SHOW SPECIAL - Attire Accessories magazine

Carried
AWAY
Jewellery designer Carri Vacik tells us
about the experience and exoticism
that has infl uenced the journey behind
creating her business...
82 ATTIRE
Many businesses are launched having been
inspired by a designer’s personal life, with
domesticity subtly infl uencing the creative
choices that take companies from sketches
to shops. Th is is the case for Carri Vacik, a
jewellery designer whose inspiration does
come from her environment, but one that
takes in enviably glamorous locations such as
Paris and Bangkok rather than Preston and
Burnham-on-Crouch!
Th e mention of such stylish cities could
suggest that Carri enjoys a life of relaxed
and exciting travel, however, consumers
would be hard pressed to fi nd a designer
who has worked so diligently and with such attention to detail in the build up to
her business. For Carri, Paris was as much about study as it was style due to the
fact that she was in the French capital to gain a prestigious graduate diploma in
gemology. Th e irresistible beauty and history of the city happily sparked Carri’s
imagination, as she explains. “Often I would go to the Place Vendôme and look at
the beautiful jewels, and there, everybody wears jewellery. I guess it inspired me to
design and develop my own high quality original pieces.”
At this stage many people would have launched head fi rst into full time design,
but Carri took the decision to devote more time to her education by embarking
on studies in jewellery design at Holts Academy in London. Soon, Carri built up
a considerable portfolio of work that saw her repeatedly develop and deconstruct
designs in an eff ort to achieve exactly what she wanted. Once she was satisfi ed
with her progress, Carri took the next step of her journey and travelled to
Bangkok for sourcing. “I booked a trip to Bangkok to go to the gem and jewellery
fair. I determined that my work would not only be about me as a designer but
also as a gemologist, using my acquired skills to source top quality stones. I was
introduced to some goldsmiths with whom I now collaborate closely and we
worked on some samples. I was impressed, so I selected the pieces that would be
my fi rst collection and they then produced them by hand” says Carri.
Carri’s expertise, experience and Goan heritage has all come together in a
collection that she describes as “exotic, sensual, unique and rich in beauty and
colour”. Th e striking jewellery is glamorous with an almost regal quality that
hints at the time dedicated to each design, a fact that means Carri is in no rush
to produce work on a stringent time scale, as she asserts. “Because my pieces are
one of a kind, at this stage I am going to release new pieces as the inspiration
takes me. New lines will emerge organically, rather than as part of a marketing
driven need to release new ranges on a regular basis.” Carri’s confi dence is shared
by her target consumer and stockist, both of which she believes can be described
as independent minded, trend setting entities with respect for craftsmanship
and a love of genuine stones. Th is ideal is evident in the construct of the Carri
Vacik website which was launched as soon as the collection was ready and acts
as a challenge that has allowed the designer to fully communicate the aim of her
business with people all over the world.
In typical form, when asked what the future holds for her business Carri has
her eyes fi xed fi rmly on gaining further knowledge of jewellery through travel,
as she reveals. “I do have some very interesting things in mind for next year, such
as some fashion shows in various parts of the world. I will continue to develop
my passion for jewellery design and precious stones. I would also like to devote
my time and eff ort to assisting other emerging creative talent in promoting their
fabulous skills, here and abroad.” A
Further information
To fi nd out more, telephone +44 (0)7092 845 094 or visit www.carrivacik.com