Thursday 6 May 2010

New Collection!

So, anyone who follows me on Twitter (twitter.com/paradisaea & twitter.com/_sacrecoeur_) will have seen me hinting at a new collection of jewellery and accessories that I will soon be launching. I've got pretty much everything ready to go so I will very shortly be sharing pictures with you all and items will be up for sale in my Etsy store. For now however, I will let you in on a little more information about the new collection to give you a bit of an idea what to expect.

It is no secret amongst my friends, colleagues and acquaintances, that I have a longstanding interest in, and passion for, all things Victorian. Visually, culturally and historically speaking, I am absolutely infatuated with all things 19th century. One of the most prominent, distinctive and fascinating aspects of Victorian culture was their mourning 'ritual'. The ideals behind it, the photographs, the clothing, the jewellery... everything. It's just so wonderfully macabre! It was very much a part of daily life though. The use of jet in intricately carved brooches, pins, pendants and beadwork. Locks of hair from the deceased, delicately knotted and forever encased in lockets to be worn my grieving loved ones. Skulls and bones incorporated into beautiful designs made from gold, diamonds, pearls and other precious metals and stones. It's all so beautiful. Of course, it is worth mentioning that 'Memento Mori' was not a Victorian concept, it had already been around for centuries prior... but somehow, it tied in so perfectly with their way of life, it has become inextricably linked with the era. The pictures throughout this entry are some examples of the sort of thing I gather inspiration from. Compiled with the help of Google Images of course ;)



I have been working to combine aspects of this with my other influences. Mainly the natural world. Over the past few months, I have been working hard, carving, moulding, casting and polishing handmade components for my new pieces that will not be seen anywhere else. Encompassing the current appreciation for cameo jewellery, mourning aesthetic, the animal kingdom and the use of modern materials, my new collection will centre around all of the above but, most importantly, be wearable. The range will consist of ready to wear pieces such as necklaces, brooches, rings, earrings etc as well as couture and one off pieces. You can expect to see a lot of shiny black, bone hues, intricate scrollwork settings, lace, velvet and.... latex. I told you there was modern materials involved as well!

I'll post some pictures of it all up soon. Let me know your thoughts!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

that sounds rather cool, I for one can't wait to see what you've produced :)

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to your unveiling, any taxidermied pieces?? I too have an interest in the victorian gothic movement and generally anything macabre and also have an obsession with skulls, 32 years down the line and my dad still can't understand it! When I get some free time I'll have to pop up and visit you on your stall in Camden. Keep up the good work Teax

Teayam Tasbihgou said...

Thank guys :)

Natasha: Nope, no taxidermied pieces. I'll leave that to everyone else. It's seen a massive surge in interest lately and, as such, there's a handful of exceptional, established designers and about a thousand 2nd rate knock-off 'designers' for each of them. On the subject of skulls, you'd love some of the bits and pieces I have lying around in my room upstairs!

Please do swing by if you get a chance! It'd be good to meet you :D