fashion forward july ‘24
J-ZINEEDIT
Editor-in-Chief / Founder Jason Aarons jason@jewelleryafrika.com / +27 74 400 6677
Business Development Jenny Justus jenny@jewelleryafrika.com / +27 83 450 6052
Curations & Advertising
Hilary Lazarus hilary@jewelleryafrika.com / +27 82 385 0913
Global Curator Niyati Mendapara Niyati.mendapara@gmail.com
Proudmedia partnerto MrSouthAfrica
Digital Marketing Partner
Lynne Wilson Digital Marketing lynne@lynnewilson.co.za / +27 82 332 8290
Global Events Alliance Partner
DiaMondaine Diamantaires Club
Agnes Abdullahu, Founder & CEO info@diamondaine.com / +32 486 57 23 30
Marketing/PR Sophia Tau / sophia@jewelleryafrika.com
General Enquiries hello@jewelleryafrika.com
J-ZINE Edit Free Subscriptions jzine@jewelleryafrika.com
Places,please!
“Everybodylineup! Theshowisabouttostart Places!
Theshowisabouttostart Youhavetoshowalook,havealookorgivea look.”
Theopeninglyricsto‘Fashionista’byJimmyJamesandhow apttheyareforyoutoprepareforthisJ-ZINEEdit’srunway show.You’llbelooking!
Andyourlook-booktellsastoryofAfrikanfashionand jewelleryfusionwherefabrics,beads,gemstones,metals, sustainablematerials– ofearthandocean– havegivenrise tomagnificentinspirationanddesigns. Asynergy which createsadynamicinterplayoftextures,colours,andstyles, andignitesaworldofcreativityandglamouronour continentandbeyond.
It’sacreativitywhichenergisesourlives,influencesour moodsandgivesusplatformstocelebrateourunique Afrikandesignethosandthosewhobirththem. Theyare thechangemakers,theessenceofAfrika, whoareredefining eleganceandpersonalexpression.Theyreceiveastanding ovationfromus.
So,what/whoareyouwearing?
Jason Founder&Editor-in-Chief
Whenitcomestobeing‘fashionforward’, beingintheknowaboutyourgemstone coloursandtheircorrectnamescanmake orbreakastandoutlook.Inaddition, It’scrucialtodistinguishhelpfulgemstone namesfrommisleadingtermstomaintain clarityandtrustinthegemtrade
Confusionoftenarisesbetweenvarietal namesandlocationnamesingemmology. ParaibaTourmalineisadebatedterm:itcan eitherrefertoalltourmalinesfromParaiba, Brazil,regardlessofchemistry,ortoCuprian Elbaite,regardlessoforigin.Examplesof location-basednamesincludeSantaMaria Aquamarine,KashmirSapphire,and TsavoriteGarnet.Thelatter,namedafter TsavoNationalPark,appliestoallgreen GrossularGarnetsregardlessoforigin. Tanzanite,thebluevarietyofZoisite,is namedafterTanzania,itsonlyknown source.
Sometradenamesdescribeagemstone’s color.Amethystreferstopurplequartz,with lowersaturationvarietiesmarketedas“Rose deFrance”foraddedappeal.Greenquartz, orprasiolite,ismostlytreatedamethyst, sometimesmisleadinglycalled"green amethyst."
Misleadingtradenamesinclude“water sapphire”forioliteand“TransvaalJade”for hydrogrossulargarnet.Redgarnetslabeled asArizonaRubyorMontanaRubyalso createconfusion.
EGLisanindependentGemmological LaboratorywhichbelievesAfricannatural resourcesandbeautyshouldbeconstantly promotedandtakesprideinourAfrican heritage AndpartofthisishelpingYOU knowyourgems!
IthasinvestedinauniqueAfricanReport whichspecificallyhighlightsAfrican gemstones.Toensureyoursapphires, diamonds,andpreciousgemstonesare certifiedandtorequestacopyoftheEGL AfricanReport,contact:
BrendaRosenthal,ManagingDirector Tel:+27113344527/Fax:+27113342193 www.egl.co.zaadmin@egl.co.za
Garnet
Tsavorite
Paraiba Tourmaline
Iolite
Hessonite
Tanzanite
fashionforward
Afrikan jewellery brands are increasingly intertwining their craft with textiles and fashion designs, creating a vibrant synergy which celebrates cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
This love affair is driven by a desire to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, resulting in unique pieces that tell rich stories. Afrikan designers are drawing inspiration from the diverse textile patterns and techniques found across the continent, incorporating these elements into their jewellery designs.
