There’s has been quite the rally for experimental jewellery on runways across the globe this year, with trends moving towards iridescence and holographic metallic accents on accessories — think Puma’s collaboration with Sophia Webster for a collection of sneakers and athleisure wear. However, the Indian runway’s love for matte and neutral coloured accessories has continued into the latter part of 2017, with the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive edition showcasing a range of concrete jewellery by Grazia Young Fashion Award winner, Aditi Sharma. “Jewellery is no longer limited to gold or silver. People are looking for accessories that make a statement, yet are minimal and chic,” says the interior designer, who formerly worked at the New-Delhi-based architecture firm Archohm before setting up her own venture.
While concrete is all too often viewed as only construction material, the Mussoorie-born designer believes that making jewellery with it was an attempt at changing perceptions and creating art. “Wearable art,” emphasises, the 32-year-old entrepreneur.
Square off
Retailing at Ogaan and Bungalow 8, and having created an exclusive collection for Good Earth, her year-old-label, Greytone now offers pendants and statement neckpieces through their Facebook page and is looking at launching an online portal for products. Keeping her architecture background in mind, Aditi, by default, finds herself working with geometric shapes and designs. Consider her piece titled, O Minus, which resembles the Parliament of Dhaka. “The design of O Minus is minimal, but that is what makes it elegant. It is a simple circle with a metallic rod running through the centre,” says the Domus Academy graduate, adding, “Shapes and images that you see always remain in your subconscious mind and come to the forefront while you are designing. It was not until I designed my Art Deco piece, which is a series of stainless steel metal rods, that I realised that it looked a lot like the Chrysler Building in New York City.”
Neutral ground
Handcrafted, and then sandpapered to achieve the perfect finish, each piece takes up to 21 days to make. “After moulding, it is cured in water for 20 days, which makes the material stronger and less susceptible to cracking.” Sticking to neutral shades, the colour palette is dominated by grey, and has white and off-white making an occasional appearance.
Besides continuing to pursue her day job as an interior designer, the Gurugram-based designer plans to create additional accessory categories before the end of the year, featuring an extensive range of earrings, bracelets and rings.
Rs 3,000 onwards. Details: facebook.com/greytone2016/