Joburg Fashion Week 07

Soweto showcase

Soweto’s position as one of the creative powerhouses of the new South Africa was re-affirmed after it hosted the first day of Joburg Fashion Week (from 21-25 August).

The Soweto Showcase is the first ever major fashion week event to be held in the area, motivated by Chairperson of African Fashion International, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe's desire to develop the area. To commemorate the opening of Joburg Fashion Week 2007on 21^st August, fashionistas, press and designers descended on the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto for the Soweto Showcase.

Showcasing spring/summer collections was Mzansi Designers, Nhlanhla, John Sithole (Earthquake), Sibu Msimang Designs, Malikah and Darkie. These designers were joined by Thabani Mavundla, David Tlale and Thula Sindi who recently exhibited at Paris Fashion Week, alongside Gavin Rajah, as part of the C'est Couture project

Highlights of the show!

Sun Goddess graced the runnway



(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

View the vid!

Visit Joburg Fashion Week for more on the event.

CTFW

Cape Town Fashion Week, celebrates its landmark fifth spring/summer 2007 collections.

The Cape Town Fashion Week, a premier South African Fashion showcase, founded and presented by African Fashion International (AFI), celebrated its 10anniversary on hosting the city’s major fashion event this August.

This fashion extravaganza included a charity fashion show entitled The Positive Collection. The collection fuses South Africa designers such as Gavin Rajah, Stoned Cherrie, Hip Hop, Kluk CGDT, David Tlale and Errol Arendz to individually design fashion ensembles to raise money for Positive which supports Tapologo AIDS Hospice, Noah, St Michaels and Missionvale Care Centre. Take a look!

Among other designers who showcase their collections at Cape Town Fashion Week were, AngloGold Ashanti AuDITIONS, C’est Couture (David Tlale, Craig Jacobs, Thabani Mavundla, and Thula Sindi), presented by Chivas Regal, Cosmo Lingerie Show, Gideon, In Style Charity Fashion Show, Julia Dalakian (Russia), Old Mutual Vukani Fashion Designer Awards, Paul van Zyl & Zinzi Couture with Uwe Koetter, Philosophy by Jenni Button, Port by Craig Port, Sonwabile Ndamase for Vukani Range Collections, the Pos+tive Collection (Errol Arendz, Stoned Cherrie, Hip Hop, Klûk CGDT, Gavin Rajah, Deola Sagoe & David Tlale), the list is endless!

Cape Town Fashion Week spring/summer '07 was held on 8-11th August at the Cape Town conference centre. For more on the fashion week, visit Cape Town Fashion Week.

Related article: C'est Couture,
'Go Red' In Style Fashion Show,
AuDITIONS at CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK '07
Africa Fashion Week
'Go Red' In Style Charity Fashion Show

AuDITIONS at CAPTOWN FASHION WEEK '07

Gold designer pieces worth millions captivated the fashion community during the debut of the AuDITIONS Global Gold Couture Collection at Cape Town fashion Week recently

The 54-piece Gold Couture Collection, which was featured at Fashion Week, combined high fashion, glamour and show-stopping high-carat bling. The collection included selected items from AngloGold Ashanti's AuDITIONS gold design awards hosted in Brazil, India, South Africa and China.

Take a look at these high-carat bling at the catwalk!

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner/Thunda.com)

AngloGold Ashanti AuDITIONS is the world’s largest gold jewellery design competition. Positioned as the global benchmark of cutting edge gold jewellery design, the competitions confirm that gold is going through a major metamorphosis and honours designers in Brazil, India, China and South Africa for innovation and trend-setting in gold design.

Visit AngloGold Ashanti AuDITIONS for more information and exquisite-catat jewelry.

Related story: Cape Town Fashion Week spring/summer '07

'Go Red' In Style Charity Fashion Show

Celebrates Women's Day

In honor of Women's Day, In Style Magazine’s Charity Fashion Show, in association with Elizabeth Arden and Go Red For Women, featured some of South Africa's best fashion designers and their celebrity muses on the catwalk. The glamorous event was held to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease in women and stroke campaign at the International Convention Centre on August 9, 2007 in Cape Town, South Africa. Take a look at some of the highlights from the charity fashion show!

