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progression by emma sher
Long Hexagonal Necklace (oxidised sterling silver, AUD $345) by Emma Sher
Melbourne jewellery designer Emma Sher currently has her work on display at the Charles Smith Gallery in Fitzroy (Melbourne). Emma's first solo exhibition is titled "Progression" and explores her gradual transformation from art & design student into professional jeweller. Each piece is a further refinement of what has been learnt from creating the piece that precedes it.
Triple Entwined Bangles (sterling silver, AUD $415) by Emma Sher
My favourite pieces from this collection use the geometric imagery of the crystal system of gems, along with facetted and flat stones. I love the play between 2D & 3D, and the delicate linework which sits beautifully within sterling silver.
Crystallized Cufflinks (AUD $245) by Emma Sher
Emma works from her studio in Collingwood (Melbourne), which she shares with three other jewellers. She first began designing jewellery in 2001, and studied Engineering Design (Jewellery) at TAFE before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gold & Silversmithing at RMIT in Melbourne. She has exhibited work both nationally and internationally and was a finalist in the Kaiserman Jewellery Prize.
My Etched Heart Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher
All of Emma's works are handmade - either one-offs or limited edition pieces. If there's something special you have in mind, she can also custom make pieces to order. The silver limited edition works (many of which are pictured here) can be made with either an oxidised or unoxidised finish, and can be created from yellow or white gold. The agate and freshwater pearl pieces are one-of-a-kind, and can be made to order with preferred colours and styles.
Triple Geometric Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher
I REALLY love this piece, the "Triple Geometric Necklace". The repeated shape has a wonderful sense of balance. Although each shape is essentially flat, each would appear slightly different to the others depending on the curve of the body and the angle of viewing - like glimpsing different facets of the gem all at the same time.
Ladybug and Rose studs (AUD $100 - $480) by Emma Sher
The studs pictured above have been especially popular at the Progression exhibition. Most are priced under $200 too...
Pictured left to right are:
Ladybug Studs #1 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $160
Ladybug Studs #2 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $180
Ladybug Studs #3 - Sterling silver, sapphires, AUD $200
Rose Stud Earrings - Sterling silver, AUD $100
Rose Stud Earrings - 18ct Yellow gold, AUD $480
Oval earrings - sterling silver, freshwater pearls (left, AUD $225) and Oval earrings - sterling silver, pink tourmaline, 18ct yellow gold (right, AUD $345) by Emma Sher
Emma finds inspiration in her collection of organic, man-made, modern & vintage materials and objects. She uses precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold and silver as core materials and focusses on how the elements relate to one another. I love the gradients of pink tourmaline!
Aqua Agate Necklace (long, AUD $895) and Mauve Agate Necklace (double, AUD $875) by Emma Sher
See more of Emma Sher's work at www.emmasherjewellery.com or check out her blog at www.emmasherjewellery.blogspot.com. Emma's jewellery pieces can be ordered online, but please note that all prices listed here are valid for the duration of the exhibition, March 3rd - April 4th, 2009. Please contact Emma with any enquiries.
If you're in Melbourne, get along to the exhibition! Progression continues until April 4, 2009 at Charles Smith Gallery - 65 Smith St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, 3065.
kimono eto
Vintage kimono silk Crazy Cat softie, AUD $35 by sallymac
I spied sallymac's Crazy Cat (pictured above) at Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE). I love his cheeky expression and wild eyes, AND the amazing graphic print on his vintage kimono coat. He had to come home with me...
Japanese cotton play mats (100x80cm) by sallymac. Polyester filling, machine washable, AUD $64 each. Cotton dog softie AUD $15.
The term eto refers to the Japanese zodiac. It is based on the ancient Chinese concept of zoning time and direction into twelve blocks, each block being given an animal name. Your eto is decided by your birth year and the twelve animal signs are the mouse, the cow, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog & the wild boar.
Japanese cotton machine washable bibs (AUD $15 each) and cotton Dog softie (AUD $15) by sallymac
Sydney designer Sally McCarthy has based her gorgeous range of sallymac softies on the Japanese eto. She combines exquisite vintage kimono silks and contemporary fabrics to create these sweet characters, as well as various baby gifts, accessories and unique kimono silk lampshades.
Japanese cotton Cat softies, AUD $18 each by sallymac
I love the serene expression on faces of the Japanese cotton cat softies pictured above - sleep tight kitties!
