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She sells sea-shells by the sea-shore…
Remember as a kid on holidays when it was sinful to come home without a hair braid(s) and some form of shell-type ankle bracelet/necklace? You probably didn’t anticipate that, years later, it would become a coveted style statement (look at you, ahead of the curve). If there’s one thing we take away from each passing season it’s that even the most unlikely fashion movements can become full-on trends. While botanicals and soft hues will have a big presence for AW18, one of the main focuses this year will be on the beautiful, shiny, iridescent world of seashells in all their natural glory. Pearls, coral and shells heavily influenced the catwalks during the ss18 shows, whether worn as subtle hints of glimmer at Zimmerman or a bejewelled, more-is-more-type shell-covered head-pieces at Dolce & Gabanna.
If you’re eager to indulge in the offerings of the sea before the sunshine leaves for another eternity, dive below to discover new of-the-minute designers who’ve hand-picked these beautiful pieces straight from the bottom of the sea.
that you, Ariel?
Iris necklace, €390 at heimat-atlantica.com
Founder Montserrat Alvarez formed Heimat Atlantic as a way of preserving traditional jewellery-making methods from the Atlantic coast. Describing her brand as “magic realism”, Alvarez uses specialised techniques, natural materials and an infusion of gems and stones to create her dazzling pieces. This Iris necklace, above, is based on a combination of multicoloured small seashells and white margarita shells, and a baroque pearl pendant. The hand-and heart-shaped clasp draws from the iconography of an originally Irish 17th-century romantic pattern and includes elements symbolizing love, friendship and commitment.
Seoul Import
Starfish sea hair clip, €26.83 at birger-christensen.com
A wild trinket or a cute beach accessory: in both cases, this starfish and rhinestone hair clip by Vietnam-based design house Seoul Import is a beautiful addition to your bedside locker. The regal, deep grey is a perfect fit against the shimmering stones, which will glisten in your hair all day long.
Sea of love necklace, €66.70 at bloomingdreamer.co.uk
Coated in delicate gold-leaf enamel and in an array of elegant pastel colours, Hannah Blurton’s Sea of Love necklace is the perfect pendant for water signs. What’s even more beautiful is that no two pieces are the same so your shell is unique to you. Stack yours in varying chain lengths for an extra dramatic look (see featured image). Founder and designer Blurton created Blooming Dreamer in 2015 with the aim to “bring together a deep appreciation for detail, travel and a subtle nod to 70s nostalgia” and has already gained international accreditation by Vogue, ELLE, The Guardian and Glamour.
Multicoloured stone necklace, €65 at bimbaylola.com
Bimba Y Lola is arguably one of the most well-known Spanish labels with more than 210 stores worldwide. Established in 2006 by sisters Uxia and Maria Dominguez. The pair were born with fashion in their bloodline; their father Jesus Dominguez owns one of Spain’s largest textiles factory (Sociedad Textil Lonia, STL) which produces for Carolina Herrera. As well as creating ready-to-wear collections, the label also creates beautiful jewellery, including this multicoloured stone necklace. Sitting just above the clavicle, this necklace will sit elegantly while picking up the colour of your eyes in the process, making them shine. The dainty handmade navy crochet clasp is a nice nod to traditional craftswomanship.
Ariel 2 drop natural earrings, €129.37 at rebeccaderavenel.com
If jewellery is your forté, then you need to know Rebecca De Ravene. Spending her childhood between The Bahamas and Paris, De Ravene formed an innate aesthetic influenced by these two vastly different cultures. And looking at her pieces –which include big and bold earrings and bangles – it’s easy to recognise her deep-rooted love for the tropical waters of the Bahamas, as well as a touch of urban flair. Since launching in 2015, the brand has grown from strength to strength, and quickly acquired It-girl status across social media. Rebecca De Ravene is also one of this year’s CFDA/Vogue fashion fund finalists.
Caracoles choker by Casa Chiqui, €219 at modaoperandi.com
When we think of Colombia, beautiful scenery and rolling landscapes come to mind. Jewellery, on the other hand, is an after-thought, but creative designers like Chiqui de Echavarria is putting Colombia on the map for charming mid and high-end jewellery. After years of travelling the world and collecting unique treasures, native-Colombian Chiqui de Echavarria opened her first store in the historic centre of Cartagena. Her store is proudly filled with luxury homewares and jewellery from around the world and is the perfect pit-stop for the well-travelled buyer. The Caracoles choker, above, features a single band embellished with natural shells from Colombia dipped in 24K gold and is absolutley luxurious.
Pavé fish earrings, €347.72 at oscardelarenta.com
Though far from a new label, I couldn’t resist not including this beautiful pair from Oscar De La Renta. In classic De La Renta fashion, these gold are exquisitely made. Set with linked pale gold crystal Swarovski crystals, these gorgeous scaled creatures will catch the light with every move.