.oO0 shoot me Lula 0Oo.

Every time I visit London, it's a beautiful sunny day and I wonder how bad the weather can really get? Maybe it's all a massive conspiracy to keep outsiders out of this vibrant city? Well...I have my suspicions. This visit was no exception. I was in London for less than 48 hours to shoot images for my new jewellery collection Shadow of Lula. And here are some pictures I'd like to share with you!


At Saleema's PR office looking at inspiration images before the shoot



The gorgeous make-up artist Una and our beautiful model Lilah



The talented photographer Rosa working with the model



And of course, Ai the stylist had the best frock and accessories to show off!



Massive thank you to the team! From left: Photographer: Rosa Rendl, Stylist: Ai Kamoshita, Model: Lilah Parsons, Make-up Artist: Una Louli. To Saleema and Elizabeth, you guys were amazing!

New Collection - OUT SOON!!!

Shadow of Lula is the 4th jewellery collection by designer Kyoko Hashimoto. The series of limited edition pendants is a tribute to the past lives of insects.
Although almost imperceptible, the insects that live around us are vital to the survival of the planet. They are an integral part of the ecosystem, pollinating plants, decomposing organic matter and aerating the soil. Often overlooked for their miniature scale, insects are under great threat. Agricultural development, pesticides, the introduction of foreign species, monoculture farming and forestry has already led to the extinction of many species.

Inspired by Victorian mourning jewellery, Kyoko has produced tributes to these fallen insects. The series consists of large pendants hung from a unique combination of powder coated stainless steel and leather strap. The pendants are intricately cut and depict the silhouette of an extinct insect species. The subtle layers of beauty and death become capsules of memory for the tiny lives that no longer inhabit the earth.
Each pendant is produced in a limited edition of 30, individually numbered.

“So important are insects and other land dwelling arthropods, that if all were to disappear, humanity probably could not last more than a few months”
E.O. Wilson, Harvard University

-: recent creations from my bench :-

Fun little pendants in acrylic and sterling silver. These are prototypes so hand-cut. I am enjoying the last little bit of sunshine before I head back to rainy Holland. It's amazing how much the weather affects my mood when I'm trying to be creative... this summer in Australia has been great in that I did lots of drawings and plenty of thinking. I am so close to sharing my new collection with you... just a few more fine tuning xxk

NYLON!

So after a long wait at last! My Lace Necklace in the January issue of NYLON with Lilly Allen on the cover. I'm so excited to be included :) I'm loving summer at the moment--- walks in the park, wild flower picking + sunshine--- aahhhg... I love it. My new collection is just around the corner--- I promise!

Also, superfuture and me xxk

sweet smell is in the air...

And here is something new I made today. Hand cut acrylic, sterling silver and enamel on long polymer chain.

Baby Lula la la...

Just said good bye to this little number this week--- it will be available at Moose. So I have escaped the harsh weather of Holland and now back in Australia for a few months :) Am loving the warmth and the long day-light, ahhhhh... Some new stockists: Mac Pelican in Hawthorn, Melbourne opens this week! Also, my work is stocked at Tom Design in Turin, Italy- hooray! Plus, I am involved in a group exhibition at Galerie Caractère in Switzerland, who amazingly offered me to do a solo show next year. I am eternally humbled and grateful.

-: l o n d o n :-

Some pictures from the Designersblock'08 show in Covent Gardens, London. The weather was fantastic and I even managed to pop over to Brixton to sample some Jamaican food, eat curry + salt beef bagel on Brick Lane and have fun dancing at warehouse party in Hackney Wick. I was also delighted to see my work in Selfridges.



Back in rainy Netherlands. Here is a piece I made before I left. More new designs coming soon!

.: Selfridges & Co :.

"Selfridges’ flagship store on Oxford Street in London will feature a pop-up shop by Designers Block, called The New Design.The shop is available from 10-23 September as part of the London Design Festival. The New Design pop-up shop, on the fourth floor, is selling designs that have been shown in the past at Designers Block exhibitions which are now in production."

I'm doing a happy dance as my work is fortunately included in the pop-up store! Back when I was a University student at COFA, I did a case study on Selfridges and it feels so special to have my work included in such a historically significant store. I'll be heading over to London on the 17th to check out the action at the design festival--- can't wait!

.: once more with feeling :.