Waffle Towel with Japanese cotton hood, 70x70cm, AUD $35 and cotton Sheep softie, AUD $35 by sallymac
This here is just too cute for words!
Japanese red cotton Dog softies, AUD $25 each by sallymac
These pups are perfect for those who prefer bright colours for babies - bold red prints on Japanese cotton. (I think you could be forgiven for naming them Spot!)
Japanese cotton Dog softie, AUD $18 by sallymac
You can see that sallymac's Japanese cotton Dog softie (pictured above) has a classic "cuddle me" shape. These are toys which will become instant favourites with your little ones...
Japanese cotton Dragon softie, AUD $25 by sallymac
This one represents me! The dragon (tatsu) is apparently the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle. Supposedly we are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn, but also honest, sensitive, brave and inspire trust in people. (We can also breathe fire!)
If you're wondering where to find one of sallymac's eto critters, I heard they live in the following habitats:
NSW: MCA (Circular Quay), Bella Emporio (Rozelle), Ekho (Thirroul), Kido Store (Randwick)
ONLINE: Karimu
For a full list of stockists, visit www.sallymac.com.au.
design that works
Butterfly Coat Rack in red, AUD $129 by UTE Australia (Also available in black & white.)
UTE Australia is based in Melbourne, and as the name suggests, they focus on utilitarian application & simple functionality. Product designer Kain Lucas and marketing executive Graham Smith teamed up to launch the label in 2007, developing products with timeless appeal - innovative designs made from carefully chosen materials such as bamboo & reclaimed timber. The UTE range of homewares feature geometric shapes, clean lines and design features such as contrasting timber grains (highlighted in the Profile Bathmat pictured further down the post).
Blending the old with the new, the UTE Australia Butterfly Coat Rack (pictured above) offers a stylish solution for tight spaces! The traditional bentwood styled coat rack head has been rendered using modern manufacturing techniques, and is available in super sleek white, black or red.
Bowlboard, AUD $59.95 by UTE Australia
UTE's Bowlboard was an obvious favourite at Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE). The four food prep bowls inlaid flush to the surface of the board are a clever addition to the mould resistant Carbonised bamboo chopping board, and I love the shape of the board itself.
Link Placemats (AUD $39.95 set) & Coasters by UTE Australia
The Link Placemat & Coasters (pictured above) are ideal for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. The designs are cut from polyethylene - chosen for its strength, durablity and non absorbant properties, as well as its sleek look & curious texture.
Profile Bathmat, AUD $99 by UTE Australia
The Profile Bathmat (pictured above) is a design which celebrates its materials. The frame is made from a marine grade Cedar plywood, scalloped at each end to fit the Tasmanian Oak slats. The exposed end grain and natural oiled finish really make the most of these timbers.
The design of UTE's Universal Knife Block (pictured below) enhances its material in a similar way. The parallel vertical lines resemble the grain of the Carbonised Bamboo. They also accommodate knives of all shapes and sizes, making the Universal Knife Block more flexible than other models.
Universal Knife Block, AUD $69.95 by UTE Australia
Selected UTE Australia products are available from the following stockists and all products can also be ordered online from www.ute.net.au. (Check UTE's STOCKISTS page to find out who stocks what!)
NSW: Top 3 by Design (Bondi Junction, Crows Nest)
VIC: MAKE Designed Objects (Carlton, Melbourne), RG Madden (Richmond, Carlton, Melbourne, South Melbourne), Bed Bath n Table The Works (Hawthorn), Ludo's (Toorak), House Brighton (Brighton), Kitch 'n' Stuff (Richmond, Frankston), The Bathroom Store (Moorabbin), Safari Living (Prahan East), Kleen Design (Fitzroy), Blend Design (Collingwood), Kif and Katast (Prahran, Clifton Hill), SAS Design & Concepts (Geelong), Azeno (Ballarat)
WA: Cut It Out (Perth)
QLD: Gibsons Homewares (Noosaville, QLD), Kitchenware Plus (Loganholme), Lime Homewares (Cairns), Zabu (Cairns)
TAS: Luxe (Hobart), Homebody (Launceston)
par avion
Now who wouldn't want one of these?! The Par Avion laptop sleeve by new Melbourne label shuky would have to be one of my favourite products from Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) - I think it's just brilliant! Possibly even the perfect excuse to upgrade your laptop...
