Baring his bones
It all started with a little bit of teenage angst - now, fifteen
years later, jewellery designer Nick Von K stands proud and
smiling, eager to show off the best of his teenage aspirations and
influences.
"I was obsessed with Guns 'N' Roses, and these pieces are me
finally being able to express that obsession," Von K told Stitch
and Bitch, pointing to brazen bird claw cuffs, giant turquoise
rings encased in silvery webs, and crystal pieces that seem to grow
out of discarded bullet cases that scream old school rock 'n'
roll.
Silver human skull pendants adorn a patterned deer skull sitting
pretty on black velvet, intricate patterns showing an attention to
detail that is all Von K. A greenstone miniature of an Egyptian cat
no longer than the tip of your pencil and as skinny as a rose stem
sits proudly on its silver throne, the whole pendant no bigger than
your thumb. It's hard to conceive how such a minute piece of
jewellery could be so detailed, but Von K says that what he loves
most about his art.
"All of my jewellery is created by carvers in Bali who have been
doing their work for years and years. I go to only the best
carvers, the ones who can take on my ideas and turn them into a
reality that get people staring and asking how it's all possible,"
said Von K.
It's the first time the Auckland-based designer has been able to
show off his own creations at Fashion Week, having previously
collaborated with other labels such as Riccochet, and says the
response he's had on his first day has been great.
"People seem genuinely interested in my pieces and show a lot of
enthusiasm, and it just inspires me to make more and keep doing the
thing that I love doing," said Von K.
You can check out his collections for the rest of NZ Fashion Week
and online at
www.nickvonk.com.
For more Fashion Week goss,
click here.