I've just moved into a new apartment--- still very much living out of cardboard boxes. I have moved all the jewellery equipment over here but I'm yet to set up my work bench, which at the moment is sitting out in the balcony... housewarming party tomorrow night... must make room look decent--- aarrrgghhhh! I designed and made this new pendant yesterday out on the balcony. It was such a nice change- perhaps I'll keep the bench there for a while :) Similar to the last piece--- but with beveled edges

.: through the looking glass :.

A new piece I finished today--- it's been absolutely ages since I made anything new... feels really great actually. Acrylic, hand-dyed polyurethane with silver fixtures.

.: Designersblock '08 :.

I've been away... but now I'm back! I just received this invitation design today, for my upcoming show at Designersblock with Fossik - it totally made my day.

black : bubble : bangle

Here's a picture of a bangle I made years ago. I decided to enter it + few other pieces to be considered for the publication of 500 Plastic Jewelry. The book is published by Lark Books and due to be release in September 09. It's made of cast polyester resin + Tahitian black pearls. I had such a difficult time carving + polishing this as I first cast it inside a clear plastic container to control the positioning of the pearls. So it was one big block of resin with pearls in it. I made the arm-hole + carved the shape out with a dremel and a hand saw.


I'll begin prototyping a new collection soon too.

.: Screen Printing + News :.

This week we went into the screen printing workshop to print the pattern I designed previously onto felt. I am making new pouches for the jewellery. I like the idea of having as much control over the items I produce. (never considered myself a control freak but maybe I am?) And I don't mind a little bit of work extra work if it means making something that complements the jewellery. Also, it's alway nice to mix up your tasks- keeps things more interesting.


Ok, so this is the final pouch--- I have sewn this one by hand--- I just need to find someone who owns a sewing machine here in Eindhoven. Mine is back in Australia...boo hoo. Looks like I may be showing my work at the Designerblock as part of London Design Festival in September. So excited!

new pouch, new photo shoot and New York

I have come to realise that when you release a new collection, there's a period of time when you sort of become de-attached from the real world--- you have no idea what's going on in the media, become socially isolated... and all you do is make make make. To be honest, I've been dying to do something different. So a few days ago I took a little break from the jewellery bench and I designed this motif - the idea is to use it on small felt pouches for the earrings. I'll be screen printing the images onto felt on Wednesday. I'll do another post when the pouches are made- fingers crossed :)



Today we went into the photo studio at the Design Academy Eindhoven to do some head shots of the earrings from the Seducing the Bowerbird collection. I haven't sorted through all the images, but here is one of my favorite. Our model is the gorgeous Andrea- wearing the Lace Earring in White.


And Guy and I working the magic...



My jewellery will be available from Linhardt Design Studio in New York from next month! The shop looks gorgeous and the owner / designer Lisa Linhardt make some beautiful jewellery pieces out of sustainable material. Check it out if your in the area. Lastly, here is a link to an interview I did for Map Magazine. xxk

˚º0o Fly my child, fly o0º˚

I've been gluing myself to the jewellery bench for the last couple of weeks to go through the orders *thanks!*- and it feels like caffeine's been my only friend. This week we welcome a new Aussie stockist Rowan Sable. They also run a fashion label by the same name... I am totally smitten by their elegant silky dresses... check out their collection on their website. Also this week, I was interviewed by Map Magazine. I'll place a link to the Q & A when it gets published next month. Ok then... back to the bench!

-: new tags :-

We have a new swingtag design to accompany the new jewellery collection--- I hope you like it. Recently for me, it's been nothing but hammer / file / polish ---repeat--- my hands look WAY older than my real age :*( but I guess I never had a shot at being a hand model. Also, I was recently interviewed by Mink Magazine. Here is a link to my article. OK, back to the jewellery bench!

Mesh Reversible Necklaces

I've wanted to write a new post for so long, but the month of April had been such a crazy month... The good new is that the Seducing the Bowerbird collection will be available from stores from this month! Also, due to popular demand, I have decided to include the Mesh Reversible Necklace in Black & White to the range. Here are some pictures.

One side is hand polished acrylic and the reverse side is wood on adjustable 350 mm polymer chain. I will place a link to the updated version of the lookbook here later in the morning. It's 3:30 am...

-:: Seducing the Bowerbird - OUT NOW!!! ::-

I am SO happy to finally release "Seducing the Bowerbird" jewellery collection. Click HERE to download the brand new lookbook. Full product description + concept is included. For wholesale / mail order enquiries, please send me an email from the link on the sidebar.