Well padded with 360 degree 2.5mm EVA padding and a soft plush fabric lining, the Par Avion will keep your electronic partner in crime safe & scratch-free. Available in two sizes, the Small (AUD $119.99) is designed to snugly fit the new aluminium MacBook 13" or MacBook Air, while the Large (AUD $139.99) will provide beauty rest to the MacBook Pro 15". The colour range is perfect too, with the cheeky smaller sibling coming in light camel, dark tan, black, patent red & patent white while her big sister is available in sophisticated light camel & black.
The Par Avion belongs to an impressive collection of women's leather laptop bags and oversized clutches. Launched during 2008's Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the shuky label has already attracted a lot of attention - from customers and celebrities alike! Designer Shuk-Yee has developed the shuky range using beautifully soft leather and unique detailing - and the Par Avion will have many designers drooling... shuky aims enrich your mobile lifestyle, reflect your fashion sense, and meet your demand for product quality, and the Par Avion delivers function & style in one neat package!
shuky's Par Avion is due to depart at www.bagsnpacks.com.au and www.rushfaster.com.au... and check out the full range of laptop bags & oversized clutches at www.shuky.com.
a dash of lime
Feline Fox necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop
Since I first spied the Feline Fox printed tee in Kids in Berlin a few seasons back, I've been in awe of the talent behind Melbourne label limedrop. I'm very happy to report that I now have my own Feline Fox in the form of the sweet cherrywood pendant draped over my neighbour's lime tree pictured above.
Lockface necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop
Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) lured limedrop to Sydney to show off their unique line of cherrywood accessories. The stand was a beacon for those on the prowl for something edgy & cool! The intricate designs have been laser cut & engraved into cherrywood, which is also availble with a black, white, silver or gold veneer finish.
HER: Heart Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater (Charcoal) & Pleated Twist Pocket Skirt (Red Fade Check) and HIM: Soft Drape Cardigan (Black Modal), Moosehead T-shirt (White) & Baggy Pants (Cable Knit Print) by limedrop
limedrop's wooden accessories began with a set of hanging mobiles designed for an exhibition at Melbourne's Milly Sleeping (as part of the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2007). A number of extra hanging pendants were made into necklaces & quickly snapped up by customers!
Sinking Ship necklace in cherrywood with black veneer, AUD $49.50 by limedrop
I love limedrop's fresh & tangy marriage of illustration and jewellery design. The collection has a spirit of fun & adventure, storytelling & romance... just like the tale of the intrepid twosome who brought the label to life. limedrop began as a love story between designers Clea Garrick and Nathan Price. After falling for each other in their hometown in the tropical far reaches of the Northern Territory, they travelled hand in hand to Brisbane, Sydney, and finally to Melbourne, where they launched the label in 2005.
Floaty Fluted Collar Dress (Navy Check Crinkle) & Sateen Racer Jacket (Black Sateen) by limedrop
limedrop's sixth fashion collection entitled "The Huntsman" has arrived for Autumn | Winter 2009. limedrop are known for their use of clear lines, bold colours, structured pieces and curious proportions. I just love the colour & textures of the Floaty Fluted Collar Dress pictured above. Doesn't it make you long for chilly winter evenings?
Doily necklace (AUD $49.50) and Doily pop-out earrings (AUD $39.50) both in cherrywood with gold veneer by limedrop
The limedrop fashion range is both contemporary and wearable - and you know I adore the cherrywood accessories! There is so much energy in this label. Clea & Nathan are a clever pair and I can't wait to see where the fashion world takes them!
T-rex necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop GRRRRRR
The limedrop tree branches out to the following locations:
NSW: Our MishMash (Bondi), Via Alley (reopening in Surry Hills, March 2009), Pigeon Ground Records & Clothing (Camperdown)
VIC: Milly Sleeping (Carlton, Melbourne), Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), In the Woods (Northcote, Melbourne), Lady Boutique (Melbourne City), Pussycat Black (Brunswick, Melbourne),
WA: Atlas Devine (Perth), Ruck Rover (Perth)
QLD: Outpost (Brisbane)
ACT: itrip iskip (Canberra)
ONLINE: Pitbull Mansion
INTERNATIONAL: Slick Willys (Dunedin, New Zealand), Iko Iko (Wellington & Auckland, New Zealand), Epitome (Singapore), Actually (Singapore), Tomodachi (Indonesia)
...and of course, they can be found online at www.limedrop.com.au!