossy clear finish and was inspired by the rigid lattice structure of a diamond and costs just £35. Who needs real diamonds eh? Read our interview with Moko Sellars here.

Milena Kovanovic - Ursulas Hoard rings

Gemologist Milena Kovanovic works with unusual gems such as Uvite and Vanadinite. The La Belle Ring features a big orange oval Carnelian surrounded by seed petals set in rose gold plated silver in a hammered band. Best of all, if you spend over £500 on her website you get a free pair of earrings thrown in. Read more about Milena Kovanovic in my interview here.

Rosita Bonita - tassel_pendant and earrings

Rosita Bonita‘s new A/W 2013 collection Toledo takes inspiration from the traditional damascene jewellery of Spain & Japan. Delicate illustrations fuse the two styles together in these dainty gold embossed leather tassel earrings. At £32 they won’t break the bank either. Perfect. Here is our interview with Rosita Bonita.

Sarah Angold bracelet jewellery

Sarah Angold works in perspex to create extravagant architectural pieces for many other big name designers. She also has her own collection where you can discover pieces such as this Cetra Bracelet: at £485 it makes a considered purchase but one that is sure to make you stand out in the crowd. I will be interviewing Sarah soon.

If you love fashion why not also check out my gift ideas here? I’ve got more suggestions for gifts coming up shortly, so stay tuned.

Categories ,Ancient Rites, ,Annabelle Lucilla, ,Cetra Bracelet, ,Cockpit Arts, ,EA Burns, ,Lizzie Burns, ,Megalith necklace, ,Milena Kovanovic, ,Moko Sellars, ,Oriental collection, ,Reversed Diamond Bone China Ring, ,Rosita Bonita, ,Sarah Angold, ,Span the Depths, ,Toledo, ,Uvite, ,Vanadinite

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | À La Disposition: The London Fashion Week S/S 2012 Preview Interview

technology will save us stall
Simian Mobile Disco has made a career of writing sharp, case economic dance tracks. Their release last year of Temporary Pleasures showed that they could still fill up dance floors, and they enlisted the help of some of their musical peers.

New single Cruel Intentions features The Gossip’s Beth Ditto on vocals. Singing over a simple synth loop the minimal sounding track has Ditto’s voice front and centre throughout she is either singing a song about finding love, or losing it. It manages to highlight how effective her singing voice is and why she is so respected within the musical community.

As seems common for dance bands lately the track has a strong 80’s vibe to it but it doesn’t make it sound dated and cheap.  I can imagine dragging myself onto the dance floor during the closing minutes of a club dance and shaking my booze dullened body in time to the beat, and I mean that in the best possible way
A La Disposition SS 2012 by Faye West
A La Disposition S/S 2012 by Faye West.

À La Disposition return to London for their second season at London Fashion Week this September with their S/S 2012 collection mECHANICAL fAILURE, click inspired by the shapes of propellers and the mechanics of flight. Time to find out what keeps American husband and wife team Lynda and Daniel Kinne ticking… and why they’ve decided to make London their new home.

a la disposition mECHANICAL fAILURE by Gareth A Hopkins
À La Disposition mECHANICAL fAILURE by Gareth A Hopkins.
 
Last season we were wowed by À La Disposition for the first time at London Fashion Week – what was the reception like and why have you decided to return for a second time to show in London?
Thank you for the kind compliment. The reception we received was a great one: very warm and well spoken. It has always been a dream of ours to live in London because it is a great source of inspiration, and it is where we received very crucial and formative parts of our training.

A la disposition by Alice Nyong
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Alice Nyong.

What other things did you discover and fall in love with at LFW?
What is truly unique about London Fashion Week and what we love most is the creative expression, not just the designers but also the people. London has a great mix professionalism and wit. We also find a positive vibe here that is truly its own.
 
A La Disposition by Yelena Bryksenkova
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Yelena Bryksenkova.

Where is your studio based and what would it look like if I were to pop around for a cup of tea right now?
We are currently looking for a studio in London, or at least we will be after London Fashion Week. We hope to be based near our new home in Southwark. If you were to drop by right now you would find a very industrious scene of somewhat makeshift workstations and busy last minute adjustments. You would be treated to a deep malty cup of Assam taken with little sugar and much milk and nobbly biscuits.

A la disposition by Alice Nyong
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Alice Nyong.