Above are some images from the new collection. All the pieces are made by me from my studio in the Netherlands. I have combined the use of both traditional saw piecing and cold-joining techniques, as well as laser cut components which are hand carved and finished to achieve the desired effect. I have introducing a lot of sterling silver chains and parts into this collection; Coco Chanel once said, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury". I totally agree :) From Top: Lace Earrings in Black & White / Baby Tamagocchi Pendant in Silver / Silver Dinner Party Pendant. Also, the top image: Marshmallow Necklace modeled by the lovely Esin.

-::Seducing the Bowerbird::-

My new collection is entitled "Seducing the Bowerbird". The Lookbook is co-designed by designer Guy Keulemans and will be available here. It's an exciting time indeed, and I am SO happy to finally release this new collection. In the meantime, here are some images from a photoshoot we did with our lovely friend Esin.





From top, Baby Tamagocchi Pendant in acrylic and silver/ Feather Earrings with silver chain and hook and bellow/ Dinner Party Pendant- guess what kids... it's reversible. Wood on one side and black acrylic on the other!

New Range--- Out Soon!

Not sure what to call this necklace yet... any ideas?
Inspired by toy car model making kit / components, lace and graphic images. I didn't break a single saw blade making this pendant... which is surprising for me as I usually go through a whole bundle in one sitting! Black acrylic, oxidised sterling silver.

Update...I think I'm going to call this necklace the "Dinner Party". What do you think??

Poppo Earrings

Hello! I designed these earrings a few weeks ago, and I finally managed to prototype it yesterday. I designed it using only circular shapes. The second image looks out my window in Eindhoven... notice the strange spherical construction in the background? I've been told they are water towers... but I have no idea how they work. Perhaps that's where my inspiration came from?

In love with Amsterdam

Just came back from a weekend in Amsterdam, and wow... what a city! We had brought our bicycles with us from Eindhoven, and even with the 6 Euro extra train fee, it was far better than relying on public transport or getting around on foot. One of the main reasons for my visit was to stock up my jewellery supplies at Drijfhout. As predicted, I spent waaay too much money at the store, and when I was hit with the 20% tax on top of everything, I honestly felt like fainting. But it's business expense so it's OK, right? I also managed to visit Gallery Ra A must for jewellery lovers.


A new necklace I made the other day. Prototyping this piece by hand was a challenge to say the least. I really want to see how this design translates in silver though. If I convince myself to go through the labor again, I'll post the image.

From the Netherlands

I've been working solidly on prototyping my new collection, and I thought it's about time to share with you an image from the new range! Here is a pendant, inspired by art deco forms and Tamagocchi. Acrylic, brass, sterling silver.

:--Some Gift Ideas--:

Just letting you know that some of my latest designs including the handmade Lace Pendants are currently available at Moose! Also, I welcome a new online stockist Modamuse. Both sites feature some great Aussie and NZ designs including textile, jewellery, prints and handbags, so definitely check them out!

::-Good Bye Australia-::

I've been obsessed with lace / doillie designs for a while now, and here is another pair of earring I made today- looks metallic, but it's actually polished black acrylic reflecting light. I love how the earrings catches light as you move around. Might make one in white too when I get a chance. I am officially moving to the Netherlands in a week--- can't wait!!

My Armidale Workshop

It's that time of the year again, and distributor orders are keeping me very busy indeed, which is great! I work 4 days a week in town + 3 days of jewellery in my workshop. Made a little pendant the other day for our family friend Gio and Helen. I don't usually take on commission work, but I really enjoyed the challenge of working with this beautiful black opal from Broken Hill. It's for their grand daughter Karin who is born in the year of the Rabbit. Below is my temporary setup in Armidale. I'm staying with my parent's at the moment, and I have managed to take over quite a large portion of their ceramic studio- whoops.

-:newbie:-

Here is a new pendant I made yesterday- I'm really getting into the 3piece pendant design- they sit very nicely on your chest, and it's a good length when your trying to match clothes- usually for me I choose which jewellery I want to wear THEN the clothes ; ) This one is hand cut / bevelled / dyed on adjustable chain. I'm hoping to release another mini- collection of these pendants soon, so stay tuned!

Lacie Necklace in Black and White

I just came back from Sydney this morning after a weekend of supply shopping and catching up with mates... exhausted, but I really wanted to get these pictures up on the site. My friend Anneliese has been so loyal to my brand- wearing it wherever she goes, and here she is modeling my latest designs.

