Just like we used to obsess over trading and braiding colourful strings, nowadays we’re pretty obsessed with Venessa Arizaga’s woven line of jewelry. Channelling the schoolyard whimsy of friendship bracelets but updating them for grownups, Arizaga makes colourful pieces that are blasts from the past that manage to look wholly modern.
Working with Tuleh and Zac Posen after graduating Parsons The New School for Design in 2003, Arizaga was inspired to handcraft colourful pieces following a trip to Puerto Rico. For fall, Arizaga’s collection nods to the late ’60s and early ’70s, offering a range of crocheted materials in contrasting colours that make up the bulk of the pieces. Browns blend with pinks, oranges, and yellows to form items with intense hippy appeal. Not to head too far back in time, bracelets and necklaces are kept current with strange charms (including Russian dolls and skulls) as well as timeless pearls. The look is fun, a bit cheeky, and made for a confident wearer.
Fans can purchase items at venessaarizaga.com. Gift-givers beware, though: unlike old-school friendship bracelets, these are pieces you won’t want to give away once you’ve tried them on.
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