From The Straits Times    |

Created after reflecting on the work of artist Jackson Pollock – best known for his unique “drip” abstract work – the new collection “A Beautiful Mess” from Singapore accessories label Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery was launched at the Tranoi tradeshow during the recent Autumn Winter 2013-14 Paris Fashion Week.

carrie k artisan jewellery A Beautiful Mess collection DECOR

Featuring laser-cut leather that’s handcrafted in Istanbul, silver, gold and enamel, the pieces received a very positive welcome from European buyers said jeweller Carolyn Kan, the founder and artistic mind behind the Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery brand.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of imperfection,” says designer Carolyn Kan, “The idea of wearing a mess instead of cleaning it up made me smile.”

The designs consist of shapes that are irregular and remind the viewer of splashes of paint; some more obviously so in an almost cartoon-style while others are more delicate in nature.

The leather neckpieces entitled “Splat” are actually double-sided and appear more random in shape, the splashes of cyn, lavender and pink are ironically actually more elegant than the name sounds. There are also earrings, a brooch and a lariat style necklace available in this collection.

carrie k artisan jewellery SPLAT DECOR NECKPIECES
Splat lariat and neckpiece from the Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery ‘A Beautiful Mess’ collection

The “Spill” pieces are the more “cartoon-y”; designed to “drip” down the neck and wrist when worn the collection comes in bright, patent leather but they’re also reversible with a softer metallic on the other side.

carrie k artisan jewellery SPILL DECOR CUFF NECKPIECE
Neckpiece and cuff from the Spill range of the ‘A Beautiful Mess’ collection from Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery

The Spill “bib” neckpieces and cuffs come in black and silver, plum and gold, blue and gold, or burnt orange and gold. There are also Splat and Spill rings available in silver, yellow gold or rose gold or enamelled with various colours like purple, blue, green, black and red.

carrie k artisan jewellery SPLAT DECOR RING
carrie k artisan jewellery SPILL DECOR RINGS
Splat ring (above top) and Spill enamel rings from the ‘A Beautiful Mess’ collection from Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery

Right after the Tranoi event, Carolyn headed off to Seoul, South Korea, for its Autumn Winter 2013-14 fashion week and trade show and to feature in the Singapore Designers Showcase, where she not only met buyers but also had to produce a runway show for her collection.

“I was so happy with how the [runway] show came together,” said Carolyn, explaining that it’s very difficult to show jewellery and accessories in this catwalk format. She was assisted in creating the show by showing her pieces on models wearing other Singapore designers.

The Heavy Mettle Collection – also featuring laser-cut leather – was shown on Singapore label Dzojchen, while the A Beautiful Mess ranges were shown on Saturday, another Singapore fashion label.

So far Carolyn says she’s been picked up by a multi-label concept store in Australia and another one in Hong Kong following her show in Seoul. She is also in discussion with a number of buyers she met during the Paris Tranoi event.

It just goes to show, once again, that there really is design talent in Singapore, and that the rest of the world is coming to appreciate it too.

You can shop Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery online at www.carriekrocks.com/CarrieK or meet the artist at the Carrie K. Atelier on Saturdays from 2pm-7pm and by appointment on weekdays; the atelier is located at 136 Bukit Timah Road. Contact the artist on 6735 4036 or email contact@carriekrocks.com. Carolyn Kan is also available to create bespoke pieces, just contact her directly. Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery is also available from Tangs Orchard, Blackmarket 2 at #02-10 Orchard Central and Front Row at Raffles Hotel Arcade, #02-09. For a complete list of stockists, go to www.carriekrocks.com/CarrieK/Stockists. You can follow Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarrieKjewellery and on Twitter and Instagram at @CarrieK_rocks.