-::On Body::-

I've been meaning to do a photoshoot with some friends for ages, but haven't got around to it... so today I grabbed a tripod and shot this image by myself. One of these days, I'll have my own photographic team, and a photo studio. Material: Black / white acrylic, sterling silver. Method: hand pieced, drilled and assembled.

::Lacie Necklace::

Here is a necklace I made today- I had two days off work, so I developed the experiment from the last post : ) This one is hand pieced, hand drilled and assembled. I think I might try dyeing the components next.

-::From my work bench::-

Hello! I feel like I haven't posted any new designs for a while, so here are couple of pictures from my work bench. The first is a quick sample piece I did- inspired by lace, doilies and chandeliers. The second is a continuation study of the Royal Affinity Series, but I have added another layer to increase the depth in the design.

--:Picture Day:--

Today, the sun was coming in through my window at a nice opaque level... so I quickly grabbed my camera and shot some new pictures. These are some of my favorites from the Anatomy of F collection. Catalogue for the collection can be downloaded from the "Anatomy of F" post below. On sale now!!! From top: F Fennel Earrings in Black and Foliage Pendant.

Some Oldies

I am slowly settling back to the Australian rhythm of life style after living in Tokyo for almost 2 years... I had forgotten how quiet it can be at night- I'm finding it difficult to get to sleep! Before I get too comfortable though, looks like I will be relocating to Holland at the end of the year. Not sure when exactly, but it's going to be another adventure : ) I was sorting through some of my old work from the University days, and decided to take some new photos. Oh... how much I was in love with using polyester resin! I stopped using it for health reasons, as it can be very toxic to work with it for an extended periods of time. Maybe I'll go back to it someday.

:::Earrings:::

Some new designs from The Anatomy of F collection- Inspired by flexing hair stands, European architecture and lace patterns. The catalogue + price list download can be found here. Now offering free international shipping + handling, plus they come packaged in a cute custom designed gift box! These earrings + plus other fabulous Aussie designs are also available from Moose. Moose is also having a birthday special until the 15th of July. Receive 15% discount on all purchases! All you need to do is enter this code: moose1 at checkout. Happy shopping!

:::Gift Box:::

It has been one of those projects that I thought may never eventuate... but here it is!! Every item from the Anatomy of F series will come carefully packaged in this custom designed box shipped all the way from Japan. The catalogue (which includes the retail price list) can be downloaded from the previous post. For more information on any of the pieces from the range, please send me an email!

The Anatomy of F collection

It's finally time to launch my new collection "The Anatomy of F". Hurray!! Here is a link to the catalogue. For prices and order information, please drop me an email! xxk

Almost...

Hello everyone. I'm back in Sydney and enjoying catching up with friends and families. Of course, I have not forgotten about the Anatomy of F release. We are just making some final adjustments on the look-book and waiting for the gift boxes to arrive from Japan... the release day is very near! Meanwhile here is a sneak view of the "Frost" brooches. Hand dyed acrylic with silver rivets.



Also, I just wanted to send a quick thank yous to the wonderful people out there who have featured my designs on their blogs. They are... Urban Outfitters, Pistol Whipped Cream, Notcouture, Dear Ada, an Italian site Frizzifrizzi, ... StyleHive featured a small interview with me. Thank you everyone... I am greatly humbled.

Update

In two days, I'll be moving back to Australia for some time. Admist the frantic last-minute shopping for supplies and saying goodbye to friends, I though I should post an update regarding the Anatomy of F release. I will be uploading a full length look-book onto this blog in the next 2 weeks. You will be able to place an order if you are interested and I would be more than happy to post work internationally. In the mean time, here are 2 more designs from the new range!

Frangipani Earrings

A design derrived from the reversable pendants. Hand sawed and hand dyed with sterling silver studs. I have some new projects in the pipeline. So stay tuned!

Frangipani Pendant

Here is a new reversible pendant I designed. I want to make some matching earrings next, and perhaps try dyeing the pieces in different colors. 120 x 55 x 4 mm

Sneak Preview of New Range

After 6 months of being bound to a teaching contract, I am finally free of duties! I have began designing and making prototypes for my new range. Here is one which may be included in the new series. This is a reversable pendant, hand sawed and hand dyed on plastic chain. 120 x 50 x 4 mm

Also, Guy and I will be presenting the "I Blame the Uni" range at Pecha-kucha Night on the 28th of March at Superdelux in Roppongi. If you live in Tokyo, please come along! Full information of the night can be found at the Pecha Kucha website.

