Haute World: Jewelry

Showing posts with label Jewelry. Show all posts

Wild Swans (London, UK)

First off, apologies for the long hiatus from Haute World. A combination of my recent trip to Chicago and NYC, as well as a new day job have kept me from posting as frequently as I would have liked and I'm afraid future updates will most likely be sporadic as well. If you do want to catch up with my travels and window shopping adventures, I would suggest also following me on Twitter and/or Instagram, where I still plan to post more regular updates on anything interesting I may find.

One treasure I still really want to share with you all is a boutique I visited right before I left for the States. Thanks to the lovely Dena who organized the event, a few of us got a chance to browse the beautiful Wild Swans (located in Islington) one evening, while sipping champagne and munching some very decadent cupcakes. Founded by Caroline van Luthje, who opened the first Wild Swans store in Chiswick five years ago, the aim was to give shoppers the opportunity to source some of the best Scandinavian brands - something she had missed since moving from her native Denmark to the British capital.

The boutique reflects the calm softness Scandinavian fashion is usually associated with and everything you find here will have been carefully handpicked and lovingly displayed. Brands stocked range from the more famous offerings such as By Malene Birger and Jofama to more independent designers, including Hanne Bloch and Rabens Saloner. As winter is approaching, the racks were appropriately filled with comfy soft knits and leather jackets. Like most of the girls present, I fell in love with a very flattering pair of leather leggings and a few delicate blouses. Just as tempting: the suede ankle boots, chunky scarves and contemporary jewelry from labels such as Bjorg.

As the images will hopefully convey, you'll immediately feel right at home once you enter the boutique space. Being a bit of a fan of unique decor, I appreciated the glass jewelry case, vintage suitcases and storage cabinets to name a few. And if that's not enough - the spacious changing rooms and friendly staff are sure to make you feel like you never want to leave.

Any Londoners or future visitors should definitely drop by, especially if you're looking for a more unique investment piece, rather than yet another throwaway item from the high street. Pricing is fair for what you get and if you're lucky (or time it right), you'll be able to snag something during a sale. If you're not in London - the good news is that a large majority of the items can be purchased via the Wild Swans online store, so head on over if you need to stock up on your winter wardrobe.

All images taken by Dena and yours truly.

Address: 54 Cross St, London N1 2BA
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00, Sun: 12:00-17:00
Wild Swans Homepage & Online-Shop

Rakel Hafberg (Reykjavik, Iceland)

A few months ago during my Reykjavik trip, I came across a store window that displayed some of the most intriguing exotic leather accessories. I couldn't quite figure out what I was looking at - it definitely wasn't crocodile, ostrich or snakeskin. And the pattern of the material was rather unique as well. Would you be able to guess what the collars and cuffs (below) are made of?

A selection from the current lookbook (source: Rakel Hafberg).

Upon entering the boutique and on closer inspection, I had a sneaking suspicion, which was confirmed by the helpful shop owner who turned out to be the actual designer, Rakel Hafberg: Most of the bags and jewelry are in fact made of chicken leather. And if you thought the cuffs, collars, belts and capes had a unique shape, that's because these items in particular are actually made from the skin of chicken feet. Rakel explained that the idea actually came from her husband, and while she wasn't initially sure about using this particular leather, it seemed like a good option considering chicken skin ends up as discarded waste material. After experimenting with the production, she was pleased enough to use the chicken leather as the main material for most of her accessories, which also include beautiful tote bags.

Bags, jewelry and headpieces - all made of chicken leather.

Intricate collars and chokers made of chicken feet leather.

Most people (including myself) may have considered chicken skin a wonderful thing when served crispy along with its meat on a dinner plate - but the idea of toting it around as an accessory may sound a little creepy. Rakel herself admitted to me that chicken feet leather in particular might not appeal to most... initially. I for one never thought it would be something I'd want to wrap around my neck. Yet surprisingly the pieces bear only a mild resemblance to the original source and everything is beautifully crafted. The bags look like regular exotic skin material with a soft and supple finishing that features a striking design of diagonal panels. Best of all, being deemed as waste, chicken leather is a lot more sustainable than other materials out there.

An entire shelf filled with pieces made of chicken feet leather.

For the squeamish, there's also a range of hairbands made of feathers.

More accessories, along with colorful paintings which are available for sale.

If chicken leather still doesn't strike your fancy, there's plenty more to choose from. Rakel's boutique is a treasure trove of other gems that includes clothing and a large range of other jewelry items. With a colorful backdrop provided by the floral wallpaper, most pieces are either displayed along the walls like pieces of art (along with actual paintings that are for sale) or neatly arranged on shelves. Other favorites included laser-cut butterfly necklaces and beaded baubles made of hand painted tagua nuts. While chicken leather could once again be found on hairbands, there were also a few feathered varieties to choose from.

Some of the clothing on display.

Overview of the quaint boutique and the changing room.

More 'traditional' jewelry made of tagua nuts and laser-cut leather.

I have to admit that I was so distracted by the wonders of chicken leather, I hardly paid attention to the clothing. I remembered seeing a few silk tops and gorgeous slouchy jackets, all of which complemented the statement accessories perfectly. Because Rakel herself oversees the small boutique, you do get a sense that everything is handpicked and individual. The setting is intimate and immediately welcoming. If you ever find yourself in Reykjavik, definitely drop by if you get the chance. A select range can also be purchased online and for any other info, you can always check out Rakel Hafberg's Facebook page or send her an email.

More cuffs, chokers and belts - some also made with fur.

