Oh, the incomparable Diana Vreeland! This photo captures all of her incomparability and originality and style. Although 'style' is too weak a word since she operated in an entirely different aesthetic realm, one all her own. And her jewelry! Beyond words. Of the many things that enrapture us about Ms Vreeland, we're most captivated by her habit of wearing pairs of matching cuffs, one on each arm. An INCREDIBLE, stunningly original look that was the inspiration for some of our newest pieces. Our wide metal cuffs, designed to be worn as a pair (for maximum impact, natch), come in both a gold-toned brass or a darkened aluminum. They are rendered from recycled brass and hammered aluminum, respectively, and made by an incredibly talented artisan at a workshop in Nairobi. We can't wait to show off these beauties in public. Try a pair, why don't you??
We spent five days with Paul at his brass workshop in Krofofrom, about 45 minutes north of Kumasi, the largest city in Ghana after Accra. Below is a shot of his outdoor workshop—this is where he makes the wax molds from which he’ll then make his brass castings. The brightly painted building in the background houses the shop where he displays his finished pieces and stores his supplies. Paul is an expert in lost wax brass casting—more on his process soon!
Paul’s workshop is also an unofficial social hub for Krofroum—there are NEVER less than five visitors. Here’s a picture of some of the workshop regulars. Vincent (second from left) is wearing a traditional Ghanaian robe for a funeral he was heading to—black and red are Ghana funeral colors. Afi (second from right) is a purified water seller and has a deep affinity for Beyonce and Celine Dion, both of whose songs she performs regularly and spontaneously.
