LARA JENSEN

Lara Jensen's jewel-dripping pieces for Inbar Spectors AW12 collection are nothing short of MIND-BLOWING.

My heart stopped for a few seconds when I first caught site of these stunningly extravagant 'masks' (Can we call them masks?) and it struggled to start beating again as I trawled through Jensens extensive catalogue of work...The gold chain and crystal pieces reminded me of Indian jewellery often seen at weddings, but on a MUCH grander scale. There's also a definite fetish aspect in there composition: constricting and outrageous, but still decadent and uber feminine.

When speaking of her inspiration for the pieces, Jensen had this to say...

''My love of decadence and colour lead to the choice in the stones and settings...as I was designing the pieces, through the process of positioning the elements, there were shots of influence showing through of circus harnesses, Bedouin tribal costume and Fabergé''

I think the pieces sit perfectly with Spectors collection, with neither designer holding back one bit with the design you'd think the overall effect would be a bit 'too much'. But this isn't the case, I think the work of each designer completely compliments the other. Superb!

Having graduated from the London College of Fashion studying costume design, its no wonder Jensens work is so theatrical. Her spectacular work has caught the eye of some of the BIGGEST names in the biz including Lady Gaga, Jessie J, Karl Lagerfeld, Peaches and MAC cosmetics...With fans as big as these, It's safe to say Jensen has a truly GLITTERING future!

Be sure to check out the rest of Jensen's work over at larajensen.co.uk

Millinary by Lara Jensen
Clothing by Inbar Spector
Styled by Hope Von Joel

GALIBARDY: SKULLS AND SPIKES AND SCORPIONS, OH MY!

You may remember I wrote a blog post back in June, all about the amazing work of Galibardy, a fresh and exciting jewellery brand that is taking the fashion and celebrity worlds by storm with their fun and edgy pieces.

Well, ever since then I've been keeping a close eye on what they've been up too...and I must say, they've done good! With a whole heap of new additions to the Galibardy family, I thought It was about time P.A.R found out a little more!

''So, Galibardy...Poison Antidote Repeat has a WHOLE heap of love for what you do. You really do bring something fun, fresh and edgy to the table...the likes of which we don't really see anywhere else! Where do you get your inspiration from?''

''We take our inspiration from everything around us – nature, religion, people, animals, urban culture.  The collection is a really eclectic mix of styles and motifs and  we’re always looking to offer something fresh and exciting.''

''We've seen your work on dozens of celebrities...If you could pick ONE celebrity who embodies the Galibardy spirit, who would it be and why?''

''We were so excited when Jessie J wore one of our pieces for her 2011 Glastonbury performance -  she exudes confidence and has a really upbeat attitude, combined with her unique style and a sense of fun, she’s most definitely a Galibardy girl! ''

''Galibardy, despite its phenomenal success, has had very little in the way of advertising...Can we expect some mind blowing editorials or ad campaigns in 2012?''

''The brand has grown quite organically. Our success in the media has been great and we’ve had some fantastic editorial features in the likes of Elle, InStyle, i-D, Cosmopolitan, Grazia and Look. Whilst we’re not looking to run any ad campaigns for the coming year, we are launching some great new collections which we’re sure the press will love!''

''Out of all the stunning pieces you've created so far, which to date has been your ultimate favourite?''

''There’s so many to choose from and I have so many favourites! The Black Anubis ring was a really great piece and we created it with Kelly Rowland in mind as she’d been wearing so many of our designs – luckily Kelly loved this style too and is even wearing it in her new video! The Scorpion King Ring and Rose Skull Ring were other favourites too – I love their dark, gothic style glamour.''

''Can you give us any sneaky hints about an upcoming piece that you're particularly excited about?''

''We’re expanding on our new range of acrylic styles – the collection has previously been very much concentrated on brass and enamel and I wanted to explore working with other materials so that is an exciting new range to come. As animals are one of our favourite jewellery motifs, you’ll be sure to see some more of those of the canine variety in our new collection.''

''My personal favourites have to be the fox rings and necklaces...Can we expect more foxy themed  pieces soon (Please say yes)?''

''Glad you like them – well we’ve got a new Napolean Fox ring and necklace coming soon which we hope you’ll love too!''

It's safe to say that Galibardy are doing EVERYTHING right, and they are definitely set to have an exciting 2012! With more of there self titled 'Galibardy music mixes' to be dropped this year as well as plenty of giveaways to look forward too, they're definitely one to watch! 


Facebook.com/GalibardyJewellery

Galibardy.com

Twitter.com/Galibardy

MIYU DECAY

Any jewellery designer who uses skeleton motifs in their work will catch my attention...I can't help but be drawn to skulls and skeletons, no matter how over-used and often tacky they may be in the world of design.

