Every collection adds to an established repertoire of timeless, eternally coveted pieces; celebrating traditions, combining the contemporary and classic and always remaining true to a strong vision.
SUCCESS IS A COMBINATION OF MANY THINGS. IT TAKES A LOT OF HARD WORK, DETERMINATION AND A REAL BURNING PASSION TO SURVIVE THIS INDUSTRY. – MAWI KEIVOM.
What inspired you to become a jewellery designer? I was obsessed with fashion and would raid my mother’s old trunks for vintage clothes which I would cut up and re-work. I went on to study Fashion Design but there was never a grand plan to design jewellery or accessories. It happened organically, and fate led me up the trinket path and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always made my own jewelscustomizing my own personal pieces and mixing them with vintage finds and trinkets, so it was a very natural progression. Tell us about your design style. Every piece we make celebrates traditions whilst juxtaposing contemporary elements, all the time staying true to a strong vision. The brand combines elements of by-gone eras with contemporary influences, with each collection adding to a repertoire of pieces that are eternally coveted and timeless, transcending seasonal whims. As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from? I was fascinated by shiny trinkets, sparkly gemstones, opulent colours and chunky tribal adornments. My Indian heritage plays a huge part in my love for Bling! I was born in Manipur, Northeast India where bold tribal colours and jewels are celebrated, and whole lives are lived in technicolour. All these elements have helped enhance my overall vision and aesthetic. Like most girls, shiny, sparkly, and eye-catching things make
me happy. The Mawi aesthetic incorporates a mix of heritage and tradition, industrial luxe and sculptural influences, with a rebellious edge. I’m known for combined diverse elements and influences- blending classic materials with futuristic ideals and industrial elements for a truly unique effect. What advice would you give to someone interested in getting into the jewellery design business? There is no magic formula. Success is a combination of many things. It takes a lot of hard work, determination and a real burning passion to survive this industry. And even with all that you might not survive or make it. It will give you many knocks, and you need to be thick-skinned and be really focused. It’s not glamourous as people see it. It’s sheer hard work, blood sweat and tears but if you are passionate about what you do it’s incredibly rewarding in the end. It’s a journey and you have to enjoy the process. Even after sixteen years in the business I never feel like I have arrived. VELVET Fall 2018
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