One notable trend is the use of bold, colorful fabrics, such as kente and Ankara, which are being woven, wrapped, and intertwined with metals and beads to create striking jewellery pieces.
Gugu by Gugu. South Africa.
Diarrablu, Senegal. Instagram.
MaXhosa Africa’s collection “was influenced by the harmonious connection between people and the environment, emphasising our commitment to positively impacting the world we call home.” MAXHOSA AFRICA™, Instagram.
Meet
the RICH MNISI Bone Xibelani Skirt, Nyoka Earrings & Bracelet from their A/W 24 collection, Mihloti. South Africa. Instagram.
Print explosion worn by @groovymono. Orange Culture, Nigeria. Instagram.
This fusion not only highlights the beauty of Afrikan textiles but also brings a tactile, multidimensional quality to the jewellery.
Additionally, techniques like beadwork, embroidery, and fabric embellishments are being used to adorn necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, adding intricate detail and texture.
Collaborations between jewellery designers and fashion brands are becoming more common, resulting in cohesive collections that seamlessly integrate jewellery with clothing. These partnerships allow for the exploration of new design possibilities, fostering creativity and innovation. By merging textiles and fashion with jewellery, African brands are redefining the boundaries of adornment, crafting pieces that are not only accessories but also wearable art.
Lisa Folawiyo Studio. Nigeria. Instagram.
Basking in the beauty of self-expression. Hanifa, Ethiopia. Instagram.
middleeast beyondbord
TOi Fine Jewelry, Sparkle Ring
Nijma M Fine Jewelry, Double Gold Diamond Chain Knuckle Ring
Beenish Mahmood Fine Jewelry, Dragonfly Ring
La Graine Jewellery, Blooming Ruby Ring
Baguette Design, Hidden Treasures Ring
Kaltham’s Pavilion, Ombre Double Button Heart Ring
YOURA, Flourish Ring
Meera Al Fahim, Glistening Waves Ring
essenceofafrika
thechangemakers
Afrikan jewellery designers whose unique design ethos is changing the way jewellery is seen, worn and designed.
essenceofafrika
MargauxWong
Burundi
Thenarrative
FoundedbyGuyana-bornMargauxRusita,MargauxWong isaBurundi-basedjewellerybrandthatbringslow-waste valuesandpreciousEastAfricanmaterialstogetherto createcollectionsofdistinctive,wearableart
Craftedfromcowhorn,brass,andothersustainable materialsusingtraditionalEastAfricancraftingtechniques, eachunique,handpolishedMargauxWongpieceservesas anodetothenaturalbeautyofGuyanaandBurundi,as wellastotheopulenttraditionalstyleswornbytheir indigenouscommunities.
AtMargauxWong,webelievethatcreativityandthe naturalenvironmentareateamthatthrivebyworking together.
Jiamini, Kenya
Thenarrative
Jiaminiisafamilyrun,Kenyanbasedfashionaccessories brandmeaningbelieveinyourselfin'Swahili,foundedin 2016,onthebeliefofpreservingitstraditionalAfrican heritage.
Jiamini’svision,throughitsinnovativedesignsanduseof renewableresources,seekstocombinetimeless traditionaltechnique,craftsmanshipandheritagewitha touchofmodernity,manipulatedintheconstructionofits delicatebeadedembroideryandweave.
Eachpieceisdevelopedaroundtheideaofcomfort, complementingthebody’sfeminineformandgrace.
Visuals courtesy Jiamini. Instagram
Visuals courtesy Margaux Wong. Instagram
essenceofafrika
LafalaiseDion, Côted’Ivoire
Thenarrative
LafalaiseDionisthebrainchildofDionDewandMarcia Lafalaise,anAfrican/Ivorian/Dancreativesoulbornand raisedinCôted’Ivoire.
Drawinginspirationfromthevibranttapestryofher homeland,particularlyherupbringinginMan,thecityof 18mountains,LafalaiseDionissteepedinaculturethat fostersaprofoundappreciationforlife,love, craftsmanship,storytelling,indigenouscultures, traditions,transmission,healing,andself-love.
Dionenvisionsaworldwherecraftsmanship,spirituality, andself-loveintertwineseamlessly,creatingaspace whereindividualscanreconnectwiththeirheritageand embracetheiruniqueidentities.
Aketekete, Ghana
Thenarrative
‘Aketekete’isanodetothepastandtoneverbeing forgotten Aconnectiontonatureanditsforms
Tocelebrateculture,originsandstoriesotherwiselost.
