Some of our designers view their craft with an architect’s eye. Some turn the shapes of structures into wearable pieces, while others use the architecture principles to create pieces that interact with the body. In all cases, the results are original and stunning. From scaled-down cityscapes to graphic pieces, learn more about how architecture inspires our designers.
When talking to the amazingly talented Emilie Thomas, her love and enthusiasm for jewelry making simply shines through. A committed animal lover, Emilie looks to the animal kingdom for continual inspiration with her love for intricately well-made creations at the core of all of her designs. Recently back from holiday in Croatia with her dog Rufus keeping a close eye on her, we chatted to Emilie about the fascinating world of taxidermy, wax carving and why a sense of self-achievement is the most important thing. (more…)
After days of hearing our style hunters Kiyan and Chiara wax lyrical on the wonders of Florence we decided they shouldn’t be the only ones having all the fun. In the interests of sharing, we took charge of their camera in a bid to get a bit of Florence magic ourselves.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip through Italy’s most magical town.
Our style hunters arrive in style
A spectacular opening to the weekend overlooking il Ponte Vecchio
The Piazza del Duomo
Stiletto wearers beware - Florence is famed for its cobbled streets
The famous jewelry boutique Fratelli Piccini on the Ponte Vecchio
The party never stops in Florence
Laura Berrutti, the immensely talented Uruguayan designer behind her eponymous jewelry label, is loved for her unique minimalist silver jewelry collection that plays on shape, volume and form. Stones sit suspended in sleek architectural forms.
Primarily a self-taught jeweller, we asked Laura to tell us a bit more about her personal story and how experimentation, pleasure and inspiration drive her exquisite creations. (more…)
This Spring, we’re thinking sculptural. From Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein’s clean, minimalist collection inspired by modern architecture, to the seriously sculptural shoes and dresses at Alexander McQueen, it seems designers are going back to the drawing board, or looking to today’s most ground-breaking buildings for inspiration.
But this is no one-season wonder – fashion and architecture have long been linked up. With a shared focus on space, volume and shape, a love for high concepts and high drama, it’s no wonder both disciplines influence each other.
Just look at any designer who creates a dramatic silhouette; Vivienne Westwood with her billowing skirts, futuristic Japanese designers like Comme de Garcons and Issey Miyake, or the conceptual pieces created by Hussein Chalayan. More works of art than ready-to-wear, these garments became the subject of an exhibition staged in London a few years ago – ‘Skin and Bones’ – which examined the relationship and shared influences between fashion designers and architects.
Not that architects ever avoid the fashion world. Take Zaha Hadid – the Pulitzer Prize winning architect who has collaborated with Chanel on an exhibition, and designed collections for Lacoste and the Jelly shoe brand Melissa. Then there’s Peter Marino, fashion’s favourite architect – famous for designing stores for luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior.
Even Coco Chanel commented that ‘Fashion is architecture – it is a matter of proportions’. Architectural influences haven’t been lost on independent designers, either – just look at some of the futuristic and forward thinking designs we’ve found on Boticca:
Designed by an ex-architect, it’s no wonder Orno Jewellery is so sculptural. Her latest pieces are inspired by Moorish architecture, interpreted in fresh and modern ways – our favourite is this Facet Ring.
Looking for unique leather accessories moulded into futuristic forms? Then look no further than Jerome Olivet, who has created a collection of out-of-this-world accessories in ‘fluid shapes’ for ‘nactive life’. ‘Jo 32’ is a tiny bag made for your ipod or mobile phone.
Leda Otto has a unique way of gathering inspiration for a collection – she studies architectural blueprints of cultural, historical or religious iconic buildings in Italy. This Bracelet was inspired by the Castel del Monte in the southern region of Puglia.
Channelling retro but futuristic chic, Design + Conquer’s latest collection was inspired by the graphic design and architecture of Expo ‘67, and the retro-electronic music of Linkwood Family and Tame Impala. This show-stopping orange plastic piece looks stylish pinned into an updo.
Arosha Luigi Taglia is a versatile man. Jewelry designer, sculptor, painter, home decor designer and digital artist – he is quite the jack of all trades! We had the pleasure of interviewing Arosha and learn more about his background, inspirations and what lies next for him.
Side note: Arosha is getting married in a few days and we would like to take the opportunity to wish him and his wife-to-be, Gili, much happiness and health! Congratulations! (more…)
We don’t have an eternity to realize our dreams, only the time we are here.Susan Taylor
Keep Calm and wear a moustache…