Cute chicken leather clutches and more beaded jewelry.

Another look at some of the items on display, including more handbags and simple slouchy clothes.

Address: Laugavegur 37, 101 Reykjavik

Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:00, Sat: 11:00-16:00

Rakel Hafberg Homepage & Online-Shop

Topshop Secret Store (London, UK)

Anyone who's been to Topshop's London flagship on Oxford Street (and possibly NYC's equivalent), will know that it can be a scary scary place. Unless you go first thing in the morning or shortly before closing time, it's always packed - primarily with young teens and eager tourists. Despite my courage when it comes to tackling crowds (using public transport in rush hour, braving mosh pits/front rows in rock concerts & festivals or fighting my way through designer sample sales), my tolerance when it comes to the bustle within the fluorescent-lit, windowless space is surprisingly low. So when I was told that Topshop had launched a special pop-up 'Secret Store' - which was hidden away from the rest of the retail area and that promised to evoke the charms of a treasure trove - I was both skeptical and intrigued.

'Wild At Heart' Florist by Meadham Kirchhoff & the hidden entrance to the Secret Store.

More from the floral display (left) and the flowers leading the way to the store (right).

The small potted plants and flowers included cute adornments, such as the eyes (top). Left image via Topshop.

To make matters more challenging, I decided to visit on Saturday, since I happened to be in the area. Thankfully the store was less busy than expected, and following the floral footprints to the lower level, I was lead to the beautiful 'Secret Store' entrance that doubled as a florist. This gorgeous 'Wild At Heart' floral arrangement was curated by Meadham Kirchhoff, who had also taken it upon themselves to hand paint flower pots and choose the most adorable decor to add to certain plants. Everything was for sale and made a great souvenir if the pieces in the actual store were a little too pricey for your liking.

Overview of the Secret Store interiors (image via Topshop).

Topshop Boutique items in a wooden trunk.

Meadham Kirchhoff stacked rings and bracelets in a heart-shaped box.

Tearing myself away from the flora, I finally found myself inside the Secret Store, which was like stepping into a completely different world. Antique furniture was carefully placed around the small area, which held limited-edition one-off pieces from some of London's and New York's most renowned designers in collaboration with Topshop. On display were also sought-after items from the 'Unique' archives and the 'Boutique' range, as well as carefully selected trinkets.

Emma Cook lingerie.

Michael van der Ham velvet wedges displayed in a cabinet.

Nasir Mazhar hair accessories (left) and Pamela Love jewelry (right).

Some of the special designer goodies I spotted included the stacks of rings and bangles by Meadham Kirchhoff, which came in an embroidered heart-shaped box. Pamela Love's current collaboration pieces could be found in a cabinet nearby, while funky wedges by Michael van der Ham were displayed on plush velvet cushions. Some garments, such as Tom Scott's cropped tops hung from the walls like works of art. Others either had their own wardrobe space or were placed along the racks on the far side of the shop. The cozy changing room with the fringed lamp, gilded mirror and retro wallpaper was a nice touch as well and added to the vintage boutique vibe.

Topshop Boutique items among vintage decor and flowers.

The lovely changing room (left), Tom Scott tops (top) and more Pamela Love jewelry (right).

More trinkets including furry hats (left) and nail polish (right).

Aside from the fashion treasures within the store and the vibrant flowers in front of it, the best thing about the Secret Store was the enchanting atmosphere and the fact that you could actually escape from the chaos beyond its walls. The pop-up space will shut this week, so I urge you to go before it disappears. It's open exclusively in the Oxford Street branch and in NYC's Broadway flagship, but if you can't make it to either - don't worry: most items can be found in the online version of the Secret Store here.

Nasir Mazhar hair clips (left), Topshop Boutique crochet top (right).

Another view of the Secret Store (left), various gowns (top), Maria Francesca Pepe tank & jewelry and Ann-Sofie Back crochet top (right).

Electrum Gallery: Past, Present and Future - Jewelry Showcase (London, UK)

There are few girls who don't have a thing for jewelry - and there's nothing I love more, than to peruse both contemporary costume jewelry or vintage high-end pieces. However, I don't feature baubles and bling on this blog as much as I'd like, simply because - compared to clothing, shoes and bags - finding unique jewelry specialists can be a little tricky. So when I heard about an ongoing jewelry exhibition at Electrum, where most of the displayed items are actually for sale, I knew I had to take a peek.

Rings by Polly Wales.

Electrum, which is located on South Molton Street (near Browns), is one of the world's most renowned contemporary jewelry galleries that also serves as a boutique and features a constantly changing exhibition program. The current showcase celebrates the gallery's 40 years since opening in 1971 and its role in championing some of the world’s foremost pioneering jewelry artists of the 70s, 80s and beyond. Though the exhibition space is relatively compact, I was astounded by the selection and the variety of pieces. You'll find everything from neon perspex bangles to delicate gold necklaces to playful statement pieces. Best of all, everything is handmade and the majority of the jewelry on display is one-off, so if you do decide to purchase anything, you're definitely getting a unique piece. What's more: Electrum is a not for profit organization run by the Contemporary Applied Arts, so proceeds go towards resourcing exhibitions and educational programs at CAA.

Wendy Ramshaw CBE. First showed at Electrum in 1971.

Here are just a few of the pieces that caught my eye, but if you want more, I'd highly recommend heading there yourself. This exhibition will run until June 4, but if you're not in town, you can still shop some of the pieces online via their webstore or contact the sales staff directly by email/phone.