You are a husband and wife team – what came first? The working together or the romantic relationship? And how do you manage to separate your different work and private lives?
There always was an attraction from the first time we met at fashion school. It developed from a passion about the same things to working together to a passion for one another. There really is no division to our work and personal lives they are so harmoniously intertwined.

A La Disposition by Gilly Rochester LFW Sept 2011
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester.
 
For S/S 2012 I believe we can look forward to contrast in the form of voluminous gowns and graphic sternness, with shapes reminiscent of propellers – where did you find the inspiration for this collection and how did you research ideas?
It is always difficult to articulate our inspiration ideas. The collection is a journey which flows from a story Daniel develops as he sketches. This season’s story involved the mechanics of flight. Although we do not research images or ideas for each particular season we have an extensive library of fashion and art books and we are always gathering ideas from everything around us.

À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Alice Nyong
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Alice Nyong.
 
It sounds as if your colour palette will be as bold as it was last time around – army greens combined with rich yellows and purples. How do you put together a colour range and then source the fabrics or dyes to make this a reality?
This is Lynda’s territory in the brand development. The colour range is developed in conjunction with the fabrics we source as the season organically develops. The punchiness of the colour card, the signature textures and the stripes are all Lynda.

A La Disposition by Gilly Rochester LFW Preview Sept 2011
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester.
 
Last season you created a wonderful dual perfume for the show (which I wear quite a lot!) – can we look forward to any other special collaborations for this season?
So glad to hear that you like our perfume {{intangible}}. It has been received very well. There is a smaller version of the perfume in the works to more easily distribute it. We also are working with Anastasia Radevich to design our shoe range again and are very excited about what she has designed for us.

a la disposition mECHANICAL fAILURE shoe by Gareth A Hopkins
a la disposition mECHANICAL fAILURE shoe by Gareth A Hopkins.
 
The styling of last seasons’ show was quite spectacular… you memorably used coloured contacts to give red eyes. Will there be any other surprises in store this season?
There are a few possibilities in the works. As long as it works with the collection we are willing to give it a go.

A La Disposition Dress by Claire Kearns
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Claire Kearns.

À La Disposition will be showing their S/S 2012 collection on the catwalk on Tuesday 20th September 2011 as part of Fashion Scout.

A La Disposition Outfit by Claire Kearns
À La Disposition S/S 2012 by Claire Kearns.

Categories ,À La Disposition, ,Alice Nyong, ,Anastasia Radevich, ,Claire Kearns, ,Fashion Scout, ,Faye West, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,Gilly Rochester, ,London Fashion Week, ,Lynda and Daniel Kinne, ,mECHANICAL fAILURE, ,Perfume, ,preview, ,Propellers, ,S/S 2012, ,Yelena Bryksenkova, ,{{intangible}}

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | NKOYO Silk Scarves: an interview with illustrator and print designer Alice Nyong

NKOYO by Alice Nyong
NKOYO by Alice Nyong.

When contributing illustrator Alice Nyong got in touch to tell me about her beautiful new printed scarf range, I had to know more… here she offers invaluable advice about setting up a label, keeping production in the UK, and best ways to wear your scarf.

nkoyo preciousstones portrait
NKOYO Scarves
What is the inspiration behind your new NKOYO silk scarf collection and how or where did you research the imagery?
I’d say the inspiration for the scarves is twofold, firstly, I love the traditional format of silk scarves, which I’ve always been drawn to. I love the configuration used by classic designers such as Versace, Balmain and Hermes; the use of symmetry and how your work changes so much once it’s mirrored, and then again once it’s worn always appealed to me. Secondly I’m influenced by the world around me. I grew up in london, but my mum always had a really lush and green garden, so the contrasts of those two aesthetic environments really inspired me. I love nature and the natural beauty found within it, so that informs a lot of my designs. As far as researching images, I tend to draw from real life, or photographs I’ve taken myself. I trawled through loads of old national geographic magazines for my more nature-rich designs such as the precious stones or under the sea. 

NKOYO Scarves
How long has it taken you to set up the label and what has been the hardest part?
It’s been a real growing process. I started designing in October last year, and made a little online shop of my first samples, all finished by me at that time. I then realised I had to improve the way they were being made, and size them so that the designs translated correctly on the wearer. I worked with two different suppliers to get the silk and the production just right, and I’m only recently feeling totally happy with it. It’s been different for me coming from a graphics background, I was naive, and I’ve learnt as I’ve gone along. They’ve been stocked in Luna & Curious since the beginning of this year, which is great. I’d say the hardest part is the patience you have to have. With pure illustration, there is more of an immediate result, but theres a lot of waiting with what I do now. But I find the end result way more fulfilling.

