LA jewellery designer launches new collections

Tarina Tarantino, Los Angeles-based accessories designer, known globally for her sparkling and colourful creations as well as her unique use of Swarovski crystals and a large celebrity clientele, has created six exciting new collections for Summer 2009.

Electric Koolade - Inspired by the rave culture of the mid 1990s and the current revival of acid tones from that era. This collection takes a fantastical journey through the outdoor music festivals worldwide including Coachella in Indio, California and Glastonbury in the UK. Bands such as MGMT, hyper-psychedelia and neon-bohemian music culture also influence the colourful hairpieces and sparkling floral necklaces, mix match elements and various components including coconut shell flowers and resin bangles. Many pieces from the collection are made from refurbished or vintage stones and components much like the “kids” at the festivals wear vintage or customized clothing.

Victorian Navajo - Taking inspiration from the Native American tribes by using feathers and traditional Navajo woven patterns recreated in crystal and “stones” such as turquoise, the collection merges modern detailing with classic Victorian era shapes. The “Wild Wild West” also plays into the collection using colour ways found across the newly discovered landscape such as the browns of the mountains and blues from the vast sky of the western United States. Late 19th century inspirations also come from tribal headdresses and Native American jewellery.

Opalescence - In this collection classic Lucite pieces take on the natural elements of an opal with pearlized, light-reflecting beauty. The colours are reminiscent of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis and are paired with crystal in those same colours.

Peace Love and Sparkle 2 - This collection continues celebrating the 50th anniversary of the peace sign with rock and roll shapes and classic Tarina Tarantino components including hearts, toggle necklaces and lots of sparkle.

Kidrobot 2 - The follow up to the successful first collection this sophomore debut uses new elements like “Things That Hurt” on earrings and necklaces and the iconic Dunny character in his latest incarnations. Using artwork from famous artist like Junko Mizuno and Amanda Vissell these recent Dunnys are immortalized on classic Lucite chokers with colourful combinations inspired by their colours. Kid and Munny also make appearances in metal components on bracelets combing Lucite, vinyl toys and crystal.

Vintage Alice - Inspired by the vintage artwork in the story book of Alice through the Looking Glass. Ivory stones are emblematic of the yellowed pages of a book. Colour ways are borrowed from vintage hardcover books. The inspiration is also drawn from the “literary hippie” and psychedelic movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970s. The collection is a vintage, folk-inspired turn using wood components and crystallized with Swarovski elements.

For more information and to buy, log on to tarinatarantino.com.