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A Design Indaba Emerging Creative from the class of 2013, entrepreneur and designer Katherine-Mary Pichulik creates contemporary jewellery pieces inspired by African tribes and bold, brave women. Her new range for Spring/Summer 2017 takes her aesthetic to the North of the continent and is more eastward looking than previous PICHULIK collections.
Think PICHULIK jewellery and the first thing that comes to mind is a striking display of warm, bright colour. Their brand new collection for this summer is about to change this perception as the team heads North of the continent – a new direction without departing from the brand’s roots.
The customary vibrant blues, reds and yellows that PICHULIK pieces have become known for are gone in this new collection, in their place are smooth metal and a restricted palette of natural colours in soothing hues. But the influences are familiar. “I would not trace our new jewellery designs to a specific period but rather see the designs as descendants of Central Indian ceremonial jewels, Middle-Eastern ornamentation and byzantine gold and gemstone embellishments. of gold and stones,” says Pichiluk.
The result is a collection made up of dusty pinks, soft sand colours, black and white offset by gold wrapping and polished metals. Pieces such as the Mithra pendant and Anahita choker and cuff evoke the feminine qualities that have become a hallmark of PICHULIK’s designs: grace, wisdom, compassion as well as fierce strength. PICHULIK’s ropework features too, this time as simple knots in the chokers and bracelets.
"This collection is incredibly feminine and the colours are softer because of the desert influences. I guess it's because I am also in love at the moment and my general take on things is softer and gentler. We really wanted to pare the pieces down to the brand’s essence, which has always been considered materials, sensitive and attentive craftsmanship, and ancient wisdom," adds Pichulik.
The SS17 collection also launches a new collaboration with Espadril, and a clothing range by designer Nadya von Stein that focusses on comfort and elegance.
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