NKOYO Scarves
Self portrait.

NKOYO Scarves
What has been the most rewarding part of working on the collection?
Seeing it worn on someone is so rewarding for me. I also really enjoyed seeing them through the prism of another artist when my friend, and great photographer, Alma Haser shot the lookbook images. They brought another element to my work, which was amazing. Although I enjoy running a business, and all that comes with; it doesn’t always come naturally to me, but I think picking colours, and imagining how a design is going to look on a woman does. I feel very proud of myself for the collection I’ve made.

nkoyo underthesea
NKOYO Scarves
The scarves are ethically made in the UK – how did you source production and why is it important to you to make things locally?
I started off talking to fellow young designers, and asking for advice on where to have the silk printed. I quickly became aware that so many scarves are made abroad in an unethical manner to keep costs down, and that I’d have to be in direct competition with them. So as much as I need the support of the customer that wants to buy good British design, the good British manufacturers need my support. It’s also important to me to have someone on the end of a phone or a train journey away, to talk to about how my final product will be. From a wider viewpoint, after all the work I put into my designs, I want them only to be a thing of positivity, I don’t want myself or the customer to be left with a bad taste in their mouth when considering where the product has been made.

NKOYO Scarves
How do you recommend that the different sizes of scarf are worn?
I think the great thing with scarves is they are so versatile. Recently the 90x90cm braids scarf was styled as a top for an editorial, which looked amazing. Normally I’d wear that one folded in a triangle around the neck, to show off the design at the back. I also love turbans, they suit all hair types. The long scarf comes in either 165cm x 14cm or 130cm x 30cm, so theres a few different ways to wear. I love to see either worn with a collared shirt in a pussy bow style, which I think brightens up a quite formal look. Or twisted around the head. The thicker long scarf is also great hung loosely, as the design is quite bold. 

NKOYO Scarves
Where is your studio and what does it look like on a busy day at work?
I have a studio space at home in North London, which I really like. Its all focussed around a large desk and a large desktop mac. I do like to spread out, and work on quite a big scale; Drawing on A4 paper or anything smaller gives me mild anxiety. After a busy day, there’ll be a lot of pieces of paper with frantic lists and doodles, and I have a lot of magazines piled up around me, but nothing too manic. I think I’m similar to a lot of creatives, when I say I like my space how I like it. Nobody move the mess. 

NKOYO Scarves
Why do you think that scarves are enjoying such a renaissance at the moment?
I think it’s because they are a blank canvas. The wearer can be daring in a much more accessible way, and there are very few outfits that don’t benefit from the addition of a scarf. There are some great artists out there, who are experimenting with the medium, and having fun with it. With promotion from shops like Liberty, they are also a very luxurious item, I think people want to spend their money wisely in this climate, and although it sounds corny, you do get a piece of art and something wearable at the same time.

NKOYO Scarves
What other projects are you working on now?
I am always working on freelance illustration and graphics projects. Soon I hope to collaborate with some friends who are starting a menswear label called heresy. As well as illustration, I really like writing, and have a writing website that I try to update as often as I can. Its a little more acerbic than my designs would suggest I suppose, but I love it. I want to write short stories when I have the time. 

NKOYO Scarves
See more on the NKOYO website: www.nkoyo.co.uk or check out illustrations on http://alicenyong.com

NKOYO Scarves

Categories ,Alice Nyong, ,Alma Haser, ,Balmain, ,ethical, ,heresy, ,Hermés, ,illustration, ,Local, ,Luna & Curious, ,Luna and Curious, ,print, ,Silk Scarf, ,sustainable, ,Versace

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Album review of The Hangman Tree and interview with Laura J Martin

Laura J Martin by Alice Nyong
Laura J Martin by Alice Nyong.

Laura J Martin sets out her wares in the album title track and single The Hangman Tree, the sweetest of vocals twirling around languid drums, hand claps and a noodling kazoo. The beat builds to a flute embroidered finale which leads into the stunning Fire Horse, where upon Laura J Martin‘s favourite wind instrument takes precedence with unusual and beautiful results. Other standouts on the 16 track album include the bouncy Jesse, the frantic spitfire interludes to the lilting Spy and campfire crackling meets rap of Kissabye Goodnight. You read our recent review of her live gig at the Lexington, and now it’s time to catch up with Liverpudlian musician Laura J Martin as she gears up to release her much anticipated debut album. The Hangman Tree is a gorgeous medley of folk, oriental and jazz influences that needs to be on your stereo soon.

