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| Gold Plated Brass & White Leather Toledo Hoop Earrings |
Housing four “original copies of the Magna Carter,”
England’s Salisbury Cathedral has
grandly stood the test of time.
In
addition to historical documents, the 13th century structure is said
to house what is said to be the world’s oldest clock along with paintings by
John Constable.
England is also home to
featured jewelry designer Rowenna Harrison.
As fashion-ready as leather is so far I have only come
across three independent jewelry designers, including Harrison, that make full
use of the material for their creations.
Daniela Zagnolli (Brazil)
transforms leather into incredibly chic and haute choker necklaces, and
bracelets; while Brooklyn-based Alicia
Piller (USA) works with colorful suede to build elaborate yet poetic
designs.
Since leather is a staple in fashion with coats, jackets,
purses, shoes and gloves it seems only natural to explore its potential as
jewelry pieces. Leather is the central
component of Harrison’s brand, RositaBonita; however at first glance I thought she worked with metal and colored
enamel.
Her designs of hoop and stud earrings and statement necklaces are alternately sultry, electric, capricious, and exotic. With collections inspired by mythological
sirens [Siren Collection]; Toledo
Spain [Toledo Collection]; black
licorice candy [Sweet Black Heart];
and Carmen Miranda [Orchard] the jewelry
seems to come alive with gorgeous colors that include embossed gold foil.
Viewing this vivid dance of red, blue, white, green and
imagery patterned after damascene metalwork, you get the sense that Harrison
lives in a fantastical world far away from the realm of sepia and grey tones.
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| Gold Plated Brass & Red Leather Over-sized Fan Pendant Embossed with Gold Foil |
A gifted illustrator and graduate of Camberwell College Harrison initially worked with a fellow artist
creating set installations; and at one-time she managed a vintage shop.
It was her experience with screen-printing
(learned in college) and making traditional items with leather that she played
with the idea of marrying illustrating, leatherwork and jewelry production.
“I have been drawing and creating for a long time. I don’t see any difference between illustrating
and jewelry making because they are both about decoration,” explains the
jewelry maker. “I wanted to put my
drawings onto a physical product.
Leather is very tactile and great to work with so I did some tests with
surface printing and really liked the results.”
Although her current SS2015 collection highlights new
components leather remains her go-to material, and she is enjoying broadening
her skill base.
“I am experimenting with
new materials and techniques to link to what is my signature style. The business is growing but slowly so that
can be frustrating. I produce everything
myself right now, so I look forward to the time I can focus on designing, and
getting pieces manufactured,” she acknowledges.
“My aim with Rosita
Bonita is to design striking but wearable pieces to bring a touch of the
frivolous fun of dressing up into everyday life.”
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| Gold Plated Brass & Leather Fan Clam Stud Earrings |
2015 Jewelry Trend Alert: Bold is
in this year; and statement necklaces are particularly making a splash.
The exquisite details of Harrison’s show
stopping leather necklaces combine scope, texture, color, and strong form the
very definition of statement necklace!
_________________________________________________________________________________Note: Some Links Redirect to Alternative
Items At ShopStyle Collective
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