Photoshoot in Shinjuku

Here are some shots of a little modelling Guy and I did over the weekend with our lovely model Yuka from the Trippple Nippples and also the cute Emiko from Candy in Shinjuku.

Reversable Pendant

It feels like absolutely forever since I made any new jewellery. But with some orders out of the way, I decided to indulge in a whole day of jewellery designing and making. I've had so many different ideas recently, but here's one I made today. Hand saw-pieced and hand dyed. It can be worn on either side - I think one side is more masculine than the other. Dimension 80 x 80 x 4 mm on long continuous chain.

Blog links

I noticed a jump in the number of visitors coming to my blog. Naturally, I wanted to see where these visitors were coming from, and found a number of blogs and other websites which featured my work. Thanks to everyone for finding me! Here is a blog by La Melancolie du Cameleon, which I love. And Bits and Bobbins, Gordon and Jag and Nebo Peklo. Then there is Lets Talk About Fashion. It was all in Swedish so I used a machine translation website to translate it into English, and found out that they think that I'm a boy! But regardless of some mix-up gender issues, thank you to everyone who took time to blog!
I took some new pictures of Dolly Pendants today. I take all the pictures of my jewellery myself. Images are so important these days, and I wan't quite satisfied with my previous attempts. But I think these ones convey the reality of the pieces pretty well.

My recent exhibitions

I have been keeping myself very busy recently with a number of exhibition, and shop openings. There was Sieraad 2006 in Amsterdam, the opening of CANDY, a boutque in Shinjuku- my first Tokyo stockist (yay!), and last night I exhibited my work in a small gallery in Urayasu. Here is a picture from Sieraad 2006 in Amsterdam.

Product Shot

Here is a group shot of my current line with the new I Blame the Uni swingtags.

I Blame the Uni Catalogue

Here's a link to the "I Blame the Uni" series catalogue, featuring full descriptions of jewellery in the range.

The Royal Affinity Series

I've had this design in my head for a while now. It's similar to the Virgin Brooch I made last year. Acrylic, enamel with 950 silver backing. It has 2 cluch pins to secure to the body. 75 x 60 x 5 mm.

...and some more

Cloud Pendant. 65 x 40 x 3mm with 300 mm sterling silver chain.
Bow Pendant in black and cream. 75 x 50 x 3 mm.

In Stores Soon

Cluster earrings in Black and Cream have arrived!!! The earring have 0.8 mm fine silver sleepers and will be available at YTBA, www.ytba.com.au from begining of next month. The range will also be released to selected shops in Sydney, Tokyo and London very shortly so stay tuned!

Pleasant Town in White

Hand-dyed acrilic and sterling silver. Larger than the previous pieces I've designed. 120 x 50 x 5mm

Pleasant Ville pendant in white

Pleasant ville

Dyed acrylic and sterling silver. 45 x 65 x 4 mm

New images from the recent adventures on my jewellery bench

Here is some blatant self promotion- My work will be featured in the up-coming NOISE Magazine and Shop Till You Drop mag which should hit the newsagents in Oz shortly. You can purchase my work through www.ytba.com.au Check it out!

Clustre Brooch: 96 x 60 x 18 mm


Similar to my last piece I made a few days ago, but simplified. It is attached to the body by a couple of butterfly pins.

History

I was trained at the College of Fine Arts in Sydney. The University focus was on conceptual designs where the primary importance was using jewellery as a vessile to communicate ideas and inspirations. At the time I was interested in scientific matters and lab aesthetics, which evetually led me to design with polyester resin and acrylic for their sterile and futuristic appearance.

When I completed my degree, I continued to design with acrylic but took on a less serious tone. I wanted my designs to be fun and whimsical- somthing that could be worn everyday.


Virgin Brooch: acrylic and fine silver brooch, 48 x 32 x 12 mm (2005)



Dotty Chan: acrylic and fine silver brooch, 38 x 32 x 18mm (2004)




Kooky Kloud: acrylic with chain, 55 x 33 x 3 / 48 x 34 x 3 mm (2004)




Liberty Girls: sterling silver with chain, 55 x 52 x 0.6mm (2003)




Tewe's Ring: platnum and 18 kt gold 13 x 13 x 1 mm (co-designed with Ebony Satchwell)




Little Birdy and Kitten: acrylic and fine silver, 22 x 30 x 4 mm (2005)




Disco Kitten: acrylic and sterling silver, 65 x 50 x 7 mm (2005)