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(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

1. Chichi Letswalo by Thula Sindi
2. Gerry Ratseli by Zinzi Coutre
3. Jo-Ann Strauss by Kluk CGDT
4. Nkhensani Nkosi by Stoned Cherrie
5. Unathi by Sun Goddess

Watch the event!

Related article: MTN Durban Fashion Week Spring/summer 2007,
South African Fashion
Fashion in AFrica

Africa Fashion Week

African Fashion International (AFI) will be launching Africa Fashion Week in 2007, hosting the very best fashion designers from twenty countries across the African continent.

The World Economic Forum which was held in Cape Town, South Africa from 13-15 June 2007, put African Fashion on their agenda for the first time. AFI played a key role in hosting a dinner discussion on the future of fashion in Africa and how to make it globally competitive. AFI also showcased African designers' collections at a fashion show at this premiere gathering of leaders in business, government and civil society.

AFI is spearheaded by Chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, a respected philanthropist and successful businesswoman. Dr Moloi-Motsepe heads up a company passionate about the promotion of African fashion brands and African fashion initiatives.

African Fashion International (AFI), formerly known as Leisureworx, is the dynamic, progressive company responsible for launching some of South Africa's major fashion designers nationally and internationally. AFI owns and presents the African continent's most respected and exciting fashion weeks setting the annually ramps alight with explosive, creative energy and talent.

AFI is also the force behind several fashion related strategic marketing initiatives to ensure that South Africa is the region's fashion capital. AFI is on the forefront of the fashion and creative industries in Africa. The company has been invited to participate at international fashion weeks as well as hosting international designers at some of their fashion weeks.

''AFI's vision is to be globally competitive and recognized as a leading authority on African fashion-related initiatives and African fashion brands. We also aim to improve the quality of fashion design output from Africa, to boost and promote African fashion brands, and to dramatically raise the profile of African fashion designers.''

AFI owns and manages the following fashion weeks:

• Cape Town Fashion Week (Spring / Summer)
• Audi Joburg Fashion Week (Autumn / Winter)
• MTN Durban Fashion Week (50%) (Spring / Summer)
• Joburg Fashion Week (Spring / Summer)
• Africa Fashion Week (to be launched in 2007)

(Photo credits: African Fashion international.com)

Sika Designs

We love this chic and beautiful collection by London fashion designer Phyllis Taylor, the creation behind Sika designs, a unique and innovative label. Sika creates exceptional garments combines with West Africa textiles and styles of London’s urban chic.

Sike is inspired by the rich and diverse culture of Ghana. Every fabric used has been carefully selected in local Ghanaian markets and hand made using natural methods, creating exclusive limited prints. Each unique piece defines an area in Ghana’s vast textile landscape, by using traditional fabrics such as tie and dye, batik’s and wax prints. View some of the collection!

The garments are produced in Ghana by highly skilled tailors and seamstresses, setting high standards in garment production, an integral part of Sika’s mission to work very closely with local traders and manufactures to produce quality garments for the international market thus raising the standard of garment production in Ghana.

Sika was nominated and won the award for Most Outstanding Contribution to the Fashion Industry in 2006 and took part in a charity event Catwalk the World in Ghana showcased designs together with Ozwald Boateng and various other designers to raise money for a children’s orphanage. The two events were the highlight of 2006 for Sika.

Stay tuned for updates on Sika’s 2007 Spring/Summer collection. Visit Sika for more information and to view collection.

(Photo credits: Sika design)

Isabela Capeto

Came across some garments that captured my attention, designs of Isabela Capeto, a Brazillian designer known for her signature craftwork, mixtures of prints, patterns and the use of detailed appliqué – including sequins, crosses and handpainted stripes. Inspired by museums and books never by predetermined tendencies, as each piece is like a work of art. Isabel uses computer graphics and street art in her clothing, the mix can be seen in metal embroidery appliqué, grosgrain ribbons and beads.

I love the African and Latin American inspired ensembles, influenced by the photos of two African artists, Seydour kelta and Malick Sidibé from Mali in African who had their work displayed in a book that shows fashion in the region, in the 60’s. Take a look!

(Photo credits: IsabelaCapeto)

Visit Isabela Capeto to for more on her and view more collection

Mio Studio

We love these pieces of wooden jewelry by Mayra Orama Muñiz. She uses exotic hardwoods as an expression of life in organic moving forms. The many landscapes of her life from the modern industrial city, to the tropical rain forests in Puerto Rico, have become an inspiration to her, thus created a line of jewelry that reflects this. The designs are a melding of richly textured woods and cool metal, creating a balance and movements. Some piece of art, love the innovative combination. Take a look at the gallery!