Laura_J_Martin_by_Justyna_Sowa
Laura J Martin by Justyna Sowa.

You are a multi-talented musician with a range of musical instruments at your disposal. How many do you play?
My main instruments are flute and piano, but I dabble with the mandolin and other pipes too. 
 
Laura J Martin docks
You have said that the flute is your main instrument of choice – has it ever been hard to accommodate a wind instrument and voice in your songs: how do you prioritise what works best?
Aha! Well the loop station was brought on board because of this reason. I have recently incorporated piano regularly into my live shows and recordings as it does more naturally support the vocal, but I do love layering up the flute especially when I go Mellotron / Strawberry Fields style.

Laura-J-Martin-The-Hangman-Tree-cover
What has inspired the lyrics to the tunes on your debut album The Hangman Tree?
Tributes to good people I know and have known, pets, stories relating to my gypsy heritage and flawed relationships.
 
You grew up in Liverpool: how did this urban environment produce someone so bohemian? Did your parents encourage your music and if so in what way?
Well I grew up in one of the dullest suburbs of Liverpool so we were forced to make our own entertainment. My parents have always been pretty supportive. They followed the Catholic tradition of having more than 2.4 kids so they probably lost focus with me maybe! In all seriousness they have been very encouraging, my Dad is sometimes my personal caddie too. Music has always been important to the Martin family. My Grandad was a pianist so he planted the seed.
 
YouTube Preview Image
The tracks on your new album bear more than the usual folk influences… for instance Fire Horse sounds vaguely Oriental. Where do these inputs come from?
Kung Fu and Samurai films mainly and I do have a soft spot for the likes of (Argentine composer) Lalo Schifrin. The flute is a particularly oriental sounding instrument. If you took the same pitches and played them on another instrument such as, erm, the didgeridoo, well it might sound less eastern, not that I’m complaining about the link!
 
Laura J Martin The Hangman Tree by Gareth A Hopkins
Laura J Martin by Gareth A Hopkins.

The Hangman Tree has been some time coming: we’ve been championing you for over 2 years on Amelia’s Magazine. Has it been hard to get the album out and what have the biggest frustrations and joys of the process been?
Yes, tell me about it!! The joys of the process are creating the songs and the satisfaction of completing them and being able to perform them live. It can be frustrating having to wait that length of time before releasing an album, but if you leave songs to settle you are able to pick out the strongest ones and ruthlessly erase the ones that don’t cut the mustard.
 
How did you hook up with record label Static Caravan?
Through Marc Riley, I have a lot to thank him for. Well saying that I met Marc through Euros Childs and Norman when touring with Jonny. Those fine chaps saved my life!
 
Laura-J-Martin-sleeve
Where can our readers see you perform live in 2012?
Well some dates are coming together in the UK. Please see my website for details: laurajmartin.com I have also been working with Richard James so there should be some dates on the board for that soon too.
 
Laura J Martin shot
Any top tips for other musical acts to look out for this year?
I’ve been digging out some old stuff to be honest. Geoff from Static Caravan gave me a Johnny Harris LP for christmas and it’s a beast! New stuff? I think Y Niwl are terrific, Serafina Steer, Clinic have just released a new album which I am looking forward to listening to.

The Hangman Tree by Laura J Martin is out on Static Caravan on 23rd January 2012. See also our recent review of her performance at the Lexington here.

Categories ,album, ,Alice Nyong, ,clinic, ,Euros Childs, ,Fire Horse, ,Flute, ,folk, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,interview, ,Jesse, ,Johnny Harris, ,Justyna Sowa, ,Kissabye Goodnight, ,Laura J Martin, ,Lexington, ,Marc Riley, ,Mellotron, ,Oriental, ,review, ,Serafina Steer, ,Spy, ,Strawberry Fields, ,The Hangman Tree, ,Y Niwl

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Album review of The Hangman Tree and interview with Laura J Martin

Laura J Martin by Alice Nyong
Laura J Martin by Alice Nyong.

