Amongst the designers exhibiting at the Fashion Fusion Expo event at The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane were three eye-catching brands that spoke for themselves. Not having come across any of them before, I was in awe of recycled jewellery brand Juzi (www.juzionline.com), quirky British clothing label Brat and Suzie (www.bratandsuzie.com) and sculptural ethical jewellery brand Ute Decker (www.utedecker.com). All three brands are drastically different, but all share one thing in common – they are super-original!
Juzi, which means ‘the day before yesterday’ in Swahili
firstly originated when Juzi’s Director Nancy Randall went on a trip to Kenya
to visit family. It was during her trip that she stumbled across these
colourful beads made from surplus magazines, posters, calendars and bottle
tops. The amalgamation of printed text and colours from the disused materials
makes the really stand out and immediately gets people curious.
After making the beads Kenya-based cooperatives work on
creating the necklaces, earrings, bracelets and broaches, which takes hours and
they use a huge amount of recycled material. From their work, they are able to
support themselves financially and they are given real hope for the future. The
work they do is life-changing to them and they are delighted to know that the
beads they make are being worn around the world.
This year is a special year for Juzi as they have succeeded to sell their hand-made, recycled jewellery in nine countries, which is a huge achievement. Juzi has an ethical business policy and embraces fair trade principles, as well as supporting three Kenya-based cooperatives. From their various collections include stunning pieces that can be worn in whichever way you like. I can see these really working as hot topic jewellery accessories used to embellish summer attire. Just draping some long beaded necklaces over a beach bag, hat or around your neck will give your outfit an instant lift and real conversational appeal.
Brat and Suzie – a collaboration between designer Polly
Vickery and Illustrator Louise Boulter are a brand which is difficult to miss.
Their t-shirts (that come in small, medium and cropped) and vests (that come in
small, medium and large) feature cute, quirky animal illustrations such as
rabbits, giraffes, unicorns, gorillas, the Evil Fox vest, the Motor Squirrel
Vest, monkeys, the Cat Bow T-shirt and the Pirate Cat T-shirt. The t-shirts are
set against neon red, white, red and white striped, grey striped and dove grey
backgrounds and the long vests have a white background.
All the illustrations are hand drawn and printed in the UK, the fabrics are ethically manufactured and all garments are ethically produced. These statement T-shirts and vests are fabulous pieces and I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
Ute Decker’s artistic jewellery designs are enriched by her
experience in sculptural work. Her ‘work of art’ pieces include hand, arm and
neck jewellery. Hand jewellery consists of statement rings, such as the faux
sponge coral ring. Arm jewellery consists of sculptural bracelets, such as the
statement cuff and square cuff made from sustainable, reclaimed silver. Neck
jewellery consists of bold angular necklaces made in square or rectangular
sections and come in different lengths.
All of Ute’s designs are real show-stopping pieces and they are modern, original and unique. Ute also takes enquiries from private as well as corporate clients for individual pieces of jewellery such as engagement and wedding rings, as well as objets d’art.
Written by Julia Nelson
Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Ethics Girls
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