Vist Mio Studio to view more of these contemporary pieces of jewelry.

(Photo Credits: Mio Studio)

Related article: The Branch
Pia Jewellry
NiZuri Jewellry Collection
Kipepeo

Robert Clyne Textiles

Modern classics, with a twist of African traditional textiles and Japanese Kimono craftsmanship

Great combination!
I love the concept behind this ingenuity, the dyeing and stenciling techniques used! Its obvious close detailed attention and intensity is applied on these textiles of classic beauty and quality. One can tell quality is of the essence! In a communication with Robert, I commented how it just seems like a glimpse of whats more in-store.

The curator/designer Robert Clyne has been able to embrace the versatility of both African and Japanese cultures, to crafting exquisite fabrics.
(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Robert Clyne Textiles)

Both cultures are well known for their exquisite textile which indeed has stood the test of time, the most beautiful fabrics of the highest quality are passed down from one generation to the next. Classic designs from the great Yoruba, Kuba, and Malian textile traditions designs are only used, combined with the same superior quality silk and dye process in making superior quality kimonos. Inspired by these great cultures, “Modern Heirlooms” is the result of this great concept.

The company's goal is to transfer the dyeing and stenciling techniques to African craftsmen and women to make ttheir own high-end textiles, thus gain access to a premium global market.

Brilliant work and vision. Robert Clyne Textile is on the Horizon!

Watch a video of Robert on his "Africa meets Japan" concept.

Adorn yourself with these exquisite fabrics! Visit the online store to view more and purchase.

International Supermodel Alek Wek

Alek Wek, a former refugee, is now a top international supermodel who has graced dozens of top runways and the pages of the most glamorous fashion magazines. An entrepreneur as well as a model, she has her own handbag line, Wek 1933. She’s now written an autobiography. Alek, From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel. Here's what her publishers say about the book:

Since the day she was scouted by a modeling agent while shopping at a London street fair when she was just nineteen, Alek Wek's life has been nothing short of a fantasy. When she's not the featured model in print campaigns for hip companies, or gracing the cover of Elle, she is working the runways of Paris, New York, and Milan to model for the world's leading designers, including Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. But nothing in her early years prepared her for the life of a model.

Born in Wau, in the southern Sudan, Alek knew only a few years of peace with her family before they were caught up in a ruthless civil war that pitted outlaw militias, the Muslim-dominated government, and southern rebels against each other in a brutal conflict that killed nearly two million people. Here is her daring story of fleeing the war on foot and her escape to London, where her rise from young model to supermodel was all the more notable because of Alek's non-European looks.

A probe into the Sudanese conflict and an inside look into the life of a most unique supermodel, Alek is a book that will inspire as well as inform.

The book will be out on August 28th. Watch out for it!

Related article: WeK1933

PUMA: The Urban Mobility collection

Until now Puma has presented bikes as well as a limited edition of bags under the Urban Mobility theme. Now they have launched an entire dedicated website for the theme and present a very large collection of bags and accessories. The Urban Mobility collections is awesome! Designed to simplify and spruce up travel from city to city, using a blend of function and sophistication. Check out some of the collection.

The wood feature and prenium leather used on the bags, certainly makes them stand out as specail piceaces

This bag has been designed as a statement product in the Urban Mobility collection as well as being their key PR tool and door opener to the top end of the lifestyle market. It's targeted to a more fashion savvy consumer, creating a real buzz around the Urban Mobility collection and inspires other trendsetters to view the brand in a whole new light. Previously only exclusive at Selfridges, now available globally through select high-end furniture design stores and top end department stores.

It is a limited edition piece of which there is only be 600 bags. Each bag feature a silver metal plaque engraved and its own Ltd edition number.

Check out the entire collection on their newly launched website and for more in depth information related to Puma, browse Pumatalk.

(Photo Credits: Puma.com)

Espasso

Espasso is a gallery of Brazilian furniture designs with a blend of Brazil’s diverse culture influences and a respect for traditional style. Founded by Carlos Jungueira, he introduces these unique Brazilian designs to the world. Its sophistication derives from the country’s rich artistic and intellectual heritage, which is reflected in each piece selected for ESPASSO´s highly innovative collection.

