Warrior Princess
I know I’m not the only Game of Thrones fan out there, and I know I’m not the only girl that digs Daenerys Targaryen’s wardrobe. The smart utilitarian fabrics and shapes for every day, and the pale blues and downplayed silks for more special occasions speak loads about her character.
Dany is fan of beautiful things, but understated elegance and an inner strength are most prominently portrayed in her wardrobe. She’s inexperienced, but a fighter, and the soft gold chainmail-esque clothing and jewelry she sometimes wears convey those qualities.
Many fantasy women — Daenerys, Princess Leia from Star Wars, and Arwen and Eowyn in Lord of the Rings to name a few — are dressed in a way that accentuates beauty but conveys courage. Both are qualities that we try to embody in our own designs as we aim to create wearable art that makes women feel feminine and powerful.
Lucy and I have been working to develop design concepts for our soon to be released 2012 jewelry line, and recently I started producing prototype product to get a feel for how comfortable and wearable our pieces would be.
Below is a teeny tiny smidgen of the work I’ve begun (I don’t want to give too much away!)
Hand chain brainstorm
A sketch becomes reality. Introducing the Rusted Revolution 2012 Antique Brass Holster Hand Chain. This baby will last through anything. I’ve worn it hanging onto subway train railings and carrying 20+ pounds of clothing working at Topshop.
Weaving chainmail.
Two pieces from the Rusted Revolution 2012 jewelry collection — an Antique Brass Holster Hand Chain and a Mini Chainmail Ring
One thing they all have in common? They have interesting and unexpected sources of inspiration. Nature, art deco, wicca, and more. These two particular designs above are rooted in fantasy culture — sort of medieval knight with a steampunk twist.
Below I’m wearing a Rusted Revolution Chainmail Choker that I made by hand, weaving tiny rings together for literally hours. I’m still mastering chainmail-linking methods, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.
Rusted Revolution 2012 Handmade Chainmail Choker
I layered a Topshop Moto denim jacket over a Forever 21 metallic green studded leather vest, loose white t-shirt, and slim black maxi skirt. Black wedges, a couple cocktail rings, a Rusted Revolution Chainmail Choker, and a chunky chain necklace finished the outfit.
Our Chainmail Choker is perfect for layering with other necklaces, like this dark silver chunky chain necklace.
The work is just beginning. Stay tuned for updates on the Rusted Revolution 2012 jewelry line. It will be available for sale (along with variations of our most popular items from 2011) at Etsy and Barb & Bear this summer!
xoxo,
Lesley
*GOT images via FanPop and FansShare
