July 2, 2011 |
FROM THE VAULT (SPRING SUMMER 2011)
This, dear readers, is a lady who has touched an angel, more than one in fact. Now you have to admit that not many people can boast of celestial interaction, at least not many you’d consider sane. But she can, she’s touched and made wings for the Victoria’s Secret angels and yes they may not have halos, and their wings may not sprout from their shoulder blades but that does not make the experience less of a holy one.
JEWELLERY IS…
An aphrodisiac.
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
My passion for what I do consumes me, it’s a part of who I am and a way to express myself.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN JEWELLERY? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I fell in love with jewellery watching my mother dress up in her Sari’s and adorning herself with beautiful striking jewellery. During my fashion degree I took up jewellery making. It was my favourite pastime, I taught myself to experiment with all types of jewels and metals. My first job out of University was with a beader who designed and crafted beaded couture for many Australian designers. My passion for jewellery grew and I left to start my own label.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?
When I was hand picked among leading international designers such as Vivienne Westwood to have my work published in Swarovski’s Unbridaled book launched during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, my work was also shown at the launch…more closer to one day living the dream of having my own Haute Couture show.
YOU’VE BEEN COLLABORATING WITH VICTORIA SECRET’S SIX YEARS NOW? HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?
In 2005 I showed my Manik Mercian handcrafted pieces at Australian Fashion week. A scout from the Victoria’s Secret saw my work and immediately contacted Victoria’s Secret’s creative team, soon after I was designing and hand making couture garments and jewellery for the show.
DO YOU CRY WHEN AN ANGEL GETS HER WINGS?
I cry when and Angel breaks one of my wings, thankfully that hasn’t happened!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Right now I am working on designing a new collection for my ready to wear jewellery label called Sahani.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Next? A much needed break.
WHAT’S THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Passion, commitment and a touch of insanity.
ARE YOU A BIG JEWELLERY WEARER YOURSELF? DO YOU WEAR YOUR OWN DESIGNS? IS BIGGER BETTER? OR DO YOU PREFER MORE DISCREET PIECES?
Every time I get the chance to head out I love to wear jewellery, more neckpieces and pendants, I’m out to make a statement, so the bigger the better. I do often wear my pieces and I also love to wear unique jewellery I find on my travels made by local designers. There is so much talent especially in third world countries, at some stage I would love to promote such talent.
HOW HARD? HOW EASY EVEN, WAS IT TO SET UP ON YOUR OWN? HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE YOUR OWN LABEL? ARE YOU LIVING THE DREAM?
I have always wanted to have my own label, however it is not as easy as its seems, you really have to be a designer and a business woman at the same time which can be challenging, but its amazing to work for yourself and be free to create so I am living the dream.
IS A DIAMOND FOREVER? OR IS IT A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND?
Neither, I believe a diamond is material and confidence is a girl’s best friend.
by Natalie Dembinska
