ALICE’S WONDERLAND
Posted by Matchesfashion writer: Heath Brown December 1st, 2011
Talking to Alice Cicolini about her jewellery designs transports you into a rich decorative world of finely honed artistry from the most magical areas of ancient Asia. Her collection follows the traditional silk route from China, Tibet, India and Persia, back via Uzbekistan and then on to Constantinople.
“I’m inspired by the shapes and motifs found along the route,” Says the designer. “The architecture of richly embellished temples, the colours worn in traditional dress and the iconography of ancient cultures.”
After years as a respected curator, an author of authoritative design books and as Director of Arts & Culture for the British Council in India, Cicolini decided to add jewellery designer to her list of talents.
“I had an intellectual interest in the design of the region that evolved into more – on visits to the curious workshops and museums of Jaipur.” The designer told us. “ It then seemed natural for me to explore how to create something from this rich seam of imagery and workmanship.”
Fired by her new passion she enrolled on the Jewellery course at Central Saint Martins in London and graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree.
Since then, Alice Cicolini has become a most covetable name in jewellery and her exquisite handmade pieces are much sought after. Her use of rare skills employed by traditional artisans is part of her success. “I want to create a luxury object that respects the traditions and artistry of skilled craftsmen whose methods are fast dying out.”
One family she works with is one of the last in a tradition that use a delicate enamelling process called meenakari. “It’s a variation on the later European process of champlevé,” Cicolini explains, “where the design is carved into the material (here gold or silver) and then filled with enamel.” It is a process that requires a high degree of skill and artistry that originally came to India with the Mughals from Persia. “ It has been in the artisans’ family for over 250 years – adorning objects ordered by the likes of the Maharajas of Jaipur and Patiala.”
Thanks to Alice Cicolini, jewellery fit for a Maharaja can now be found at Matches where you too can be entranced by the beauty inspired by the ancient silk route and have the chance to own a unique piece of rare craftsmanship teamed with exquisite design.
