22K Gold Plated Sterling Silver and Bronze Skull Sea Earrings with Sea Sediment Jasper |
The city of Nir was once a thriving merchant hub of ancient
Persia. In the present day it is still among Iran’s top attractions as it is
located in the center of former trading route the Silk Road. Iran is also the birthplace of Leila Kashanipour.
As I mentioned in a prior post, statement jewelry is a fun
niche because the range of items can run from the tangled chains of necklaces that
resemble extractions from sunken treasure chests (Subversive Jewelry | USA); or
complex, bejeweled bib necklaces (Nicole Whisenhunt | Philippines).
A single piece can be chock full of textures,
colors and shapes but sometimes only one symbol can add just the right amount
of daring.
For London-based jeweler Kashanipour the bold creations of
her fashion jewelry brand LeiVanKash
embody statement making minimalism.
The sleek outline of the brand’s dagger pendant necklaces,
from the Damocles Collection, are
offset by a single, briolette cut gemstone dangling from the daggers’ tips. Items from the Skullmania Collection combine skull and floral motifs.
Her stunning Lazul
Turtle Necklace highlights a large faceted center stone of lapis lazuli
flanked by gold plated turtles and suspended by a string of lapis beads. This gemstone necklace is classically styled
but is a definite showstopper. The
imagery in all these examples suggests both edge and femininity.
22K Rose Gold Plated Bronze Olive Rose Ring |
“The daggers from my Damocles
Collection were inspired by the fable Sword of Damocles,” says the
twenty-five year old graduate of Central
Saint Martins. “According to the
story the sword hung high above a throne by the fine hair of one of the royal
steeds.
The necklaces from this collection dangle from sterling
silver chains. The semi-precious
briolettes that adorn the blades’ tips could almost be mistaken for droplets of
blood. They are a bit rough and tough
but I made them a bit girly. ”
Kashanipour’s vivid, fashion-forward personal style that
combines Balenciaga Chelsea boots, Gap t-shirts and Hermes de Chien bracelets
perfectly complement the slight kitsch of her 22-karat gold plating over bronze
and silver trinkets.
Gold rings in the form of animals; lithe feather bracelets; and her signature rose-inspired Olivia Rose Ring each reflects the varied personality traits and quirks of their designer.
Gold rings in the form of animals; lithe feather bracelets; and her signature rose-inspired Olivia Rose Ring each reflects the varied personality traits and quirks of their designer.
“Initially I wanted to major in chemistry with a minor in
fine arts. I wanted to pursue
conservation and restoration of paintings,” she recalls. “I don’t regret realizing I really did not
want to pursue any of that. I took a
jewelry course at the suggestion of a tutor and I fell in love with making
jewelry,” says the avid chocolate lover.
22K Yellow Gold Plated Bronze and Sterling Silver Lazul Turtle with Lapis Luzuli |
My Persepolis Collection is very much about my background and culture. Before moving to London, I was raised in Iran so the collection is all about the color, history and dynasties of ancient Persia.”
1 comment:
Thank you for your kind words "hgh" and I hope you continue to read up on the designer features here.
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