Jewelry, like a cake topper, can complete a "look" and powerfully elevate sophistication. Amenable to its sartorial counterparts--clothes, shoes and bags-- jewelry appeals to varied tastes through color, material and innovation. Though a cautious consumer of accessories, I've learned to appreciate the artistic implications and arduous craftsmanship captured in many fine art and costume pieces. Of the roster of periodic fashion exhibits, DRAFTspace typically presents a consistently creative and well-curated jewelry showcase. This edition (June 10-14th), Complete Parts, features unique jewelry from 40 designers, globally, and photography by Natalie Conn. Located at the Highline Loft (508 W 26th St.), white space is subtly pierced by floating displays of modern jewelry. Keep reading for a look inside...
Entering the second gallery space
DRAFT space founders Jun H. Lee and Miyonne Lee have created yet another conceptually engaging experience, incorporating work from established artists, emerging artists and top talent from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The bifurcated layout features "known" designers Axenoff Jewellery, Anne Sportun Fine Jewelry, Andrea Li and Meredith Marks on entry. The adjacent space showcases emerging designers, including House of Cach, Pluma, Lucie Houdkova, Muyombano Jewelry and Myers Collective. A portion of the proceeds from jewelry and photo sales are donated to Art Start, a non-profit providing disadvantaged children with creative opportunities.
Axenoff Jewelry cupid ring (silver 925 + blue topaz + enamel)
On entry, visitors are transported into a gallery of transparent-paneled clusters. Each carefully-edited piece is affixed to an individual square; the squares are stitched together to present a 'complete' (and simultaneously 'partial') view of 4 notable designers. Familiar flavors of Russia are undeniably present in Petr Axenoff's culturally-inspired pieces. Andrea Li's wearable sculpture reflects the "intersection of master artisanship, alcemic textualism and exotic feminity" through intricate wirework and specially selected gemstones [source]. Elegantly asserting mixed metals and stonework, Toronto native Anne Sportun"offers a timeless alternative to the traditional world of fine jewelry" [source].The annotated simplicity of Meredith Mark's designs combine "the practicality of multi-functional pieces with the raw beauty of natural stones and foreign motifs" [source].
Attombri Venezia's Petali necklace made from old Murano glass
Behind the wall, a terse edit awaits. Recognizable brands Bianca Makris and Campi Ardenti return this year with new collections. New (and of note) at Complete Parts is Attombri Venezia's Petali necklace, made with old Murano glass and wire. Margaret Ellis Jewelry's Pont des Arts necklace boats a very wearable style. Somewhat surprising are House of Cach's Cicada necklace (made from a real cicada) and Julia DeVille's Lily Claw earring (made with a real claw!). Click the links within the post to view more of each designer's offerings.
Caged rock; Forgot which designer this was, but neat design, nonetheless!
The virtual float!
Anne Sportun Fine Jewelry
Sandrine Vrancken (Top) Sandrine a Rio; (Bottom) Sandrine à l'opéra (natural feather + silk + cotton)
Julia de Ville Lily Claw Earring (Sterling silver + black rhodium + gold plate)
Axenoff Jewellery Shamakhanskaya Queen (silver 925 + topaz + amethysts)
House of Cach Cicada Necklace (Gold + Bronze)
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