Global Flavour: Roping in the big time

09 June 2016 - 10:01 By Staff reporter

Katherine-Mary Pichulik is the owner and designer of Pichulik jewellery pieces. Her range recently featured in Italian Vogue as one of its top 10 global jewellery brands to watch. In its editorial, Italian Vogue wrote: ''The style of each designer is very different, yet each is linked to a passion and love for their work." Last year, Pichulik was shortlisted by Italian Vogue for ''Scouting for Africa 2015", a selection that recognises designers from Africa.Her jewellery is created from rope, fabrics, fossilised pieces from Niger, brass from west Africa, recycled glass from Ethiopia, Ghanaian agate and silver trade beads, and is handcrafted in Cape Town by a team of eight women based in Woodstock. Each piece is inspired by African tribal ornamentation.INNOVATIVE: Katherine-Mary PichulikWhat does it mean to you to be included in the Italian Vogue list of top jewellery designers?Being on their radar gives African design a platform, and means that they put us on par with what's happening in design globally.The genesis of your brand?I started my brand at the end of 2012 out of my flat in Cape Town. With no formal training in business or fashion, I started making jewellery (wearable sculptures) out of rope as a hobby. When I wore them, they were bought off my neck. I asked photographer Alix Rose Cowie to shoot my pieces and was then approached by the local label Lalesso to accessorise their SS13 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week range. My hobby became a business following the demand generated from that show.Inspiration for this collection?The Pichulik Autumn/Winter Collection, ''Woman", is an ode to the powerful heroines of the 1970s. Angela Davis, Black Panther activist, becomes the icon, and Pam Grier and Letta Mbulu inspire a rebellious yet soulful sensuality. The power of these women is likened to the elemental force - volcanoes and mountains. The collection is forged from remnants of natural forces; agate carnelian and lava stone form talismans and chokers. Lapis lazuli, a stone affiliated with ancient monarchy, adorns earrings and neckpieces, adding an air of ceremony and feminine regality.Standout pieces?''Woman" inspires the wearer to assemble their earrings in a modular way - you can combine different components to create mismatched pairs; for example, an agate stone with a crescent moon - evoking the balance of their collective properties of strength and intuition respectively.EYECATCHING: Pichulik Ala Earrings, R1680Advice to aspiring young creatives?Innovate - shy away from just imitating international Pinterest trends, find your own visual language. Work hard, be kind.Is your brand available internationally?Yes. We export to 14 countries. The best place to purchase the Autumn/Winter 16 is at our online shop.Where is Pichulik available locally?At Watershed, Cape Town and Workshop Newtown, Johannesburg, and our concession, AKJP Collective. - Andrea Nagel, nagela@thetimes.co.zaSee www.pichulik.com, Instagram @pichulikafrica..

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