On May Day Bank Holiday 2nd May I had the pleasure of photographing some wonderful pieces from the fashion jewellery collection of an international designer of couture. The selling exhibition is called '50 YEARS OF STYLE’ – open 10am - 5pm Wednesdays to Saturdays from 6th May-25th June at THE DESIGN GALLERY
Unit 1a Starborough Farm, Starborough Road, Marsh Green, Edenbridge TN8 5RB
Here’s a little more information to whet your appetite.
Designer costume jewellery is a fascinating field for fashion aficionados and collectors. Back in the 1930s, Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli championed the creative possibilities of “fashion jewellery”. From Chanel’s long gilded chains decorated with glass ‘pearls’ to Schiaparelli’s surrealist shapes, customers craved the uniqueness of the designs.
Come the 1950s, American manufacturers stepped up to produce exciting pieces for the global market. Trifari became a household name when Mamie Eisenhower chose their jewellery for the President’s inauguration. Fine jewellers such as Alfred Philippe of Cartier were hired to bring their skills to play, and many items were triple gold plated to give long-lasting lustre.
The Design Gallery is staging a selling exhibition on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 6th - 28th May, and online, which tells the story of costume jewellery from many countries.
Reflecting the passion of a British-Columbian couture designer for the vast array of materials and styles used to create fashion jewels, many of the best-known design houses are represented. Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Baccarat and Lalique glitter alongside Trifari, Napier, Monet and Swarovski.
“I was amazed when I opened box after box of immaculate “costume” jewels. This designer lived on almost every continent, so the collection features African seeds and beans, shell and glass bead necklaces from Chinese and other Asian countries, Mexican silver, branch coral and antique jet,” explains Chrissie Masters, curator of the exhibition. “She collected for 50 years, mostly 20th-century examples. The majority of the designer pieces, are signed, which makes them especially sought-after.”
The eclectic taste of this well-travelled woman reveal a world of style and a deep interest in national histories. Whether you are looking for a style statement or a special gift, this exhibition may well start you on your own exciting journey of discovery.
The weather on the day of the shoot was just right – warm and sunny with a sky filled with clouds giving a soft and diffused light. The rapeseed fields and woodlands filled with bluebells provided the perfect backdrop.
On this occasion, my kit consisted of a Fuji XT-2 with a 50-140mm lens and a Nikon D750 with a 24 -120mm lens, a ladder and an all important reflector.
A peek behind the scenes.
If you love this story and would like to own a piece of history for yourself or a loved one you won’t be disappointed. The Design Gallery is a treasure trove of Art Deco furniture, lamps and more to inspire you to claim a piece from a bygone era.
Thanks to Chrissie Masters for commissioning me to photograph the pieces, modelled by Olivia Chenery, Hair and Make-up by Helena Sergeant, Styling Chrissie Masters. Photography and art direction by me, Stella Scordellis.
Stella
