The Bite Magazine - Spring 2016 - Issue 15

L ola Rose London is a jewellery brand created by Nikki Gewirtz, a self-taught London-based designer who launched her busi- ness from her bedroom back in 2000. It all started with a string of semi-precious beads threaded on delicate woven silk cord that she called ‘Tumble Bracelets’ which became her most signa- ture piece. Inspired by a bracelet that she received for her 30th birthday present and fell in love with, Nikki decided to try her hand at jewellery-making and created her first piece, a tumble stone brace- let. Having named her brand after her grandmother, Nikki’s jewellery was soon stocked in leading department stores such as Harvey Nichols and Fenwick of Bond Street. It wasn’t long before stars such as Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker were queuing up to buy her jewel- lery and this encouraged Nikki to create a complete collection that emphasised on strong shapes and colour including a signature heart necklace worn by Kate Middleton and faceted rings. Following the creation of her subsequent collection, Nikki said her intention was "to create jewellery that made women smile and feel happy when they wore it.” She also added that Lola Rose pieces should be "an affordable treat that will lift your spirits and make you feel glam- orous." Lola Rose now presents two collections each year, with contemporary designs in a range of metals that uses semi-precious stones. What’s clearly evident in her pieces is the designer’s love of various colours and textures in her jewellery pieces. She incorpo- rates a wide range of precious stones, including jade, amethyst and rose quartz in her collections. One of my favourite aspects of her jewellery is the fact that the unique markings on the stones used means that no two pieces are exactly the same. Whether it is a bracelet, ring or a necklace each piece by Lola Rose is distinctive and unique. It may have been fourteen years since that life-changing day in 2000 with the range itself chang- ing over time but her jewellery remains true to the original concept and appeals to customers of all ages with a sense of style. From stringing bracelets at home to showing at London Fashion Week, Nikki can count the most renowned names in fashion retail and high profile fans including Claudia Schiffer, Dannii Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cat Deeley, Pixie Lott,Tess Daly and The Duchess of Cambridge among her clientele. From the SS16 collection, some of my favourite pieces include the Obelisk Mini Bracelet, Mini Earring and Mini Neck- lace in Russian Amazonite and Obelisk Mini Ring in Lapis and Bangle in Lemon Quartz, Lapis, Malachite, Russian Ama- zonite and Labradorite. I particularly like the delicate nature of the designs and the blue stone detail. I also found that the Zari Cuff, Ring and Necklace in Prehnite complement one another when worn together and equally make a stylish statement when worn alone. For a bold style statement, the Nerio Drop Necklace in Dark Blue Montana Agate is a personal favourite, or if you prefer a more subtle piece there’s the Nerio Short Necklace. Or you may decide that the Hydra Bangle in Dark Blue Montana Agate, Labradorite and Malachite is more your style. Other jewellery pieces include Luxe Tassel Necklace and Earrings in Sunset Montana Agate and Luxe Bangle in Labradorite, Russian Amazonite, Prehnite and Sunset Montana Agate; Perla Ring in Aqua Montana, Labradorite and Agate & Lapis; Nerio Cuff and Hoop Earrings in Prehnite; and Orchard Bangle in Lapis, Malachite, Baby Blue Dyed Quartzite, Coral Dyed Agate and Black Agate. Not only is Lola Rose known for their beautiful jewellery, but also for their exclusive collection of scarves. Made from soft wool, the scarves come in a variety of striking and unique prints and colours. For those warmer summer days, scarves are also available in a lighter premium viscose, as well as wool and modal blend and a silky luxurious pol- ysatin design. The collection of scarves include Tahiti Twist Birds Modal Blend with a kaleidoscope pattern of exotic birds in bold shades of yellow and orange on a neutral and blue base and finished with a pom pom trim; Aquarius Marble Modal Blend with a bold, vivid print in blue and yellow adorned with a swirl- ing, marbled print inspired by water swirls and mirrored reflections; Silhou- ette Blossom Modal Blend, a stunning floral print with overlaid floral shapes in a palette of bold blue, pink and grey; Luxitude Leopard Print Modal Blend in shades of chocolate brown, taupe and pink is perfect for spring. It has a pattern that is a combination of animal skins cre- ating a striking print while the pom pom trim gives it a playful touch; and Medina Garden Modal Blend in a palette of coral with neutral and peach touches combine patterns inspired by North African tiles and broken mosaics. This year, Nikki’s achievements included being initiated into an exclusive group of fashion designers alongside Anya Hindmarch, Alice Temperly and Betty Jackson recognised for their achieve- ments and was also awarded an MBE for services to jewellery design. She said, “I am absolutely delighted and humbled – the fashion industry has been incredibly supportive and to be joining the ranks of such eminent talent is such an honour. I believe that we must celebrate British designers - we have some of the finest in the world. It is the ability to think outside the box and break rules that results in the extraordinary and original and as a nation we shine at turning things on their head and coming up with a unique perspective!” Lola Rose London jewellery can be pur- chased from stockists in the UK and Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world. www.lolarose.co.uk Images courtesy of Profile PR bitejewellery