Here’s a glimps of the gallery and some of the designs

(Photo Credits: Espasso)

An Oasis of Brazilian artistry!

Espassa has showrooms in Los Angeles and New York Visit Espasso to indulge more on those unique Brazilian designs

Elizabeth Fonseca & Gilberto Paim

Another creative Brazilian duo! The duo seek the balance and simplicity of the form using porcelain clay as the raw material for their creations. Each piece is unique with variation around a particular theme; every detail of the work is executed by them. The ornamental theme of the weave is inspired in textiles, basket making and writing, giving rise to relief and shade effects.

Great artistry, indulge!

(Photo Credit: Gilberto & Elizabeth)

Thier work is sold exclusively through Interni in Rio and São Paulo, and also forms part of the collection of the Espasso galleries in New York and Los Angeles. Visit Gilberto & Elizabeth for more

Etel

A self-taught Brazilian designer Etal Carmona began her work by researching and exploring her skills in antique furniture restoration. In 1988 Etel was conceived, manufacturing top-quality customized and one of a kind works of art by renowned Brazilian designers.

One of a kind indeed. Take a look!

(Photo Credits: Etel Interiores)

These artistic pieces can also be found at Espasso. Visit Etel Interiores for more.

C'est Couture at Paris Fashion Week '07

African Fashion International (AFI) and South African Tourism in association with Gavin Rajah, selected four talented young South African designers to show at Paris Fashion Week (Haute Couture), on the 5th of July 2007.

Rajah, having shown his collections at Paris twice to date, mentored the specially selected foursome who presented a collection at Paris Fashion week, alongside Gavin Rajah, as part of the C’est Couture project.


(Left to right.. Thabani Mavundla, Dr. Precious Moloi- Motsepe, Craig Jacobs, Linda Sangaret (SA Tourism in France), Nomasonto M Sibanda (SA Ambassador in France), Thula Sindi, Gavin Rajah, David Tlale)
(Photo credits: African Fashion International.com)

The foursome designers include Thabani Mavundla, Thula Sindi, Fundudzi, Craig Jacobs and David Tlale. Each have successfully showcased at major South African Weeks, alongside some of the more established designers to promote their varied designs. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe played her role of patron for the designers, as this is part of her vision of contributing toward the development and growth of South African designers, particularly talent from the townships and rural areas. These four designers have been chosen for their originality, their preference to using elements indigenous to South Africa, and their commitment to empowerment and equality issues in South Africa. Watch a video of the show.

AFI's goal in this project is to give the emerging designers an opportunity to see and be part of and international fashion week. Besides showing the best of South African designs, they will also be on a learning expedition. We have arranged visits to retailers in Paris such as Galleries Lafayette and Collette in order for the designers to gain insight in what designers do on an international level. AFI will also be initiating a mentorship programme for local designers with international designers in addition to a local mentorship programme for up and coming young designers with established South African Designers such as Gavin Rajah.

For more visit African Fashion International

London Fashion Week’s New Generation Fashion Winners Announced

The British Fashion Council has announced the designers who will receive the "New Generation" sponsorship from British high street retail giant Topshop to showcase their Spring/Summer 2008 collections during the upcoming London Fashion Week, which runs September 2007.

The recipients of New Generantion Sponsorship are Christopher Kane, Danielle Scutt, Duro Olowu, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Louis Goldin, Marios Schwab and Todd Lynn. Whilst the exhibition sponsorship recipient designers receiving exhibition sponsorship include Borba Margo, Danielle Scutt, Emilio de la Morena, Ginta, Louise Goldin, Marios Schwab and Todd Lynn. The New Generation scheme spans both the Exhibition at London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Council's official Catwalk Show Schedule. The support is given as cash sponsorship for a fashion show at London Fashion Week and/or a stand at the event's Exhibition.

Estanblished in 1993 to give support to the most promising new talent, the Spring/Summer '08 season marks Topshop's twelfth season as a sponsor. Topshop is the single biggest supporter of young fashion designers in the industry. Topshop continues to support previous winners through housing collections in the Boutique space at its flagship store in Oxford Circus.

