A Raw Story: Krystle Knight Jewellery

I have had a soft spot for raw crystal jewellery ever since the trend took off. Regardless of whether or not you believe in its powers, admittedly wearing a chunk of crystal does look pretty cool.

Designer Krystle Knight began her eponymous label after being "inspired by the exquisite elemental beauty which surrounds her". The label specialises in creating raw crystal pieces in brass and sterling silver. Today Knight talks about her brand and the spiritual connection she feels with the stones she works with.

1. Describe how Krystle Knight began. 

After working in fashion for seven years, it was a natural progression. I’ve always had a love for jewellery and also for crystals, so it made sense to be able to bring both of those loves together.

I am inspired by everything from photography, the ocean, an endless summer, and the simple natural beauty of the crystals themselves.

2. What made you so passionate about working with raw crystals? 

I have always had interest in the healing powers of crystals and I have always carried around a little pouch of crystals in my handbag (I think I got this little trait from my mum). I find the natural beauty of crystals so fascinating; each piece has its very own characteristics; which also makes each piece individual and special for our customers.

I mainly work with Clear Quartz, which is my favourite stone and is known to be the master healer of all crystals. I have been wearing a clear quartz crystal for years around my neck and really do feel the power of the stone.

Quartz is a stone of harmony, which balances energies and emotions, while increasing inspiration and creativity. It works on all areas of the mind and body; awakening, amplifying & transmitting energy, while clarifying the thought processes and clearing away negative energies.

I also have some exclusive Rose Quartz pieces, which is the stone of love. It promotes unconditional love, forgiveness, infinite peace and compassion. It creates harmony in relationships and teaches us about the true essence of love. It purifies and opens up the heart allowing us to express our emotions.

3. Describe the planning and design process that goes into creating a new collection.

I am now designing four collections a year and at any one time I am designing a new collection, shooting a different collection & also launching a new one. It doesn’t stop! But I love it.

When designing a new collection, I look at past collections and also see what our customers are asking for.  There are quite a few things I must keep in mind when I am designing and one thing is simplicity. 

4. What are your favourite clothes to pair with a Krystal Knight piece? 

I will mix up pieces and coloured stones depending on my outfit. I am a denim shorts and low side slung singlet type of girl, so layering all of my jewellery with a casual outfit can really dress an outfit up and make it perfect for a night out.

5. You recently stocked some homeware pieces such as Agate bookends and crystal candle holders. What gave you the idea to branch out into lifestyle products? 

This also for me, was a natural progression, I spotted them while sourcing new crystals and had to have them, the colours are so stunning and the intricate natural beauty of them are so so beautiful! I am working on some new home wares projects coming up, which I cannot wait to share! 

All pictures belong to Krystle Knight. 

By Sharon Jiang 

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Spotlight: Aaron Favaloro

Social media platforms not only provide a daily dose of inspiration but also introduce me to a plethora of talented people in fashion, fitness and/or beauty. This is the case for Aaron Favaloro, an Instagram famous fashion illustrator with 23K followers (and growing). One glance at his Insta feed and it becomes obvious why he gained such a large audience; his drawings are different from the rest.  

Creative, light-hearted and each with its individual quirk, Favaloro has illustrated many prominent names in fashion. His portfolio boasts famous bloggers, fashion icons, celebrities, models and runway exits from ready-to-wear and Haute Couture shows. It is his keen eye for details, intricacy and individuality that has earned Favaloro the admiration of many in the industry. 

Upon seeing his work on Instagram in 2013, I was fascinated by his talent. A year on Aaron Favaloro has become one of those in the fashion industry I respect the most. Both humble and humorous, he talks to me about his job as a fashion illustrator and not taking life too seriously. 

His job wasn't something planned. 

"I did an illustration for my brother on the engagement card I made for them, and as I was running late I did them with no faces. I was stunned that upon me putting that illustration on Instagram I had a job request. I thought there might be something in this, so I ran with it and haven’t stopped illustrating to date."

His artist style includes faceless figures which all bare a striking resemblance to his subject whether it be the eyebrows or signature accessories. 

"The style did stem from me being unpunctual. But I did study fashion design and have always loved style and fashion. I thought wouldn’t it be cool if you could tell someone by their style and characteristics rather than identifying them by their facial features. I still am blown away how everyone can identify who I illustrate. It's a real testament to the individuals self-expression and authenticity."

He takes inspiration from not only fashion. 

It comes from ... "I don’t know insomnia ahah! Mostly it comes from fashion yet music is a big inspiration. And also surfing, nothing beats the ocean for creative inspiration."

He branches out from the tradition tools of fashion illustration. 

"Anything and everything that creates marks on paper. I do mainly use Copic Markers yet eye shadows, watercolour and pastels all show their faces. I don’t think I could only choose one, there is so much fun to have with them all."

His best experience is something to be proud (and envious) of. 

"I have had so many little moments to be thankful for. Sitting front row for fashion week was exciting, I was so out of my comfort zone. Yet my highlight would have to be receiving a picture of Oprah holding my illustration in her hands, I think I let out a little YEW." 

He's got grand plans for the future but refuses to be caught up in the fame. 

"There are some amazing things in the works, working with some big brands and companies! I definitely want to keep illustrating what inspires me, and having fun with it, if you can’t have a laugh then what’s the point."

Aaron Favaloro's work can be found HERE and HERE. 

All images belong to Aaron Favaloro. 

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Crystalise

Picture Source: 

http://www.themaniamania.com/

http://krystleknightjewellery.bigcartel.com/

There's something unabashedly raw about a giant chunk of crystal. I'm not talking about the tiny specs of rock that's been wedged in the crevases of a Swarovski necklace. Those only glimmer in sunlight ... understated. 

