(From a recent interview with jewelry designer Carl Blackburn) - Could you give me details of new collections you will be launching in 2005?
As in all our previous collections, our commitment to handcrafting is firm; in fact we have recently added several teams of elite jewelry artisans to our new production studios. The winter 2005 collection that we have just introduced is exceptional in its vibrancy of color. The precious gems we’ve been locating have wonderful hues and our in-house lapidary artisans have been working extra hard at releasing their fire in the new introductions—which include eternity bands, drop earrings, pendants, and bracelets. The platinum or 18k white gold that we use in our jewelry truly sets off the beauty of these gems, whose color we sometimes further accentuate with rose or yellow gold.
What is the inspiration behind the collections?
All of our collections are vintage-inspired, finding their inspiration in the Edwardian and Art Deco years. At times you may find hints of earlier eras such as Gothic and Baroque, but it’s the beauty and mystique of those two periods at the turn of the 20th century that energize us.
Are new launches aimed at the usual customer, or are you breaking into new areas (whether geographically, gender or age etc)?
The wonderful thing about our vintage-inspired collections is that they cross age boundaries with ease. Young people are always rediscovering the past and reclaiming it in new and exciting ways. We expect that this will be especially true with the colorful collection we have just introduced.
What do you think will be the key jewellery trends for 2005?
I suppose it should be no surprise, considering the collection we will be showcasing, that we think bright colors will be the main jewelry trend driving the industry in 2005. Just as fashion designers are already splashing the runways with designs that mix materials, textures, and color, the jewelry designers who will do best this year are those who are mixing precious metals, diamonds, and colored gems. Our new collection certainly reflects that belief.
Vintage styles, which have flourished for the past several years, will continue to excite thanks to the success of Martin Scorcese’s film The Aviator, a biopic of the legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes. At the upcoming Academy Awards (always a trend setting event), one can look forward to more than a few actresses flirting with 1920s and 30s fashion sensibilities.
What is your general view of how the jewellery industry will fare in the coming year - what are the positive or negative signs?
I see no negative signs for the industry in 2005. In fact, I see the industry ready to make dramatic gains, especially in Asia. Consumers in countries like China and Thailand are increasingly interested in the world of luxury, fashion, and jewelry; Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s Bangkok “Fashion City” project is a testament to that fact. Though these countries are still “developing” they have a growing citizenry of wealthy consumers who have ample disposable income and are eager to spend it on the best products.
To view an online catalogue of Carl Blackburn's vintage-inspired fine jewelry please visit: http://www.carlblackburn.com
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