Kolorful Kimono

When you think of Kimonos, what words come to mind? Maybe colorful, exotic, beautiful, rare. How about jaw-dropping handbags that cannot help but be gawked at? Donna Webster is the creator behind Kimono handbags. The MICHI, KIKO and HANA collections are made with recycled Japanese wedding Kimono and recycled Australian timber handles. So not only will you have a breathtakingly beautiful bag that can be worn year round, but you can pat yourself on the back for being Earth-friendly.

Ms. Webster ensures that each bag created has its own personal story and there will never be two bags that are the same anywhere in the world. One of the reasons these creations are so rare is the brilliant artists who sews these precious handbags are retiring and the skill is unfortunately not being carried on by the younger generations. And wedding Kimonos are not as common anymore due to the extensive and intricate detail required to making each one. So hurry, these head turners that have appeared at Sydney and Milan fashion weeks will not be around forever.

Nyce Rings

These are some REALLY nice rings. Nice as in Andrew Nyce. I fell in love with the truly unique patterns and shadows that are characteristic of  his elegant technique. When they say ‘No two are alike’….they mean it.

When it comes to the ancient Japanese technique of Mokume Gane, you know you are going to get a unique work of art.

“I am intrigued by the history and beauty of Mokume Gane and Damascus Stainless Steel. Each of these materials has beauty in their patterns, colors and the play of shadow and light that speaks to me and motivates me each day. No two pieces of jewelry are ever exactly the same.” says the designer.

“To me, metalsmithing is more than just the technique of working metals into a desired shape. It is the skillful blending of art and science to create a lasting symbol of one person’s love for another.”

Lucky for us, Andrew has been creating engagement rings, wedding bands, commitment rings and men’s rings,all with his intricate pattern, since 2002. They are sure to appeal to the more fashion forward crowd, who appreciate quality and style. That would everyone who reads Oligoville!

Terry Graziano Makes Beautiful Hats

Terry Graziano makes “beautiful multifunctional hats for women using eco-friendly mill-end surplus fabrics.” A 15-year veteran hat designer, Graziano personally handcrafts each hat with individualized care and attention in her New York City studio. Each hat is purposefully designed to be worn in many different ways allowing its wearer to custom-create her hat to fit her mood and outfit. Eclectic and eco-savvy, Terry uses only surplus fabrics. Every hat is silk-lined for comfort and adjustable for big heads to small heads. “For me, it’s all about flexibility. A shirt, a skirt, a pair of pants: these can be worn many ways— why should hats be any different?” They shouldn’t! Thank you for artistically and eco-friendlily teaching us that, Ms. Graziano!

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