Laura J Martin sets out her wares in the album title track and single The Hangman Tree, the sweetest of vocals twirling around languid drums, hand claps and a noodling kazoo. The beat builds to a flute embroidered finale which leads into the stunning Fire Horse, where upon Laura J Martin‘s favourite wind instrument takes precedence with unusual and beautiful results. Other standouts on the 16 track album include the bouncy Jesse, the frantic spitfire interludes to the lilting Spy and campfire crackling meets rap of Kissabye Goodnight. You read our recent review of her live gig at the Lexington, and now it’s time to catch up with Liverpudlian musician Laura J Martin as she gears up to release her much anticipated debut album. The Hangman Tree is a gorgeous medley of folk, oriental and jazz influences that needs to be on your stereo soon.

Laura_J_Martin_by_Justyna_Sowa
Laura J Martin by Justyna Sowa.

You are a multi-talented musician with a range of musical instruments at your disposal. How many do you play?
My main instruments are flute and piano, but I dabble with the mandolin and other pipes too. 
 
Laura J Martin docks
You have said that the flute is your main instrument of choice – has it ever been hard to accommodate a wind instrument and voice in your songs: how do you prioritise what works best?
Aha! Well the loop station was brought on board because of this reason. I have recently incorporated piano regularly into my live shows and recordings as it does more naturally support the vocal, but I do love layering up the flute especially when I go Mellotron / Strawberry Fields style.

Laura-J-Martin-The-Hangman-Tree-cover
What has inspired the lyrics to the tunes on your debut album The Hangman Tree?
Tributes to good people I know and have known, pets, stories relating to my gypsy heritage and flawed relationships.
 
You grew up in Liverpool: how did this urban environment produce someone so bohemian? Did your parents encourage your music and if so in what way?
Well I grew up in one of the dullest suburbs of Liverpool so we were forced to make our own entertainment. My parents have always been pretty supportive. They followed the Catholic tradition of having more than 2.4 kids so they probably lost focus with me maybe! In all seriousness they have been very encouraging, my Dad is sometimes my personal caddie too. Music has always been important to the Martin family. My Grandad was a pianist so he planted the seed.
 
YouTube Preview Image
The tracks on your new album bear more than the usual folk influences… for instance Fire Horse sounds vaguely Oriental. Where do these inputs come from?
Kung Fu and Samurai films mainly and I do have a soft spot for the likes of (Argentine composer) Lalo Schifrin. The flute is a particularly oriental sounding instrument. If you took the same pitches and played them on another instrument such as, erm, the didgeridoo, well it might sound less eastern, not that I’m complaining about the link!
 
Laura J Martin The Hangman Tree by Gareth A Hopkins
Laura J Martin by Gareth A Hopkins.

The Hangman Tree has been some time coming: we’ve been championing you for over 2 years on Amelia’s Magazine. Has it been hard to get the album out and what have the biggest frustrations and joys of the process been?
Yes, tell me about it!! The joys of the process are creating the songs and the satisfaction of completing them and being able to perform them live. It can be frustrating having to wait that length of time before releasing an album, but if you leave songs to settle you are able to pick out the strongest ones and ruthlessly erase the ones that don’t cut the mustard.
 
How did you hook up with record label Static Caravan?
Through Marc Riley, I have a lot to thank him for. Well saying that I met Marc through Euros Childs and Norman when touring with Jonny. Those fine chaps saved my life!
 
Laura-J-Martin-sleeve
Where can our readers see you perform live in 2012?
Well some dates are coming together in the UK. Please see my website for details: laurajmartin.com I have also been working with Richard James so there should be some dates on the board for that soon too.
 
Laura J Martin shot
Any top tips for other musical acts to look out for this year?
I’ve been digging out some old stuff to be honest. Geoff from Static Caravan gave me a Johnny Harris LP for christmas and it’s a beast! New stuff? I think Y Niwl are terrific, Serafina Steer, Clinic have just released a new album which I am looking forward to listening to.

The Hangman Tree by Laura J Martin is out on Static Caravan on 23rd January 2012. See also our recent review of her performance at the Lexington here.

Categories ,album, ,Alice Nyong, ,clinic, ,Euros Childs, ,Fire Horse, ,Flute, ,folk, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,interview, ,Jesse, ,Johnny Harris, ,Justyna Sowa, ,Kissabye Goodnight, ,Laura J Martin, ,Lexington, ,Marc Riley, ,Mellotron, ,Oriental, ,review, ,Serafina Steer, ,Spy, ,Strawberry Fields, ,The Hangman Tree, ,Y Niwl

Similar Posts: