“Extravaganza” is a limited fashion jewellery collection devoted to being wild and free. Inspired by a wildflower’s blossoms of some hibiscus kind my grandmother grows in her garden, used in cooking & beverages -with which I created the first extravaganza compositions- the intention is to hold onto the organic form forever, by transforming it into a talisman adornment, dripping in gold. This way, the elements of nature are indefinitely safeguarding us while navigating the contemporary urban jungle. All flowers used in the making (roses, peonies, carnations, etc.) are sustainably harvested after the blooming period has been completed, as they are either fallen or have already been amassed from the trees. By following a particular technique, the withered and dry flowers further harden so as to be connected into diverse forms of abstract texture, resulting in this extravagant and statement effect. Then, the items are smelted to be reworked on the fine silver which is doublé in 24k gold. There are only up to about 50 items available per season, as this artistic practice demands conscious and meticulous work for each unique piece. SS‘21 has just 45 artifacts to it. In my town, alike flowers sprout everywhere, signaling our summer nights and the moonlight walks of our childhood dreams, feeding the power within. All items are one of a kind, just like each and every one of us.

by Méri Charitonidi