Wevaluecollaboratingandconnectingwithcreativesto designmodernobjectswithage-oldtechniquesby supportingartisancommunitiestomakethem.
Ourcollectionexploresthecreationofobjectsthatallow youtosee,feel,carry,andvaluepartofaplaceandits people.
Weadmirethebeautyofuniqueness,irregularities,andthe graceofcraft-theexpressionofourselvesbycreating pieceswedreamof.
Visuals courtesy Aketekete. Instagram
Visuals courtesy. Lafalaise Dion. Instagram
Aheadofthegame
Hatsandfashionarealwaystalkingpoints.Fashionaficianados willagreetheyelevateanyoutfit,offeringstyle,personality,and flair.Fromclassictotrendy,theyremaintimelessfashion statements. But withintheAfrikancontext,hats,headwraps, headpiecesandheadbands, andhatdesignshavemuchgreater meaningandsignificance.
TheZulupeopleofSouthAfricawearintricatelybeadedhats calledisicholos,symbolisingmaritalstatusandcultural heritage.
MaasaiwarriorsinKenyaandTanzaniawearelaboratebeaded headpiecesandjewellery,eachcolourrepresentingdifferent ure. rapsareoftenpairedwithstunning ditionalweddingsandcelebrations.
fNamibiauseredochreandbutterfatto adpieces,complementedbyintricate mshellsandmetal.
InMali,Tuaregmenwearindigo-dyedturbansandsilver jewellery,signifyingtheirnomadicheritageandIslamic influence.
EthiopiantribesliketheHamarwearcolourfulbead necklacesandheadbands,withspecificdesignsindicating socialstatusandtribalaffiliation.
TheFulanipeopleofWestAfricaareknownfortheirlarge, ornategoldearringsandhatsdecoratedwithcowrieshells.
SouthAfricanNdebelewomenwearbeadedneckringsand headpieces,showcasingtheirvibrantartistryandcultural identity.
MoroccanBerberwomenwearsilverandamb jewellerywithtraditionalheadcoverings, eachpiecetellingastoryoftheirancestry andbeliefs.
GhanaianKenteclothhatsareoftenpaired withgoldjewellery,representingroyaltyand highsocial standingwithintheAkanculture.
footprintsthroughafrika
DiscoverDecorexJohannesburgand thepowerofdesign
DecorexAfricaismorethananexhibition;it isamovementtowardsabetterfuture, usingthepowerofdesign.
Theexhibitionaimstoredefinethewaywe live,creatingabetterlifeforpeopleand planetalike
Thisisashowcaseofmeticulous craftsmanship,ofartisanswhocraftdreams intoreality,mindfuloftheirfootprintonthis planet.Thisisastoryofconsumersturned consciousconnoisseurs,demandingthe ethicalandembracingtheenduring.
01-04August 2024 SandtonConventionCentre,Sandton,ZA.
VisitDecorexJohannesburgformore information.
Tobooktickets,clickhere
aspecialintroduction
Joinusforaspecial(tradeonly) introductionatJewellexAfrica 2024
Inlinewithouraimofcuratingand empoweringAfrikanjewellery, JewelleryAfrikaisdelightedtobe abletointroducemembersofthe tradetoyouthreeoriginal jewellery brands,whichwillshowcaseonour standatthisyear’sJewellexAfrica show:DustDesigns,ebforsonand ElizabethMorrDesigns.
Pleaseacceptourearly-bird invitationtomeetthemandseeand experiencetheir artistryandcraftsmanshipfirsthand. StandS8. 8thand9th September2024
Leeto/li-e-to/:JourneyBeyondJewelleryArt ExhibitionattheFADAGallery
“Leeto/li-e-to/:JourneyBeyond”illustrateshow elevenUJJewelleryAlumnihavenavigatedthe complexandcompetitiveSouthAfricanindustry overthelastdecade.
30Yearson,ourstrugglingdemocracyisnolonger consideredtheRainbowNationandamidstongoing recessionsandthepost-globalCOVIDpandemic malaise,manyjewellerybusinessesin Johannesburgandnationallyhavefaltered Despite thechallengingcontext,thisgroupofdesigners haveflourishedandsucceededatallcostsinthe heartoftheCityofGold
“Leeto”tellsastoryoftalent,sacrifice,and resilience,reflectingtheartist’s’bigdreamsand journeysbeyondtheircircumstances. This exhibitionshowcasesadistinguishedcollectionby elevenconceptualdesigners whoarealumniofthe UJjewellerydepartment,spanningseveralyears.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactMpendulo Ndlovuatmpendulon@uj.ac.za
