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A model walks on the catwalk showcases design by From Tiny Islands at Cleo Fashion Award show, during Jakarta Fashion Week 2015. (Photo courtesy of Jakarta Fashion Week)
Jakarta. For most designers, traveling often means more than just a leisurely trip. Encountering a new metropolis abroad or making a domestic jaunt to a serene island can spark endless inspirations and ideas for their next creation.
But for Jane Odelia Lukman and Nathalisa Octavia, traveling is also a time to hunt for materials, such as gemstones and crystals, for their jewelry line From Tiny Islands.
“We share the same interest and passion for travel, art and design,” says Jane, who met Nathalisa during her first year of studying design in university.
Established in 2013, From Tiny Islands is a nod to their wanderlust, which often takes them to various destinations around the globe. Initially, they banded together to collect one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and accessories found during their trips, selling them online in small batches. That is, until they decided to start a line of their own designs.
“We handpick and collect stones from our travels because we want our wearers to know our story, thus making our jewelry more than just decorative,” Jane explains.
During a trip to Bali, for example, they encountered quartz stone, which now adorns many of their designs. Cut in a tubular shape that still maintains its original rugged form, this luminescent stone has been turned into various creations, whether as a necklace pendant or as an appliqué on a bracelet. Meanwhile, during a visit to Barcelona in Spain, Jane found pyrite gemstone, the gleaming quality of which complements From Tiny Islands’ creations.
The brand’s understated yet elegant aesthetic is reflected throughout their selection of baubles. In designing their collection for the spring-summer 2015 season, the duo toyed with the theme of magical realism. Shown during the Jakarta Fashion Week late last year, this collection features, among others, a pair of pearl-accentuated geometric earrings and a minimalist circular necklace with a striking contrast between its gold-plated and silver surface.
Both Jane and Nathalisa regularly explore new shapes for pieces like rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets that are mainly made from gold-plated sterling silver and brass.
“The design process started from basic sketch of simple lines and shapes,” Jane says, further explaining that architectural forms and nature often inform their work.
In addition to their seasonal collection, From Tiny Islands also maintains what its designers call “essentials”: pieces that one can seamlessly wear every day and hopefully treasure for a long time, such as a ring with a horizontal band accent or a simple gold bangle.
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From Tiny Islands’ Orinoco Ring. (Photo courtesy of From Tiny Islands)
In producing their collections, From Tiny Islands always makes sure that each piece is perfectly shaped.
“Everything is handmade in our workshop in Bali,” Jane says, adding that the brand’s designs are favored by women who are looking for simple and non-fussy jewelry that can complement their everyday outfits.
The relatively affordable price range — most pieces are retailed under Rp 1 million ($76) — makes them a hit among younger customers, too.
“Our pieces are meant to be simple, modern and ready-to-wear,” she adds.
From Tiny Islands’ unique, travel-influenced designs was recognized by CLEO Fashion Awards last year, clinching the title for “Most Promising Accessory Brand.” This accolade encouraged its founders to expand on their business and perhaps embark on more trips to discover new materials for their jewelry.
But aside from traveling, both young designers also have more imminent plans in the near future.
“We are currently developing a new sub-line for From Tiny Islands and have started to build a small workshop for us to expand,” Jane says.
For more information on From Tiny Islands, check out fromtinyislands.com.
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