Local label hansel has launched a casual womenswear line, hello hansel! Its debut capsule collection is entitled The Geometric Swan. Other than lovely apparel featuring the swan motif, hansel has also collaborated with jewellery designer Inez Tan of Inez Designs to create eight one-of-a-kind necklaces that are inspired by the collection. We caught hold of Inez for a little chat and this is what she has to say.
Q: Hello, Inez. We love your handmade statement jewellery. Is jewellery design something you have always wanted to do or something you stumbled into?
A: Thank you! When I was a kid, I was always looking for things to create on my own, such as stringing beads and making friendship bands. I went on to study fashion and majored in Product Design and Development in Melbourne, Australia. My background in fashion gave me an eye for design. A year ago, I needed an accessory to go with my outfit and I decided to make something from the vintage buttons and scrap fabrics I had. Since then, I have never looked back.
Q: When designing a collection, how do you get yourself fired up and inspired?
A: I get really fired up when I see, taste or feel colours and textures. My travels, films, flea markets, art, music, popular culture and so forth also give me ideas. Inspiration can even come in the form of fluffy clouds in the skies or beautiful and whimsical creatures!
Q: Your jewellery is always bold and extravagant. Do you think you will ever go the other way and do a minimalist collection?
A: Who knows? Maybe one day I will go to the extreme and design something really minimal! Meanwhile, I will still stick to what I love and push myself beyond the conventional.
Q: You first collaborated with hansel last year. In terms of design aesthetics, how do you think the two brands complement each other?
A: hansel is a quirky label with an edge. It is a good marriage as the label has signature bold prints that Inez Designs can complement with one of its statement necklaces. Inez pieces can also go well with a simple dress or top from hansel. It just works! I think what is important is to understand your client’s point of view and work closely with them.
Q: You created eight unique pieces to go with hansel’s Geometric Swan collection. They are all really quirky and fun! Can you tell us more about the collection from your perspective?
A: I had a lot of fun working with hansel. I like the idea of using the swan as the central motif for an accessory collection as they are delicate, graceful and slender. From there, I started sketching swans in different shapes and experimented with different designs. I wanted the necklaces to be part of the outfit and also make a statement. I hand-sewed the details with glass beads, sequins and some rhinestones overlayed with lace and net. We are happy with the final results.
Q: If you can collaborate with anyone in the world, who will it be?
A: It will definitely be Christopher Kane – I love his bold graphic prints and silhouettes!
Q: As a designer, what are some of the challenges that you have encountered or are still facing?
A: One of my key challenges is that I have no jewellery-making skills. I have to draw based on my fashion design skills. Also, I handmake every piece myself and I often spend more than 3 hours on a single necklace. However, the final outcome can be very satisfying.
Q: So, do you have any grand plans brewing on the horizon? What can we expect from Inez Designs in the coming months?
A: I am in the process of making 30 pieces of jewellery by the end of March. There will be about six capsule collections. I am exploring the use of different textures and materials and each capsule collection has a little story to tell, so please look out for them. Finally, these pieces will be part of a fashion film/video that will go viral.
The latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection from leading local fashion label hansel will more likely than not strike a chord and evoke sweet nostalgia for many a Singaporean. After all, who doesn’t like the colourful nine-layer traditional Peranakan sweet, Kueh Lapis, which inspired the broad stripes and delightful shades in Tiers of Joy?
In this age of instant gratification, we have come to expect information at our fingertips. Thanks to the Internet, everything we need to and want to know is often just a few clicks away. When it comes to shopping, keeping up with our favourite brands and stores has never been easier than with the various social media platforms, including the omni-present Facebook.
You can always count on hansel to come up with clothes that are fun, pretty and just the right amount of quirky. Following its well-established tradition of building each season around a cute illustrated character, Ali Baba’s playful but faithful donkey take centrestage for the label’s A/W11 collection, Flyaway Donkey.