Wednesday 25 April 2012

My love affair. . .with turquoise


Before you think of me as some turquoise wearing, bed spread adorning, wall paper smearing fanatic - I am not. Although admittedly I do wear at least 2 pieces of turquoise jewellery every day and feel very naked without it! 








 



Mociumhttp://www.mociun.com/





 




My love of turquoise began at 18 yrs of age on a family holiday in France. Having spent two wondrous weeks admiring the French fortified villages of Monflanquin and Pujols; indulging in the decadent cuisine and beautiful markets, my parents surprised me with a turquoise stone ring set in sterling silver. Something totally unique to anything I had seen before and subsequently something that has permanently and irreversibly moulded itself to my finger! This ring means everything to me as it represents not only my parents and the precious time we had all spent together but also my initial discovery of the semi precious stone turquoise.
Arriving back in London and jumping on google I was so certain that turquoise must be my birthstone- being ever a believer of star signs, destiny and fate(or atleast liking the sound  of it all anyway). However, much to my disappointment I found that i was months out- if only I had been born on time instead of shoved in an incubator looking like a little yellow alien, I would have a slightly more legitimate reason to adorn myself in this wonderful colour. 
Looking back it is also somewhat poignant because as a child my father used to frequently get me to say the word 'turquoise'. Clearly jesting his young non-conforming (in any way possible- words included)- daughter. I could only say 'it's Turk-wise daddy'.  Still to this day, when I mention the colour through conversation he back tracks and says 'sorry Emma, can you repeat, what's the colour again?'. Well daddy, it's turquoise! . . . Only 15 yrs later she has finally worked out how to speak! 


Through my jewellery I feel my designs have taken on my own persona, my own obsession as every other piece be it a ring, necklace or bracelet inevitably includes turquoise! In my opinion it is also one stone that works as looking typically bohemian, earthy and organic yet positively regal and enchanting. 
 
I have incorporated throughout a few photos I feel demonstrate turquoise at its very best. Most notably my FAVOURITE designs of YSL and Mociun. 

Clearly, having managed to virtually write a small dissertation on this colour I have even shocked myself and it would appear after all said and done that I am indeed, a fanatic.
 
Enjoy.

N.B: All photos other than my own taken from Google images

Monday 16 April 2012

Introducing . . . Festibelle Bands!

"Think. . . Pretty Flower Girl meets Bohemian bride"

With the sun shining (in between the sub tropical rainstorms) the summer season is fast approaching and I have been creating a new piece for my Emi-Lou Designs collection. Not quite in the ‘jewellery’ category, however this, my friends, I have named my ‘Festibelle Band’. 
(Picture of: Emi-Lou Designs “Festibelle Band” 2012)

(Picture of: Emi-Lou Designs “Festibelle Band” 2012)

(Picture of: Emi-Lou Designs “Festibelle Band” 2012)

The inspiration came from being told to ‘sort out my room’ by my mother back home in Wales a few months ago! Whilst ‘sorting’ (ie reminiscing over old diaries and childhood love notes, yellowing with antiquity… and trying on old plastic multi-coloured jewellery that was never in fashion then - let alone now)…  I came across an ivory and green garland headband that I wore as a 10 yr old bridesmaid- 14 years ago! Still brilliantly intact I tried it on (obviously) and although a little garish for a rainy Sunday afternoon in Wales there was something incredibly romantic and organic about this head dress. 

(Pretty little flower girl garland head band. Google images).


No sooner did I come back to London I started experimenting with my own garland headbands. By utilising lengthy ribbon at the back, 10 yr old bridesmaids and ageless summer lovies alike can wear them… floating around the 2012 summer festivals. Interweaved with fresh water pearls, sequins and vintage style flower garlands, each handmade headband is unique from the next. 
 

Think Kate Moss’ wedding meets A Midsummer Nights Dream… Glastonbury meets Soundwave (Croatia). What ever the occasion I hope I have created something for everyone, a summer of individuality, youth, love and happiness.

Emi-Lou xx 
N.B. All photos taken from google images. 

ps. I will be adding some more photos of my “Festibelle Bands” very soon.


Emi-Lou Designs, Chapter 1

Hello and welcome to my blog. Somewhat ambitiously and a bit like a New Years resolution I have decided to try and write something at least once a week. Even if no one reads this but me, it will be chance for me to look back in years to come and hopefully see what I've done as a bit of a visual diary for my jewellery and any other experiences along the way.


14 k gold filled with turquose stone and fresh water pearl earrings

Anyway, the last few months jewellery wise have been great. I have had one event which was hosted in the Gold room at Embargo59 in Chelsea. I was so nervous but it was a great location and I got some really positive responses from girls looking at my range (plus a few sales…which was a huge bonus!). I just really enjoy seeing people trying on my designs, it's such a lovely experience

14k gold filled turquoise stone ring.

I also attended an amazing evening event at the Stafford Hotel in September to listen to  “Patrick Wyatt” talk about his life as a bespoke Hatton Garden jewellery designer.(http://londonhotelsinsight.com/2011/09/28/bespoke-jewellery-pub-talk-at-the-stafford/
) He was a great inspiration for me and has really fuelled my want to learn as much as I possibly can about areas of higher end jewellery production/ making etc that are still unknown to me. I am currently looking in to starting a gemology course which will incorporate diamond grading… so all in all very exciting!!!

Following on from the Embargo59 event I excitedly founf out that I'd had my very first media mention here in the monthly online magazing DV8. lthough only a tiny mention I am so happy to see my little jewellery company mentioned in an online publication. We can only go up from here!
Anyway, I think this is enough for now, as not too sure what is to be expected by these blogs, but hope this has been an ok start!

Please follow me on twitter @emiloudesign or visit my website http://www.emiloudesigns.co.uk/
Lots of love
Emi x

 

Embargo59 event, Chelsea.