Be inspired by Japanesque prints with abi-K jewellery

Abi-K is an edgy jewellery label combining unusual materials with traditional techniques to produce elegant and wearable adornment pieces. Boasting successful collections Kimono-Kouture and Decadent-Edge in 2011, the upcoming season looks to be a shiny one for the designer Abigail Keefe.

Many of the products in the collections feature vintage Japanese kimono obi silks. With no two products ever the same due to being handmade individually, your product is completely individual and part of an exclusive or limited edition piece. Also interesting to note is the hexagonal shape that features in most abi-K creations and represents happiness and longevity in Japanese culture.

Speaking of her inspiration behind her brand, Abigail says: “My love of colour and pattern naturally drew me to appreciate how I could translate the stunning Japanese obi silks used in my current work, and do justice to their exquisite intricacy and design that I so respect the Japanese for.” And true to her cause, her online boutique boasts beautifully designed cuffs and clutch bags with true Japanesque style full of intricacy and opulent detailing.

Decadent-Edge is a range inspired by 19th Century artistic decadence where Abigail translates images of lace from across Europe into laser etched leather, embellished with Swarovski crystals and sterling silver chains. One of my favourite pieces is the hand piece: decadently-edged and bridal inspired with laser-etched leather, Swarovski pearls and crystals in sterling silver – simply beautiful! I also particularly like the antique gold leather cuff engineered to perfection as abi-K fuses elegance with traditional jewellery techniques to produce an edgy high fashion wrist cuff that is both wearable and striking.

In line with summer 2012’s fashion trends, the kimono-couture cuff in fuchsia pink leather and emerald green silk is the perfect addition to your jewellery box! Designed and skillfully hand crafted in England, accessorise your style with this beautiful conversation starting piece. Similarly, another cuff from the range features striking colours in a bamboo pattern set against metallic gold threads and black silk. Ethically sourced vintage Japanese kimono obi silks make these products exclusive limited editions. Only a small number of products can be made from each obi.

Abi-K has recently branched out into producing cushions and clutch bags of a similar nature in a rainbow of colour and full of that Japanese essence that the designer oozes.

Have you been inspired by the pieces so far? If yes, see many more sensational pieces on the abi-K online boutique by clicking here. All prices are available on request.

Mel Jeffery