Hasta La Ideas

An in-depth exploration of jewelry design, “Fashion Jewelry: Catwalk and Couture” focuses on the designers and their working methods for creating distinct accessories for fashion shows and personal collections alike.

Author Maia Adams—a contributing writer for publications such as Vogue, Elle and Wallpaper—highlights 33 designers in all. Each gets their own chapter packed with an informative biography, insightful quotes, and a photo spread of their jewelry and sketches. While the styles and materials run the gamut, Adams chose each highly-skilled designer for their particular impact on the fashion industry and overall influence on 21st century fashion.

From the oft-bizarre ornate pendants by Yoshiko Creation Paris (pictured top right) to the equally subversive sculptural pieces by Florian (pictured above), each accessory’s look is as intriguing as the process for its design.

Designer Natalia Brilli (above left) provides a fuller understanding of the effort that goes into her leather-wrapped necklaces. Taking at times two days to create, the Belgian works hard not only on each piece but on developing the full story, often leading to limited-edition jewelry that entertains both when worn and when on display at home. Also reinterpreting the classics, Australian designer Michelle Jank (above right) explains her dream client would be the Queen of England, for whom she would make “seriously big, elaborate diamond rings.”

Fully defining jewelry envisioned for the runway, designer Naomi Filmer works between art and jewelry to create showstopping multi-dimensional pieces that expose her highly conceptual thought process. From gold-plated shoulder pieces (above left) to her hand manipulation piece (above right), Filmer regards jewelry as “an extension of our identity.”

“Kooky, kitsch and prettily punk” well describes Yazbukey, a collaboration between two sisters using bright colors and unconventional shapes. With a rigorous process of research and an impressive history working with designers Christian Lacroix and Givenchy, Yazbukey creates well-crafted pieces that exude a carefree attitude. Previously highlighted on CH, their works include cartoon shapes of items like hot dogs, telephones, Jackie O and the Jetsons.

Due out next month, sign up online to be alerted about availability.