Fat Chat: Jewellery designer 'Saba Azam'

Saba Azam is a talented self taught jewellery designer based in London whose designs are a fusion of modern flavours with a cultural twist. All of her designs are individual or one-off and handcrafted by Saba Azam herself. Since showcasing her first designs at a trade show in 2007 and receiving such a positive response Saba Azam Jewellery has been going from strength to strength. The passion and the love of being creative sparkles through clearly, Saba Azam jewellery is definitely for the person who wants that little something extra special...

Welcome Saba, You can see a lot of care and thought have gone into your designs, have you always had a passion for jewellery?

Yes. Although I graduated in a completely different discipline, I had always had a passion for jewellery from a very young age. I love wearing big, bold pieces of jewellery. One day 4 years ago I decided to make a pair of earrings using some plastic beads and string. I wore it when I used to go out and people loved it. That encouraged me to make pieces for family and friends as gifts, and I moved from using plastic beads to using crystals and wire. I took some formal training in beading and silversmithing. I have now started to incorporate gemstones such as rubies and emeralds.

Once you started making your designs how did you get yourself recognised?

I began with craft fairs in several boroughs in 2008. These were tiring but very enjoyable! I would have a contact list at each event for people to put their contact details. That was a great way to know how many people were interested in my work.

I took part in a fashion show in the summer of 2008. I did a one week pop-up shop through Craft Central in Islington earlier this year. Other than that, I have advertised on Facebook and have my own website www.sabaazam.com

Although people are more aware of my jewellery, I think there are really no bounds on brand awareness and I still have a long way to go!

Some of your designs have an Asian style to it, has this culture played a part in your inspiration as a designer?

Definitely. I think the main cultural influences on my jewellery are Arabic and Asian. I grew up in the Middle East and absolutely love their extravagant styles and colours of jewellery. I am from an Asian background which adds to the mix of styles.

How would you describe the style of Saba Azam?

My signature style according to me is unique, bold, stylish and elegant. My jewellery has an east-west fusion, where the colours are bright, yet the style is classy and contemporary such that any woman can wear it.

Being a jewellery designer you don’t get as much publicity as a clothing designer, has this affected your progress?

Of course clothes have more publicity, and there is more demand for clothes. This in turn means there are more clothing fashion designers out there. Sure, there are a lot of jewellery designers, but I feel that my jewellery is very different from what is present in the market at the moment. My work involves beading mostly, but the way I use the materials, and the designs I end up with are very different from the usual run-of-the-mill jewellery. There is increasing demand for jewellery which involves less use of gold, especially in our current economic climate, and my jewellery fits in perfectly.

Compared to clothes designers my product is easier to sell, as it fits everyone, there is no need for any measurements, which is great. Unfortunately, when entering fashion shows, I have to find a clothes designer who would be willing to use my jewellery on their models, as they seem to get priority on showcasing their work.

And finally but by all means not last my random question to you is

‘What’s the meaning of paradise?’

I am a very spiritual person, and I believe Paradise to be where virtuous people go to when they die. The meaning of ‘virtuous’, or good, may differ according to each person, and if I were to explain my view it would lead us onto a completely different topic!

But generally, all the good actions that you do in your life, and that which affects people around you in a positive way is just a small part of the paradise to come…hopefully!

Thank's for fitting us into your busy schedule.... is there anything that you would like to add?

You’re welcome. I’d just like to mention my website where you can view my work. Its http://www.sabaazam.com/ and my Facebook page is Saba Azam Jewellery. Thank you!

Interview: Tanayha Mcleary

Fashion in Focus / Bold & Beautiful Jewellery with Frey Wille.

With the catwalks dictating what’s hot and what’s not, undeniably pushing to the forefront, and making an impression this season is artistic statement jewellery. Whether you opt for cool metallic jewels, or bead embellished bangles, the consensus reigns clear that bolder and bigger, is without doubt better.

Showing us how it’s done best, jewellery designers Frey Wille have joined forces with renown Austrian Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser for a second time; delivering ‘10002 Nights’ and ‘Emotion Spiral’ a collection of colour-clashing, culture infused, bangles and pendant chains. Jewellery that throws caution to the wind, and can’t help but make a statement however worn. So with press dates announced, I headed down to the trendy flagship store on Regent Street for a sneak peek of the new collection.

Hundertwasser’s line offers a vibrant vision of hand painted enamel palettes,
set in gold plated precious metals. Inspired by a love of picturesque landscapes
and a fascination of human emotions.

A favourite of many including Amelle Barrabah from the Sugababes, has to be the ‘Diva Bangle’, as colourful tones and structural mosaic patterns dominate the gold chunky pieces.

First founded by Viennese artist Michaele
Frey in the early 1950s, Frey Wille has firmly
established itself as pioneers of decorative
art jewellery. Moulding the work of famous
artists such as Monet and Gustav Klimt with
fine enamelling, and precious metals, has fast
become the signature motif of this unique line.

‘Ody to Joy of Life’ is an existing collection
by Frey Wille, which continues their trademark
vision of innovative designs, combined with
vivid colours; and delicate yet bold shapes and patterns. With this collection inviting it’s audience to choose an emotion from Love, Passion, or Heavenly joy, Wille evokes a sense of femininity in an inventive approach.

With the creative process of producing a collection taking between 2-3 years, the individual design and craftsmanship of Wille’s artistic jewellery proves evident; as press representative Lorna Strickland explains.

‘Frey Wille believe designers, should not be limited by deadlines, but allowed the freedom to design’.

As a result of this Frey Wille have been able to create a beautifully crafted collection, of imaginative and somewhat retrospective jewellery. A key look this summer, and without a doubt for many more to come.

For more info hit the website www.frey-wille.com or the UK flagship store at 153 Regent Street W1B 4JE.



Signing out Tola Bamiro.

Eclectic Jewellery from Jolita

Jolita Jewellery is a collection of adornments lovingly handmade in London.
The eclectic pieces made from materials sourced globally are a myriad of colour
and glamour using antique bohemian glass, fresh water pearls, semi precious
stones, hand-painted charms, flee market findings, sterling silver, wooden carved
beads, Swarovski crystals, leather, resin, and earth elements.

Jolita Jewellery is aimed at daring women and funky urban men who are not
afraid to express the fact that they are an individual, embracing their own
uniqueness and personality, who dream through jewellery. Discover a
world of possibilities to suit any occasion from the collection of gorgeous
charm bracelets, long drop swing pendants, lariats and rings with unique twist.
Each item is meticulously handcrafted for your enjoyment.

www.jolitajewellery.com / email: info@jolitajewellery.com


Words: Ady.O

Ethical Jewellery

I don't know about you but I reckon this blog is in need of a fashion injection. As a lover of all things quirky and unique I just had to introduce you to kirsty Kirkpatrick.....now this is the kind of junk I don't mind!

Kirsty Kirkpatrick is a designer-maker and producer of uncommonly beautiful recycled things. Her fashion accessory pieces demonstrate an imaginative approach to transforming waste into something covetable and unique. Using found furniture and recycled content the label creates beautiful products from banality.

www.kirstykirkpatrick.com

Email: info@kirstykirkpatrick.com

Words: Fusion