Some have been around for a while and are well established, others are hot, new property with the brightest futures ahead of them. But all five of these South African women have one thing in common: their work gives us refreshing perspectives on jewellery design.
Dear Rae
Started by Karin Rae Matthee in 2010, the Dear Rae jewellery range does an exquisite job of creating special, yet everyday pieces using natural lines and simplistic forms, translated into gold, silver, brass and copper. Since the brand’s inception, the team has grown to include manufacturers Morgan Xekethwana, Maryke van der Spuy, Rachel Pelders and Cecilia Nel.
Kirsten Goss
With shops in London, Joburg and Cape Town, she counts among her fans celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Rosamund Pike. She also has some royal fans, having designed pieces for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. In 2011 she won Entrepreneur of the Year at SA Business Club Business Awards. Next up: she’s planning on opening a store in New York City.
Pichulik
Founded by Katherine-Mary Pichulik in 2012, this African and Middle-Eastern inspired handcrafted range uses locally manufactured ropes and found materials. Tennis greats, the Williams’ sisters have bought her pieces, superstar Solange Knowles wore them on the cover of ELLE magazine, in 2014 she was awarded Accessory Designer of the Year by African Fashion International, and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by the Business Woman Association of South Africa. This year, Pichulik was announced as a finalist in the Vogue Italia Scouting Africa contest.
Philippa Green
Best known for her Perspex cuffs embellished with semi-precious stones, rubber and beads, Philippa’s jewellery can be seen in all major local fashion magazines, as well as on the pages of Japanese & Greek Vogue. She exports her jewellery as far afield as Scandinavia, Switzerland, Australia, New York and Turkey. Aside from her collaboration on the Situ range with fellow designer Ida Elsje, she has worked with well-known local designers such as Malcolm Kluk, Abigail Betz, Gideon, Craig Native and Stiaan Louw.
Ida Elsje
While Ida Elsje specialises in handcrafted platinum and diamond engagement rings, it is her collaborations with other talents from various disciplines that truly sets her apart. She has collaborated with architect Gregory Katz and fellow jeweller Phillipa Green on Situ, an acclaimed range of diamond and resin jewellery. She has also created elaborate headpieces, which have graced catwalks around the world, including New York, London and Africa Fashion Week. Locally, her headpieces have been worn by singer/songwriter Lindiwe Suttle, and on the models of designer Gavin Rajah. idaelsje.com
Courtesy Visi magazine: AWESOME SA JEWELLERY DESIGNERS: Words Malibongwe Tyilo