London Fashion Week has long been recognized as a creative hotbed bursting with forward-thinking talent, and launched the careers of Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Sophia Kokosalaki – all of whom have gone on to show in either Paris or New York under both their own labels and the labels of established fashion houses – Dior, Pucci, Vionnet to name a few.

NiZuri NewsWire will keep you updated!

For more information visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Related article: Duro Olowu

MTN Durban Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007

Now in its third year, has established itself as a vibrant international fashion platform for top South African designers, new and emerging design talents to showcase their collections.

This year top local designers like Gideon and Lindiwe Kuzwayo and couturiers from all over South Africa who have their roots in Durban, such as Gavin Rajah, Malcolm Kluk and Craig Native, together with an exciting line up of young and emerging designers showcased their innovative collections over four days on the beach at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban this June.

Lets view some of the stunning designs from the fashion week.

Lindiwe Kuzwayo
Internationally acclaimed Durban designer brought spring to life in her latest haute couture, displayed bright colours in soft chiffon with tiny flower details, bloomed on the catwalk. Take a look!

Gavin Rajah
Gavin Rajah’s latest collection combined a new range in red and black, included were a few outfits from his Paris Cruise Collection meant for the sexy female silhouette. Watch this!

Kluk CGdT
The design duo Malcolm Kluk and Christaan Gabriel du Toit –CGdT are the designers behind the label Klud CGdT presented a classic collection spunked up with metallic and monochrome palette. The big metallic belt worn by one of the models will be a big trend this year

Kwame Jazz
Up-and –coming designer Kwame Kuzwayo, makes use of leather and indigenous Masai fabrics, embellished with beads, egg shells, porcupine quills, feathers and twigs, to create a contemporary range with a unique African Flair. This haute couture range is one of the highlights at the fashion week!

Eastern Mosaic
The Eastern Mosaic Style Showcase provided a spectacular Southeast Asian dimension to Durban Fashion Week. Three leading designers from the Indian sub-continent, namely Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis put on a fashion display to rival Bollywood's best.

Ifa Lethu
The launch of the Ifa Lethu Heritage collection is a collaborative project by local designers, Karen Monk-Klijnstra, Bonga Bhengu and Gugu Mismang, with the aim of exciting local youths in a fashion line they will not only want to wear, but wear with pride in being South Africans.

Stunning Designs!

(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

Alongside the Durban Fashion week, was “The International Bank Vaults Jewellery Show 07”, with exquisite jewellery showcased. Take a look at the collections at the Fashion Week!

For more information, visit MTN Fashion Week

Related article: South Africn Fashion Week

The International Bank Vaults Jewelry Show 2007

The MNT Durban Fashion Week also hosted the Jewelry show. But of course, you need the jewelry to compliment that stunning outfit!

Durban local and current Miss SA, Megan Coleman, graced the catwalk during the International Bank Vaults Jewelry Show, which exhibited an eclectic collection of shiny and sparkly gems by local jewelry designers. Take a look!

The jewelry show exhibited jewelry designs of diverse and creative South African designs.

(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

For more information, visit MTN Fashion Week

More props goes to the emerging young designers who showcased their designs at the MTN Fashion week. They too exhibited high fashion, ones to watch out for. We'l be following their progress. In mean-time, take a look!

MTN Young Designers 2007

Proud of its reputation for supporting young and emerging design talents, Durban Fashion Week has once again provided South Africa's young designers with the opportunity to show what they’re really made of. Take a look at the promising future designer.

(Photo Credits: Curtsey of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

Quite an mpressive internatinal fashion week! The MTN Durban Fasion week continues to contribute in exhibiting fashion trends, accesories and providing emerging designers, ones to look out for. NIZURI NewsWire will keep you up-dated with high class international fashion.

For more information, visit MTN Fashion Week

The Ultimate Swimwear Collection 2007

Whilst still on Durban South Africa, let’s check highlights of an amalgamation of designers showcasing the ultimate swimwear

(Photo Credits: Courtesy of Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za)

Well, thats all from Durban South Africa for now, NIZURI NewsWire will keep you updated!

Damon Buffini

The emerging new face of private equity in the UK

The name may mean little but in the investment revolution, he is the most important person you’ve probably never heard of. Based on the views of many financial observers, he is the most powerful British of any colour or creed that you have never heard of. He works in the city, and looks like any normal member of the pin-striped professional

Aged 44, Mr Damon Buffini is the managing partner of Permira, Europe's biggest private-equity firm. The London-based equity firm focuses on supporting management in businesses that are either under performing, or not fulfilling their potential, in other words buys companies with cash and borrowed funds, changes the way they do business and then sells them on for a vast profit.

