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| Taega |
Fashion Feature |
Words by: Jade Watkins
In this crazy ever-changing fashion climate, we rarely consider the significance of the things we choose to wear. We purchase, wear, put back in the cupboard and usually don’t think about it until we pull it out again. However, when it comes to jewellery, if your anything like myself, you need to know that unique story behind your beloved little treasures.
A common interest in the history of how and why we wear jewellery is what established a creative bond between Camille Tonkin and Aarti Surrendar. After years of admiring each other’s self-made jewellery, the pair decided to start their own line, and founded Taega last year.
Meeting through mutual friends, the girls found that their similar taste, passion for jewellery and their different skills; Camille’s experience in retail and Aarti’s financial expertise, would make the perfect blend. “We both loved similar styles of jewellery, and had always made it as a hobby during school and university, and because we could never find exactly what we wanted to buy, we decided to start Taega,” Camille says.
The name Taega originates from an area in the far Northern hemisphere where icecaps have melted from its peaks to expose a forest rich with rare flowers and organisms. This historical and majestical backdrop sets the vibrant, nature theme of Taega’s exotic pieces.
Unifying past and present, the girls embrace the cultural origins of jewellery through history, deriving designs from ancient texts such as Sanskrit - a form of Indo-European literature telling tales of women wearing flowers like jewels in their hair to express gentleness and spirituality. The layering effects of necklaces, and ornate earrings are influenced by Egyptian literature depicting rituals of adoring oneself with an array of beautiful jewels.
Large silver pendants traditionally employed as protective measures to bring good luck, health and avert the evil eye are a prominent theme in the range. The animal inspired embellishments are symbolic of Native American culture in the belief that if worn on certain parts of the body can possess the power to connect humans and animals.
You may think this all sounds a little too profound, however, it is the theory behind Taega’s designs that have attributed to the result of some truly beautiful pieces and this connection to spirituality and meaning that has put Taega in touch with their clientele. “We have found that our customers, enjoy knowing about the circumstances and spirit behind their jewellery,” explains Aarti. “It also makes for a great story to tell.”
The primary objective of the girls label is to not only create interesting and eclectic pieces, but to also utilise gorgeous, fine quality materials (while remaining accessible to their customers in terms of price). All jewellery is handmade, using solid and sterling silver to preserve longevity, and avoid allergy.
Establishing a good rapport with international suppliers from countries rich in jewellery resources has seen the inclusion of Natural semi-precious stones to the pieces. “The natural stones can influence what a piece of jewellery is going to look like, as each stone has a different spiritual property, and meaning in terms of its colour, texture and shape,” explains Aarti.
“We found it important to use natural stones in our range because again it goes back to the whole organic aspect of the label, and natural stones don’t require dying, as they are so bright and vibrant in colour on their own,” adds Camille.
Enthusiasm for detail and perfection is evident not only in the research behind each pieces’ characteristic, but also the gruelling hours that are dedicated to design and production. “ Some of the more intricate pieces can take around two days to sketch, and then to produce even longer,” Camille says. “You have to make sure that each piece is going to work, so anybody can wear it, no matter what size or shape.”
Initially the pair started the label as more of a hobby, but as they found that demand for their pieces started to grow, the next natural step was to start their own business. “When we first started Taega our hopes were simply to have fun with the pieces we loved to make and wear, now we are on to producing our second range,” says Aarti. “We think the appeal is due to not only the constant demand for different kinds of jewellery, but for jewellery which possess meaning behind it.”
Throughout the whole process of creating their own label, Camille and Aarti have both found that in some ways they are quite different in terms of the way they design their pieces. “ We both have very different methods of designing. Camille is more of a sketcher, as I prefer to have my material in front of me, and the inspiration will come,” says Aarti.
“We have both taught each other different skills in this process,” adds Camille. “For example, there are certain ways of constructing things that Aarti has learnt to do which she can teach me, and vice versa. That is the joy of having partnership, constantly learning and growing the business together.”
Discover more unearthed treasures; Taega’s Spring/ Summer 07 range incorporates trinkets such as ancient cylinder prayer boxes, rich-red coral and more species of flora and fauna. Headpieces as an alternative to hats and fascinators for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival will be a feature, and a men’s range is also in the works.
The S/S 07 range will be available in Early August at selected boutiques including Filly and Mare, Jade Emporium and Cactus Jam.
For more information on Taega’s range and where to buy their exotic pieces, visit www.taega.com.au.
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Tags: Fashion
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