A little indie, a little rock 'n roll, that's how we roll. My Summer 2015 Men's collection is all about layering beads, textures, materials and colors to create a look that's unique, sleek and defined. As with anything I create, a slightly bohemian touch (in this case a mix of talisman charms I've collected from across the US- more on that later) creates a casually chic aesthetic. I always love a mix of high and low, which creates totally cool contrast. Contrast in the mix of Swarovski crystal rounds and recycled washers from an old hardware set. Contrast in the form of weathered industrial steel decorated with high-shine metallic patterns, applied by hand. Contrast in the merging of natural Howlite, Turquoise and agate with dainty Thai silver accents. Get my vibes?!
As a designer, I feel it's important to tell stories through my creations. Whenever I travel, I always try to collect beads, rocks, or something I can use in a jewelry piece. My most recent trip was to New Orleans, and I picked up some great specimens from the French Quarter Gem and Lapidary store, which I highly recommend going to if you are ever in Nola! The black obsidian arrowhead, featured in one of my necklaces above, is from this awesome store. I mixed it with smoky Swarovski crystals, Angelite rounds and an up cycled washer to create a rosary-style necklace.
You'll also notice a serpent charm on one of my braided layering necklaces. This was taken off a bottle brought back from Mexico. The bird skull pendant was from a trip to Houston, Texas. I scored it, along with many other cool finds, at the Sugar Land Gem and Bead Gallery. The turquoise tusk pendant? It's from a street fair in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. These all carry a specific story, and a specific energy, that I believe passes down to its wearer.
With my obsession with metallic-tattooing everything (I've done rocks, agate slices and more), I've applied that same technique here. Adding metallic tattoos to upcycled washers and steel nuts and bolts gives them a totally new life. Plus, they look seriously badass. Seriously. These provide the industrial-looking bling this collection needed. My other braided layering necklaces look oh-so-hipster cool, especially when piled on, creating an eccentric blend of multihued metal and faceted shine. It's a look for guys (or girls, I'm not into that whole gender separation thing. If you like it, wear it) who have an artistic eye and spirit. Stray from the norm, and break the rules sometimes. A special thanks to my guy models: Ryan Folliard and Bob Cooling. Thanks for being patient and totally embodying the look and mood of the collection!
As a designer, I feel it's important to tell stories through my creations. Whenever I travel, I always try to collect beads, rocks, or something I can use in a jewelry piece. My most recent trip was to New Orleans, and I picked up some great specimens from the French Quarter Gem and Lapidary store, which I highly recommend going to if you are ever in Nola! The black obsidian arrowhead, featured in one of my necklaces above, is from this awesome store. I mixed it with smoky Swarovski crystals, Angelite rounds and an up cycled washer to create a rosary-style necklace.
You'll also notice a serpent charm on one of my braided layering necklaces. This was taken off a bottle brought back from Mexico. The bird skull pendant was from a trip to Houston, Texas. I scored it, along with many other cool finds, at the Sugar Land Gem and Bead Gallery. The turquoise tusk pendant? It's from a street fair in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. These all carry a specific story, and a specific energy, that I believe passes down to its wearer.
With my obsession with metallic-tattooing everything (I've done rocks, agate slices and more), I've applied that same technique here. Adding metallic tattoos to upcycled washers and steel nuts and bolts gives them a totally new life. Plus, they look seriously badass. Seriously. These provide the industrial-looking bling this collection needed. My other braided layering necklaces look oh-so-hipster cool, especially when piled on, creating an eccentric blend of multihued metal and faceted shine. It's a look for guys (or girls, I'm not into that whole gender separation thing. If you like it, wear it) who have an artistic eye and spirit. Stray from the norm, and break the rules sometimes. A special thanks to my guy models: Ryan Folliard and Bob Cooling. Thanks for being patient and totally embodying the look and mood of the collection!
COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com