Under Mr Buffini’s leadership, Permira has established itself as a leader among the 4,000 private-equity firms worldwide. Alongside Apax and CVC, it is one of London’s Big Three. Permira’s portfolio of high-profile acquisitions includes household names as the AA, New Look, Homebase and Bird's Eye.

The latest conquest is the acquisition of Valentino, one of the most prestigious luxury fashion houses in the world, ruled by the Marzotto family. The private equity group became the largest shareholder in Valentino, famous for its gowns but derives 76 per cent of revenues from a 51 per cent holding in Hugo Boss, the German menswear brand.


Mr Buffini was born and brought up in Leicester to an English mother and black American serviceman father, he attended grammar school, then to St. John’s College to study law. Graduated in 1984, and became a management consultant, before winning a scholarship to Harvard Business School. After graduating he returned to Britain to take up a job at Schroder Ventures. He rose through ranks and got his opportunity in 2001, when the investment-banking parent of Schroder Ventures sold off its private-equity operation to a management group led by Buffini, and later renamed Permira.

He is perhaps one of the 100 men who most influence how capital gets allocated in the City, and the future of the City rich list. His personal fortune is about £100m and is a staggering power and influence in Britain.

Mr Damon Buffini is certainly the ultimate role model for what is possible in Britain with hard work and talent.

Meanwhile, let’s watch Mr Buffini highten Valentino!

Watch Velentino's Haute Couture Spring 2007

For more on Permira, visit www.permira.com

Pharrell Williams

Creates new Louis Vuitton Jewellery Line

Pharrell is teaming up again with the fashion label to design a special line of jewellery. Pharrell was selected by designer Mark Jacobs to team with jewellery designer Camille Miceli for the collection. Miceli styled Mariah Carey for her music video “Say Somethin’”, which also features Pharrell and Snoop Dogg. The Miceli/Pharrell collaboration is expected to debut sometime this year, 2007. Miceli explains the range “is going to be with such scale, so large – and of course very, very unique”. The Venture came about after Pharrell reportedly impressed Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs with his ideas. “Pharrell will be drawing on his jewellery experience from working with Jacob the jeweler and says the designs will be “super regal”.

Pharrell already fronts Louis Vuitton’s 2006 and 2007 men’s fashion range.

Pharrell also appears alongside a variety of models, including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell who both front the women’s range.

Marc Jacobs describes the aesthetic as a touch of the street, elevated to a rich, modern chic that embodies the message of Louis Vuitton ‘s ready-to-wear accessories and bags. And that working with beautiful, iconic, and powerful faces creates compositions that boldly display Louis Vuitton’s exquisite, super-luxe style.

Pharrell has already worked with Louis Vuitton to create the Millionaire sunglasses line.

These Vuitton shades are available at Vuitton boutiques. The Cruise collection are available online or www.louisvuitton.com

For more on Pharrel's Louis Vuitton jewellery designs, visit Louis Vuitton news

ACCESSORIZE with NiZuri collection at NiZuri Online-Store!

Watch out for updates!

The Branch is one of our favourite designs in jewellery. The London based jewellery designer Wendy Pickard, founded her company The Branch in 2003. Her unique approach to jewellery design is coupled with a working philosophy to design and create, original and contemporary jewellery combining wood and silver.

The influence behind Wendy's use of wood can be attributed largely to her repeated travels throughout Africa, where she observed many different uses of wood as jewellery in African culture. Through trial and error and a genuine love for wood as a material Wendy has learnt to harness its natural character and beauty. She has discovered that by working with the grain it is possible to accentuate the shape of each piece and enables her to create movement throughout her work. Inspiration is taken from her extensive travels throughout the world and from both architectural and natural shapes and forms that surround us in day to day life. Due to the individual nature of the grain within the wood each piece has it's own unique one of a kind feel, and through her designs Wendy manages to emphasise the natural essence of the wood and how beauty forms in the colours and shapes within the wood.



For more visit www.the-branch.co.uk

ACCESSORIZE with NiZuri collection at NiZuri Online-Store!