However, when I come across a designer who creates something truly spectacular, something that makes my hair stand on end and my bank balance cry...I know they're doing it right!

So imagine the look of awe on my face as I stumbled across this sterling silver bat skeleton necklace from Miyu Decay...

The piece itself is a true labour of love as you notice the attention to detail and craftsmanship that obviously went into creating such an impressive necklace.

I love the way It sits on the wearer...It looks predatory and vulnerable all at the same time. I was also surprised at how frail a bat looks underneath those wings, despite being the object of so much fear through the centuries.

It would take a lot of guts to wear this...It isn't something that could easily be worked into the everyday wardrobe...Though I'd love to see it used in an editorial somewhere!

Anyway, here is the necklace in all its glory...You can buy it directly from the Miyu Decay etsy page!

REIN VOLLENGA

The work of Dutch designer Rein Vollenga is firmly on the fence between art and fashion, he creates avant-garde and contemporary sculptures that are intended to be worn...although they would look just as good in a gallery!

The aesthetic of each piece is fluid and glossy, resembling a cross between insects and futuristic machinery: Dark, visceral and very fetish. I'm a huge fan of exo-skeletal/armour-like accessories, and this series completely blew me away!

Each piece is completely unique and will never be reproduced, with Vollenga saying...

 I also aim for every piece of my work to be a one off; I don’t reproduce anything. It’s really boring to do that, and another reason is that I like to review myself all the time. I also think that it benefits the piece itself when it exists alone and is the only one on earth, it makes it more special.

Vollenga also believes that his work is more sculptural art than it is fashion, despite being commissioned by some of the biggest names in fashion.

Here are the stunning images of the collection, I don't think the mood could be more perfect for the pieces!

Vollengas work caught the attention of Mugler front-man Nicola Formichetti, with him commissioning the artist to create a sculpture to be used as part of the AW11 ad campaign...The sculpture looks to be very Geiger inspired, with the figure being exaggerated and Alien-like. As a HUGE Geiger fan, I love it...

As an obvious fan of Vollenga, Formichetti then went on to commission him to create jewellery pieces for his AW11 collection also...

Here are some pictures from the runway, as well as some close up shots of the pieces themselves posted by Vollenga on his own blog.

To see some more of this amazing artists work, you can visit his official website and keep up-to-date with his blog! reinvollenga.com

MARIA FRANCESCA PEPE SS12

The new jewellery collection from designer Maria Francesca Pepe is a hot mix of metal, crystal, semi-precious stones and crucifix's...And If I wasn't already loving this mix, the ad campaign alone would be enough to win me over!

The collection is an unusual one. Gone are the standard and simplistic rings, necklaces and cuffs. Instead: Huge beaded chokers with chains, OTT mirrored earrings and extravagant chain headpieces.

The collections style is elegantly seductive and seems to be somewhat pagan inspired...When looking into the inspiration of the collection a little more, turns out I wasn't far off...

''In 'POISON' Maria Francesca Pepe analyses the symbol of the serpent as it was known in Ancient Egypt and then re-invented in the seventies. It is the symbol of temptation and fatal attraction to pleasure, otherworldliness, everlasting beauty and of how all things perish and decay...It is tribal, luxurious, mysterious and ethereal''

 I love how the collection seems to be simplistic and hectic all at the same time...The clusters of chain and 

crystal are restrained somewhat by the simple colour palette of gold, turquoise, silver and gun metal.

The ad campaign itself is STUNNING. I love the use of snakes, it gives the images a dark atmosphere...seductive and dangerous, EXACTLY the kind of woman I can see wearing these pieces!

Anyway, here are some images of the collection. You can also see previous collections from Pepe over at her website mariafrancescapepe.com

DELFINA DELETRREZ

Delfina Delettrez, jewellery designer extraordinaire is creating some of the most luxurious jewellery out their at the moment. Her playful style and uninhibited approach to design makes her pieces stand out from the crowd and instantly recognisable.

Using skulls, bumble bee's, jewels and misshapen pearls frequently in her pieces, Delettrez takes these familiar design motifs  and combines them in new and extravagant ways.

It may come as no surprise to learn that Delettrez is no novice when It comes to design, as a fourth generation member of the world-renowned Fendi family. Not one to follow suit, she went it alone and instead of joining the family business, formed her own self titled label back in 2007 and shortly presented her first collection at famed Parisian boutique, 'Colette'.

Since then Delettrez has gone from strength to strength, with her pieces being snapped up left, right and centre and appearing in just about every fashion magazine out there!

Here are a few of my favourite pieces that are currently available from her website delfinadelettrez.com...