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Designer Profile
About Me
Lauren Wimmer has always been attracted to the symbolism, texture and ornamentation associated with beaded jewelry. She draws inspiration from her background in the Classics and Fine Arts: themes ranging from the coral “corno” dangling from the neck of a Christ child, to the fragments encircling the preserved bodies buried beneath the ash of Mount Vesuvius, to the bone necklace of a Kahlo self portrait reminiscent of a tribal ornament. Lauren strives to create jewelry that inspires the same reflections in its wearers. Each piece has its own intrinsic texture created by the juxtaposition of faceted, smooth and oddly shaped beads that mix color, weight and light refraction. Her “Cluster” collection features prominently fresh water pearls and rock crystal clusters accented with semi precious stones, sterling silver, 14-karat gold, bone, wood, horn and glass in unusual and variant colors and shapes. The “Ribbon” collection features hand-dyed silk ribbon wrapped around hollow tube rings to form bibs, chains and convertible pieces. The Fall/Winter 2009 collection draws inspiration from the textures and palette of overgrown gardens. From the tangles at Satis House described in Great Expectations to the very real, verdant growth covering the old houses along Admiral Row in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard, the daring flora coming through alongside thorns and foreboding iron fences provided the aesthetic start for the pieces in both the “Cluster” and “Ribbon” collections. Colorful, textured semi-precious stones are connected with oxidized chains and accented with frogs, scarabs and bees. Ribbon wrapped hoops form bibs, chainmail and asymmetric chokers. Many pieces do not have a “front” or “back” and have removable sections to allow a variety of lengths, angles and styles. The result is bold and practical pieces that will complete the best costume for the day.
