Margiela Rocks

Maison Martin Margiela ss 2009. The last show with the reclusive designer at the helm. Always makes me smile...

Slice Of Life

Agate slices are everywhere. Generally I find them a bit too 70s hippy for my liking but the Cavalli brooch, and Susie Bubbble's wraparound number (below) put a fresh new spin on an old staple.



Just Cavalli ss2011

Top Shop ss2011 (sneak preview)

Susie Bubble wearing a Brook and Lynn 'Surround' necklace at the Paris shows in October.

Things That Make Me Happy

Some heirlooms...


...and some future heirlooms.

Blink And You'll Miss It

I came across these diamond+magnifying glass rings by Edouard Lamaraud the other day. Not new (he designed them in 2004), but such a great idea, especially for cash-strapped Romeos (and tightwads) everywhere.

A Seal Of Approval

Dutchman Ten Noten has been many things in his professional lifetime: bricklayer, psychiatric nurse, artist, designer, jeweller.

Based in Amsterdam, Noten creates life sized compositions which are then translated into miniature versions and cast in gold, alternatively he casts unexpected objects in acrylic. Either way, much of it ends up as jewellery, albeit of an unconventional nature.



Previous projects have included sealing a gecko inside a block of acrylic (a mouse wearing a pearl necklace got the same treatment), and sawing a Mercedes Benz car into brooches. His 2009 magnum opus, Haunted by 36 Women, was a jewellery collection inspired by sculptures Noten created which were in turn inspired by 36 different female 'types' – career woman, femme fatale, fashionista, etc…


This collaboration with jeweller Joost Lyppens saw Noten cast diamonds in acrylic. Funny.

A Winning Ensemble

Here's the Chanel haute couture-clad actress Carey Mulligan, with Karl, at the seventh annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund event in New York earlier this week. Not sure if that's a necklace, or a rather elaborate way of holding the jacket in place – I like to think the latter. Also heartening to know that jewellery designer, Eddie Borgo, was one of the two runners up. Not least because I name-checked him on the Adorn London blog last week.

Big In Japan - Part 2

My book has hit the headlines in Japan, notably in the December issue of Ginza magazine. Even better, my lovely friend Coco's illustration takes pride of place. Thanks to Yoshiko at H.P. France for so assiduously keeping me updated. I'm in love with the pack-it-all-in bubble gum graphics, and charmed by the fact that someone went to the trouble of selecting a spread that compliments the earrings which belong to a completely different story.

Sticky Moments

These sticking plasters by American designer Cynthia Rowley almost make having an accident worthwhile.

Big In Japan

A few months ago I received a lovely email from Yoshiko at H.P. France – one of Japan's leading lifestyle retailers. Yoshiko had spotted my book and been inspired to curate an exhibition called Jewellery Links People To People.

Based at the H.P.France Bijoux store in Marunouchi, Tokyo, the exhibition will run throughout November. The idea behind the show is to 'convey the meaning and the power of jewellery and jewellery creation that can link people to people all over the world, like a piece of jewellery links buyers with their shop staff, who link with their shop customers, who link with their loved ones........and so on'.

I feel very proud, and very flattered.

Boys In Jewels - part 4

Men and jewellery: to wear, or not to wear. That is the question posed by Adorn this week. For what it's worth, my opinions can be found here.

The cufflinks shown are by Giles & Brother - brainchild of New york jeweller, Philip Crangi, and his sister. They're the piece I'd like my imaginary boyfriend to wear.