Monday, June 28, 2010

ASDF DESIGNER INTERVIEWS -- AMELIE RIECH -- UNCOMMON MATTERS

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Balancing two worlds of cultural inspiration, and timeless elegance, designer Amelie Riech constructs structured porcelain accessories with a stylized approach. Having studied in Berlin, and applying her skills in Paris-an innate grasp of a specified European style is captured in every curvature, form, and texture of an Uncommon Matters piece. Each piece adheres to the form wearing it-hugging the collar bone, delicately draping over the chest, and firmly gripping the wrist. Amelie Riech breathes a significant source of inspiration into each piece resulting in a unique perspective of European jewelry design. Her most recent collection entitled "AU [79]" includes an assortment of neck pieces, rings, and cuffs with reflective surfaces. As Riech configures each mold and applies quality craftsmanship into every form, a sleek, and modernized statement adds as the final punctuation to a cohesive look.

ASDF: Where did you get your start in the fashion industry?

AMELIE RIECH: I have studied fashion design in Berlin and moved to Paris right after my diploma. I started my professional work as a designer and stylist in Paris.

ASDF: When and why did you decide to create Uncommon Matters?

AR: I have been working in teams in the fashion / magazine world for a couple of years. I do love styling and it inspires me a lot to work on the imaginary stylization, but after some time I was missing the creation of something "real" and very personal, something to touch and keep, to collect and to last. I was full of ideas and somehow in 2008 it was time to create uncommon matters...

ASDF: How did you decide which cities would be a proper home for your offices/studios?

AR: I do love Berlin, since it is my hometown and I am contended to produce in Germany.

But Paris is much more important for my inspiration and the business in general.

I do need these 2 locations to work and to be happy.

ASDF: The AU [79] collection seems stylized, and organic, and takes to the shape of the form wearing it. What techniques allowed you to form these particular shapes?

AR: I am working very close to the body using different techniques of molding and shaping, to create the actual piece. Everything is made by hand from the first drawing to the final piece, there are various steps and it is a complicated and exiting process.

ASDF: You initially started as a design duo with designer Jana Patz. How does the design process differ from two to one?

AR: There are pros and cons for both situations, but if you work in a team it is inevitable to pull in the same direction and work with the same intensity, otherwise it does not work. I am happy to work on my own at the moment and there are great people supporting and assisting me.

ASDF: Berlin has been a creative bubble for many designers. What is it about that city that generates so many inspiring design collectives?

AR: Living in Berlin is quite cheap compared to other capitals. This attracts a lot of young people, especially creatives & artists.

Their work does not have to be primarily commercial, so things can develop more freely and easy-going. Moreover, there is not much industry or establishment in Berlin, that's why people have to develop their own structures and businesses.

ASDF: What was the source of inspiration for the overall aesthetic for Uncommon Matters?

AR: I am getting inspired everyday, along the way through all sorts of things. It can be a memory, an object, a song or a photograph. I think that aesthetic develops subconsciously through ones background, way of living, visual experiences... it's my very personal and own sense or feeling of beauty which expresses through the things that I create.

ASDF: How do your pieces define the person wearing them?

AR: I think my pieces are very strong and need a confident person to wear them.

ASDF: Describe your conceptual ideas for design in its general form

AR: I do have a multidisciplinary approach towards the things that I create.

There is a deep emotional fascination for fine traditional handcraft and the experimental search for something surprising and new.

In general I am working very intuitively, on a special subject or material trying to apply unexpected function or perception.

ASDF: Describe the reason for the name "Uncommon Matters".

AR: It is just a word play, which hopefully arouses curiosity.

ASDF: Having two offices in Paris, and Berlin, describe the needs of the Parisian client, and the Berlin woman/man?

AR: The parisian woman has a great natural, femine and understated style, Berlin style is much more unconventional, sporty and casual. The Paris look is elegant, enjoyable but somehow uniform on a very high level.

Berlin offers more variety, whether cool, or ugly, everything is possible. In general people have less money, that’s why designer clothes have less significance.

ASDF: The lookbook theme for the "Handle With Care" collection, and the "AU [79]" collection differ greatly. Describe the concept for both shoots.

AR: The "handle with care" shoot happened very spontaneous without thinking much. We chose the model, because Suzanna is not only a classical beauty but also a great actress with a very strong personality. I wanted to create an emotion, a timeless and modern look, artistic and not too fashion.

The AU [79] shoot adapts to the series, which is more feminine and soft. The rounded forms follow the female body, the pictures are much more concentrated on the body than on the facial expressions.

Thanks to my friend the photographer Mark Pillai did a great Job !

ASDF: Do you have any future projects coming up?

AR: I am exhibiting at the Galerie Oona in Berlin in July and I am working on a line of uniques (unique pieces).

ASDF: What can we expect for the next collection, and when will it debut?

AR: Wait and see !

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Exhibit: Berlin
July, 2010
Galerie Oona
Auguststr.26-10117

Website: www.uncommonmatters.com

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

LD Tuttle



*Source: youtube*

Sophia Coppola



*Source: youtube*

ASDF Product Review -- LuShae Jewelry

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At great affordable pricepoints, LuShae Jewelry Art Design offers beautiful pieces with a luxury undertone. Pieces can be purchased online-demonstrating the easy accessibility customers are able to enjoy. With four categories including rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, and subcategories including-cross pendants, and dangle earrings-Lushae provides a large selection for varied tastes. Pieces range from the "Anatomy" earring with white onyx, and 14kt gold features - the "New Era" pendant which Lushae describes as "antique" in aesthetics - the "Monaco Gold Bangle" that gives off great illusion of texture - the "Contemporary Cocktail" ring which showcases two"triangular" cut stones - and the "Golden Compass" pendant which is detailed with beautiful design components. As you explore their easily navigational online store you will find that you cannot go without one item of a LuShae Jewelry piece.

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LuShae Jewelry Art Design
www.jewelryartdesigns.com/