Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Magazines by Swarovski Components I

I have been collecting some magazines by Swarovski since 2001. Fashion and style magazines are an endless source of inspiration and education, high quality photos, fashions spreads, product reviews and sometimes interesting interviews altogether create an appealing universe of luxury, fantasy and glamour.
The approaching of end of the year made me clean up few shelves and I caught myself scanning those issues of Swarovski magazines.
I 've decided to scan their covers to share with you and here they are.



September 2001
No credits explicit on this magazine

Highlights:
Trends: Light, Matter, Energy and Tales.
Crystal Innovation - Colors of Seduction :  Lime and Indicolite
Crystal Spotlight - Opening of Swarovski Creative Center in Sao Paulo - Brazil
(Exhibition: " Chic Chica Boom Chic" - "an original exhibit of Carmen Miranda's clothes and acessories, in a cultural effort by Swarovski to salvage some of the pieces displayed at the Museum Carmen Miranda."



September 2002
Cover photography by Gerhard Merzeder
Styling by Peter Weiss

The cover of this issue spotlights a model wearing a crystallized chocker with accents of exposed stringing wire and crystal pearls and bicones held by crimp beads. A trend that will be explored deeply throughout the decade by many designers.

Highlights -
Trends: Vertigo, Industrial, Kaleidoscope and Legends
Crystal Innovations: New princess baguette - article 4547
Swarovski introduces new color- Padparadscha ( one of my favorite colors of all times)
New pendant: top drilled bicone . article 6301
New channel web - article 98002s29, 99002s29




Fall/Winter 2004/05
Cover Photography by Stefano Galuzzi
Styling by Tanya Jones

Launch of "XILION" chaton new cut, "XILION Rose
Innovations:
Long classical Oval shape - article 4161
New color: Khaki
Launch of very succesful Square Ring - article 4439
Brilliant Zipper - Double slider, open ended
Magnet fasteners
Exclusive Channels and Filigrees
New crystal pearl shape - article 5826



Autumn/Winter -  September 2005
Cover photo by Satoshi Saikusa
Stylist: Karl Plewka

Highlights:
This is one of my favorite covers. I just loved it!
On this issue the colors "Purple Velvet" and "Crystal Copper" were launched.
"Purple velvet" happens to be another one of my favorite colors ever released by Swarovski...I am sad that is no longer available.

Innovations:
Flower bead - article 5744
Flower Pendant - article 6744
Butterfly bead - article 5454
Helix bead - article 5020

To be continued...


All images © by Swarovski

Friday, December 17, 2010

"Modern Expressions" hitting the shelves soon

I am very anxious about seeing my books on the shelves of major bookstores soon. Some websites are promising to ship the book on December 20th and with that, lots of questions keeping pile up the back of my head. I want to know what would be my friends first impressions, magazine editors and of course the general public. Will friends be honest?
I have been relying on online reviews as a guide when I start thinking about buying a new electronic, booking a hotel, going to a new restaurant or bar. There is a lot of anxiety on my side on how my work will be seen by readers from all over. Am I ready for the downs, if they come?! 
I have been always very sensitive to negative comments about my jewelry line that at the end I take all personal, and it's very difficult not taking a negative comment about something made by you as personal, because there are lots of time and love involved on creating - even a commercial work.
Surely, there is no other way to learn all about those doubts if you don't put yourself out there and just let it happen when it is supposed to happen.

And talking about rejection, here are a few of the designs that were rejected or better saying, were not selected to be part of  the book, because they did not look like they were made by the same designer who made all the other designs chosen to be on Modern Express. A book needs to show coherence like all designs might to be linked to your book concept. 





Above, a necklace that combines dyed shell, yellow and red tiger-eye, turquoise, 3 different shapes of leaf charms, chain (of course) and very cool metal beads. It's simple and the inside asymmetrical strand reflects a trend that is very stron now; I have been doing asymmetrical designs since the begining...great 2 see all over the place. I have not done anything with this design and have not changed a thing about it. I like it and it'll probably be sold on of these days. I added a double strand of green faux-suede cord in the back.





Above, a bold triple layered design made of black brass links and lots of crystals by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. I mixed jet and crystal red magma large holes roundelles- Article 5040, sew-on leaf stones and polygon crystal silver shade beads. Black filigree metal beads and black acrylic rectangle links adds texture to it.
I like to work with interesting findings because to me that's what DIY should always be. Making yourself something fabulous, easy and fast. Two sections are detachable so it can be worn just as a "Y" shape necklace/lariat. Fun, edgy, trendy and still screaming my name. I have not done any change to this piece either.




Last one, is a casual-chic necklace that takes me to the girls from streets of Rio- it's a typical girl from Ipanema casual necklace. Leather combined with textile, natural seed  and stone (a bold single carnelian). It's architectural and basic. It's a great accessory to complement that jeans, t-shirt and hells combo.  Here is the thing: this is the only one that I will change a little. The knots made with sparkling thread should be bigger. I will re-do it using more of those with more volume. I personally did not like the result throughout the leather strand, but love the whole look and colors.

Yes, I do love my creations.

Did you know that the cover design of "Modern Expressions" was rejected twice buy two magazine editors? And then I did not change a thing about the design at all. Whatever is supposed to be it will be, regardless the odds.

Beijos!

Nando.

All designs and images by Fernando Dasilva © 2010.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Italian Fashion 1

The windows in Italy keep the fashion industry incredibly diverse and remains an endless source for inspiration and current trends. However it seems impossible to pick juts one trend of the season because nowadays plastic occupies the same space as metal and stones. 



Dogmania charms made of acrylic. Loved the bracelets with few but big charms.



This green group above is very cool..art deco lines.







Two last pictures were taken in Rome and the store is located at Via Veneto. Outrageous dress and shoes. Over the top and fabulous!

All photos by Fernando Dasilva © 2010.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Fashion illustrations on "Modern Expressions"


"Modern Expressions - creating fabulous and fashionable jewelry with easy-to-finds elements " features 25 jewelry projects with high quality step by step photos, and among them, 15 projects come with fashion illustrations that adds an extra element so you can learn how to make the most of your accessories combining them with the right outfit. The tips on clothing and accessories are suggestions so you can envision a wider picture of that design, and maybe re-think that forgotten outfit that is already in your closet.

Due to lay-out reasons many of the illustrations had to be cropped and we concentrate the focus on the neckline. Get a glance of one of those illustrations below.




The illustration above was made for my cover piece, project "Hip to be square". The look is professional and demure. The gemstones are slightly shiny for a subdued effect. The idea behind is to get to work ready for that art exhibition opening in the evening. A shawl or a trench-coat can easily add the final touch of sophistication.

See you next!

And remember, "Modern Expressions" can be already pre-order on all the major bookstores and on Amazon.com.



Illustration designed by Vladimir Alvarez for "Modern Expressions" published by North Light Books © 2010.
Reproduction prohibited.

Friday, December 3, 2010

My Holiday Collections


Oriented by the desire of creating an easy-to-wear line structured by colored chains, charms, tassels and sparkling glamour, my Holiday Collection is available for view and purchase through my website.
Using gun metal, gold and silver plated components and exquisite crystal beads and pendants from the Swarovski Elements assortment the variety of looks is wide and incredibly feminine and sexy. 
You will also find 2 amazing rings designed by Wyatt White and now available for purchase through my brand.
The collection will help any woman to make the most of her wardrobe considering that accessorizing is  the key to awe your friends during these cheerful season.







  above item# NHOLI06 


All designs and photos copyrighted by Fernando Dasilva  © 2010.