The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

C halk Architectural Emblems C halk founder Malaika Carr’s background in architecture may have contributed to her choosing the name, technically a soft, white, porous, sedimentary carbonate rock for her London-based design studio. The founder’s name is also intriguing, meaning ‘angel’ in Swahili. The architect and interior designer-turned-jewellery designer has a massive love for exquisitely crafted designs, such as the grandeur of sprawling cityscapes or the delicate intri- cacies of fine jewellery. “I find beauty in the everyday details.” She began making jewellery by devising collections from a fusion of her expe- riences and passions in architecture, interior design, art and photography, using vibrant patterns that adorn diverse cultures worldwide. “Each piece is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to embody the perfect balance between form and function.” Malaika wants her customers to experience wearing her designs with joy and confidence as they add a touch of boldness and uniqueness to a woman’s style. Initially, with a desire to create jewellery specifically for herself, Malaika has been designing and making jewellery for over ten years. “I love the freedom this gives me.” Being a jewellery designer allows her to wear all the jewels she wants and make fun birthday gifts for her friends. The brand’s reputation is also crucial, with the quality and integrity of its pieces reflect- ing the brand. Their design signature is “our use of material and the ability to create bold, colourful statement pieces.” The Cuban Art Deco building inspired Chalk’s first jewellery collections. “I had not introduced walnuts into our pieces, so they were basic outlines,” the founder explained. The length of con- structing jewellery varies and depends on the complexity of each piece, but it could take a couple of hours to a couple of days. Malaika especially likes designing statement earrings and believes excellent design, exciting materials and well-made pieces make quality products. The founder counts running her business for over a decade, creating interesting jewellery pieces, HRH Princess Kate wearing Chalk earrings made from acrylic and walnut tree wood and modelled on the Royal Opera House to a prestigious BAFTA event in February, and Chalk’s jewellery being sold in outstanding institutions as significant achievements. Regarding fashion, Malaika sees London as eclectic and having seen the latest Renaissance tour, she would love to design a piece for Beyoncé to wear. Malaika says she doesn’t look at other brands as she feels it would distract from the journey she is headed for. She equally enjoys sketching and construct- ing designs, which she finds satisfying. Her fashion shoot or show is prepared bitejewellery Jewellery Designer Profile Images courtesy of We Are PR