The ones I'm talking about takes half the effort but looks twice as chic. I've recently discovered two local labels that hand make the boldest raw crystal quartz jewelry. From ring stacks, ear cuffs to costume necklaces, The Mania Mania and Krystal Knight specialise in chunky embellishments. I'm envisioning a stack of silver rings (3 & 10) paired with a white silk blouse and distressed denim cut offs. 

SHOP 

1. Krystal Knight - Energy Cuff 
2. The Mania Mania - Forbidden Path Ear Cuff 
3. Krystal Knight - Clarity Ring 
4. The Mania Mania - Bara Necklace
5. Krystal Knight - Protecting Ring 
6. Krystal Knight - Healing Necklace 
7. The Mania Mania - The Vixen Stacked Ring 
8. The Mania Mania - Rose of Blood Earrings
9. The Mania Mania - Ishtar Earrings
10. Krystal Knight - Focus Rings

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Backbone of Crystals

Ryan Storer, your ear cuffs are the thing of dreams ...

~to be continued~

Dungarees Dressing

If you've never heard of the term 'dungarees', you probably know them as overalls. Still don't know what I'm talking about, then the best description I can give you is an all-in-one-over-the-shoulder-bib-with-legs-holes (use your imagination!) Originally used as protective clothing for farmers and mechanics, it WAS considered quite a standard blue collar garment.

However, not in my book and apparently not in many high profile designers'. Personally, I've taken a liking to the dungarees after remember my childhood running around in denim mickey mouse ones (yes, so stylish). Internationally, the overall was heavily featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 collections and is still making it's comeback for spring 2013. 3.1 Phillip Lim steered away from typical denim and reinvented this 'peasant' piece with hot pink suede or black leather. Speaking of reinvention, Moschino for S/S 2013, toyed with playful cuts outs and added an explosion of floral  Other designers include Ralph Lauren, Isabel Marant as well as high street stores such as Guess, American Apparel and Free People.

Stay tuned for my next post, since I'll be styling an outfit around a pair of dungarees.

My Picks 

Picture Source

http://www.tuulavintage.com/

http://www.ordinarypeople.ca/

http://weworewhat.com/

Trending: Graphic Tees

No longer is just a dog a man's best friend... Givenchy takes an obvious bias towards the Rottweiler breed. I also bet that Star Wars viewer stats have gone up significantly since the Balenciaga sweaters. From the Spring/Summer 2013 street style and the fall/winter 2012/13 runways, it seems that a massive obsession with graphic tees have emerged.

I mean, why not be a walking poster for anything and everything you love? Balenciaga sure turned something geeky into a major trend icon and if was up to me ... I would totally DIY a tee with an abstract Nemo plastered across my chest (free marketing for Pixar anyone?)

Inspiration

Kenzo F/W 2012/13

Balenciaga F/W 2012/13

Picture Source
http://www.vogue.com.au/

My Picks

1. Wildfox Death Becomes Her Sweater

2. Givenchy Rottweiler t-shirt

3. Fairground Mirror Tee

4. Wildfox Panther Pullover Sweatshirt

5. Somedays The Visionary Lion Print

SPRING SERIES: DIY Floral Crown

As a part of my Spring Series, I promised you all that I would post a DIY on how to make a floral crown. If you're like me and sick of the same generic flowery headbands in all the chain stores, then this DIY is for you (oh god... that sounded like an infomercial). I was initially inspired by Lana Del Rey's style ... that sort of vintage, ethereal look complete with the gorgeous floral garlands.

What you'll need

1. A selection of artificial flowers (i used white orchids - Lincraft)
2. Florist tape (Lincraft)
3. Floral wire (Lincraft)
4. Pliers
5. Measuring tape
6. Normal scissors

1. Measure your head circumference with the measuring tape. Create a halo-like circle by twisting the floral wires together (I used 3 wires).

2. Take your first individual/bunch of flowers. Using the florist tape, wrap the flower around the wire halo. Just a tip: florist tape is like magic, it's not sticky like scotch tape but it just automatically adheres. Feels a bit like moulding clay when you press on it too. Anyways...

3. Repeat step 2, working your way around the crown until you've got your desired result. You can choose to complete the crown or leave the back naked.

All pictures above taken by myself. Which floral crown do you fancy?

I recently opened up an Etsy store selling these head pieces. To SHOP P&P click here

Obsession: Denim Shirt

Spring is so soon, I can feel my hayfever acting up by the pollen particles carried in the air. Flowers are blossoming, the sun has decided to show it's face and I no longer find myself crouching in front of the heater every morning. That means it's probably time to think about some transition pieces as there's still a cold chill in the air (yes... i said spring is coming but it hasn't arrived just yet).

I'm thinking the effortless denim shirt would be a perfect addition to anyones wardrobe. It's easy and casual with that hint of a laidback vibe ... open to so many interpretations.
Pair it with black leather shorts and tan brogues? Slip it over a white lace dress? Layer it under a structured blazer? Of course, a dark denim shirt definitely calls for some DIY studding and that denim blue shade looks amazing with tan, mustard, gold and leopard print. Also, not bothered to buy the women's version? Borrow your boyfriends and say it's oversized... GENIUS!

My Picks

1. Sheinside Light Blue Floral Lining Denim Shirt
2. American Apparel Unisex Denim Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt
3. Denim and Supply by Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt with Beading
4. Topshop MOTO Collar Tip Denim Shirt
5. River Island Denim Shirt with Studded Collar


Inspiration

Picture Source

http://monalisaspier.com/

http://aviewfromtheshade.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://www.fashion.ie/ 

http://jakandjil.com/ 

http://vigossbackstage.com/