Friday, August 29, 2008
Rainbow connection
By Clint Holton P. Potestas
ARIEL Carsula has found a twin package at the end of the rainbow. They may not be in a pot of gold, but they are surely keepsakes.
For this accessory designer, the connected culture among the provinces inspires him to create necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are inspired rom coconut shells. Thus, its connectedness also resembles the colors of the bahag hari or rainbow.
“My inspiration is the coconut shell because it reflects the life in the provinces, especially the culture connected to the pristine beaches (that have) lots of coconut trees.
“For the necklace that I call bahag hari, my inspiration is the color of the rainbow; its bright and loud colors. It also symbolizes unity in diversity,” explains Carsula.
Each piece recedes from eclectic cuts and instead, adapts a conservative concept of round and oval. The shells, according to him, follow a doughnut-like pattern.
However, one can observe various materials: from semi- precious stones to sophisticated crystals.
Utilizing coconut shells, wood, and abaca creates a native feel towards Carsula’s contemporary intertwines.
On the other hand, the classic maneuver of using crack glass beads (multi-colored beads), fresh water pearls, Swarovski stones and embroidered thread withhold their classic appeal.
For him, it is inevitable not to notice the play of colors. Strategically, he opts for earth tones like brown, beige, off-white, and black to subdue the nearly neon hues of red, orange, lime, green, fuchsia, and yellow.
“My goal is to show the sexy side of the woman and to flaunt her curves. And for my necklace, it’s a couture piece that shows the strong but soft and sweet personality of the person,” he says.
He foresees that accessories will be more daring, and chunkier pieces can be expected.
The combination of metal and wood with winter colors (black, white, silver, green) would be a major trend.
In styling, accessories have the final verdict: they make or break the look. But beyond their aesthetic value, they become, like the colors of the rainbow, reminders of an entity that keeps us harmonious: connectedness.
No wonder why they call it rainbow connection.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 29, 2008 issue)
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