Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - January / February 2021

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup NATIONAL GALLERY COMPANY LAUNCHES FIRST JEWELLERY COLLECTION INSPIRED BY ARTEMISIA The National Gallery Company, in collaboration with PureJewels, has launched its first jewellery collection inspired by the new Artemisia exhibition on show at the National Gallery in London. According to a press release, “In 17 th -century Europe, at a time when women artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia Gentileschi was exceptional. She challenged conventions and defied expectations to become a successful Italian Baroque artist and one of the greatest storytellers of her time. “Artemisia painted subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists and for the male gaze, transforming meek maidservants into courageous conspirators and victims into survivors. Artemisia’s personal struggles defined her art as she tackled historical and biblical subjects with a distinct style.” The Artemisia collection, designed, manufactured, and distributed by London jeweller PureJewels, features a wide assortment of precious pieces designed to be antiques of the future. Judith Mather, buying and brand licensing director at the National Gallery Company, says, “We are delighted to be working with PureJewels, our first fine jewellery licensee, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none and we are very excited about this collaboration.” The range includes intricately worked dark rhodium plated silver contrasted with fiery 22ct yellow gold vermeil, elegant pearls and richly hued garnets, artistically crafted into a bracelet, lariat, ring, T-bar necklace, pendant, hoop earrings and drop earrings. PureJewels’ CEO Jayant Raniga, says, “A lot of research went into the collection to ensure that every element of the detailed pieces embodies the boundless energy depicted in the art of Artemisia.” The jewellery collection has combined design elements inspired by the painting Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria in the exhibition. Each piece depicts intertwining leaves reflecting the drama, energy and realism of Baroque art. The Artemisia exhibition at the National Gallery in London runs until 24 th January, 2021. The jewellery collection is also available in the Gallery shops. MISS MILLY COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL DESIGNER ON GIFT PRODUCTS Jewellery and accessories brand Miss Milly has collaborated with local designer Michelle Robinson to offer a new range of pick-up gifts and bold earrings to retailers. The new range includes magnetic hearts sent on sentiment cards with a choice of phrases, pocket hug heart keyrings and glittery earrings with silver-plated hooks. The products are made to order within a week and are shipped separately from other Miss Milly products. Sarah Watmore, founder of Miss Milly, says, “I’ve been admiring Michelle’s creations on Twitter hours for a while now and during Lockdown I contacted her to see if we could work together. Michelle creates resin pieces from her home in Worcestershire, totally in keeping with our existing Miss Milly product lines and focus on colour.” Michelle says, “I’m delighted to be working with Miss Milly and this is my first foray into wholesale. The magnetic hearts are a product that we have designed together to be given on a sentiment card, and are a great keepsake item, which can be displayed using the magnet or stood on their edge. The pocket hugs sold really well during Lockdown and the earrings are where I began my creative journey. All the items make great letterbox gifts.” Visit www.missmilly.co.uk SUSTAINABLE ACCESSORIES BRAND LEATHER REFORM TEAMS UP WITH PRISON REHABILITATION CHARITY ON NEW LINE Prison reform charity, Leather Inside Out, has announced that it is joining forces with sustainable accessory brand, Terracotta Row, to create a collection of socially and eco conscious bags through the Design for Life programme, which are crafted by women in prison and on release. The new collection of stylish tote bags, which are made from recycled material, are available to buy from the Tate Modern online shop  www.shop.tate. org.uk  – as part of its Tate Edit Makers’ Showcase. The collection consists of a range of 14 tote bags, which are created in bold colourways and will retail from £59. The bags each have a playful and bright aesthetic, combined with strong, waterproof industrial coated fabrics, designed to survive in the elements for years. The fabrics are sourced from discarded industry materials that end up in landfill unless salvaged, breathing new life into waste. The colourful tote bags have been created by female prisoners and ex-prisoners, as part of Leather Inside Out’s training programme ‘Design for Life,’ which offers prisoners and ex-prisoners the opportunity to learn transferable fashion industry and craft skills in training, whilst earning the National Minimum Wage, so that they can build a new life upon release. The Design for Life programme was launched by Leather Inside Out in 2019 to help address the UK’s reoffending cycle, which has been linked to prisoners being taught outdated skills and paid low wages under the Prisoner Earnings Act 1996, making it impossible for those leaving custody to find employment, maintain family ties and source accommodation upon release. INDUSTRY NEWS 117