Four

Unleash the hound

BY Sal&Nat Power, June 22, 2011

Historically, dog tags can be traced back to the American Civil War, an inherent raw masculinity and grit thus inextricably linked to the ID pendants.

Inspired jewellery designers are reappropriating otherwise statistical pieces for aesthetics over conflict. The use of out-there raw materials, modern metal smithing techniques and clever design are melding to create collections that transform historical gender-based practicality into wearable art for anyone.

Turning the everyday into something memorable is an art form in itself and one Toby Jones does better than most. Mundane objects suddenly become distinctive in his hands. Providing stunning pieces for Ellery’s recent catwalk show, a plethora of collaborations of this calibre just prove that the sky is definitely not the limit for this artist.

On the other hand, Young Hunting’s pieces conjure the words ‘heavy metal’. Dark, oxidised precious metals are twisted, jagged and rough. Bold and weighty, each limited edition piece vitalizes the wearer with the passion with which it was created. The experimental, handmade nature of the collections is to be applauded.

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Clockwise from top right, pieces by Boris Bidjan Saberi, Chronicles of Never, Henson, Toby Jones and Young Hunting.

Tags Accessories, Adornment, Contemporary, Fashion, Jewellery, Metal, Raw, Tag