In 1997 I coined a word – FUNKTIONAL – which means FUN, FUNKY and FUNCTIONAL. That's pretty much how I describe the things I design and produce, and things that attract me. This blog is about ACCENT decor products and CLAIRELY upcycled jewellery, and things that inspire me directly and indirectly.
Here’s how I made a glitter bulb that looks like a bauble.
A bit of white glue, a brush, and a bit of glitter. Paint the glue on your bulb (don’t recommend using more than a 40 watt bulb). Right after, shake the glitter all over the bulb where there is glue, and voila!
But if you don’t get to make your own glitter bauble, try one of our other Christmas products from our Etsy shop (accentcph).
We have a line of Christmas products – called CHRISTMAS TIME. They include baubles made of upcycled acrylic – made from the leftover of our production of Claire de Lune Chandelier.
We added two new products this year – Merry Christmas in three languages (Danish, English, and the middle language French, Spanish and Russian), and Three Wise Men. In clear transparent and transparent grey.
As a self-taught designer, it’s always been a longer and difficult process to name (and market) my products when I get ready to go market. The designs usually come very easily and quickly. They are usually the result of an “AHA” moment. Then there are the mockups, testing of the idea, the prototyping, tweaking, testing, the pre-production, re-tweaking. But then, when I am NEARLY ready to put it out, then what?
What do I call it? How do I package it so it’s attractive, appealling? How will the retailers display it, and store it? Will the consumers like the product as much as I do? The packaging, will they be as excited as I am about it?
The latest new products from Accent have that IT factor. Their name suggests exactly what you do. And much like what I think the Nike spirit is about, what comes along with the name is a sense of individuality, empowerment in YOUR choice, your choice on where to hang your lighting.
One of my other products – LOLLIPOPS – my version of the colored cord pendant lighting, which I thought answered a need to have an easy, (plug and play) solution to a simple lighting idea.
I added a plug at the end, so it was ready to use. And on the models I give thumbs-up for, I have added a switch (allowing the user to easily turn it off and on without yanking it from the electric socket every time).
LOLLIPOP
So here I am – “Just doing it” – I am hereby launching my two new products:
WALL:IT
There are five models: Basic (shown above), Mickee, Trio, Torch and Chand
Shown above with Lollipop with a switch.
WALL:IT received runner-up award status in the prestigious A’Design Awards, Italy.
Then, here is TABLE:IT
Shown above with decorative bulb. But can also be used with a lamp shade.
Table:IT like WALL:IT has a support function. It complements any cordset with shade holder, (like our Lollipops, above). The Lollipop is connected to the TABLE:IT, with a decorative naked bulb, or as show above, you can add a simple lamp shade (like our Barrels).
The third product lined up and coming in the IT collection – is – Floor:it
Coming up …….
In February, I was invited to be a part of International Fashion Showcase 2014, London Fashion Week AW14, with Clairely Upcycled jewellery. My first big involvement with REAL FASHION! catwalks and all.
The Jamaican showcase of the International Fashion Showcase, organized by JBDC, called Threadbare was kicked off with a fashion show which was hosted by the Jamaican High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba.
Model from backstage, getting ready.
The static showcase, called Threadbare, held at Dover street, under Wolf and Badger shop, started on 13 Feb. Here, our designs were exhibited in a specially curated show by 360 Degrees.
On the Friday, Marc Hare gave an inspiring talk to a gathering eager to hear him.
Marc Hare, shoe designer, seen here with Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba.
The big highlight of Saturday, was the visit to the Savoy, where Wolf and Badger held their fashion event. It was an impressive venue for sure!
Foyer of the Savoy.
Sunday was a busy day. The morning was a tour of the Freemason Hall, given by Fashion Scout. Wow!, sooooo beautiful.
Ceiling detail at the Freemason Hall
Back at Dover Street, we had a visit from two fashionistas – Claire Sulmers and Susan Bender. They shared some of their experiences.
High Commissioner here with Susan and Claire.
Back to The Strand (where several countries had their showcase) – to congratulate Estonia for winning the International Fashion Showcase.
Monday:
Then there was a talk on PR and the benefits of having a good PR company, given by BLOW PR, followed by a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Again, a very inspiring tour.
Beautiful light feature in the front hall of the V & A
…and then over to visit the talented designer/couturier Clariscia Gill, who shared such funny stories of when she first started, as well as some insightful inspiration.
That evening ended with a dinner at the home of the High Commissioner, who graciously opened her residence to us all.
Dinner with the High Commissioner
At our showcase, we were visited by Avis Charles, who gave us pointers and share her expertise with us.
These days were filled with many, many impressions, and experiences that will impact me for a long time.
London – a wonderful city!
And now for thank-you’s:
The Jamaican team’s participation was made possible by a grant from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Other Sponsors included The British Council, The British Fashion Council, 360 Degrees, Quintessentially Art and British Airways.
The JBDC’s very important role in getting us there, the work before, during, and after was/is invaluable. The Jamaican High Commissioner’s support will always be remembered.
Thanks also to Antonio who assisted me with various jobs, and helped make getting around London that much smoother, and David Rivett for his photos (some of which are to follow), and his support.
The Thread BareShowcase where CLAIRELY UPCYCLED JEWELLERY will be part of a fashion show at a reception featuring Jamaican designers, is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Enhancement Fund with support from British Airways. The Jamaican High Commission is the host for the opening reception and fashion show. Organized by JBDC.
You are invited to visit us at The Gallery, 32 Dover Street, London W1S 4NE, where we will be from 10Am til 6PM , 13 February through 18 February, this showcase will be open to the public.
After a long period of not being especially creative, on account of overloading on administrative assignments, I burst out, burst forth.
This new collection sees the addition of a new material to my repetoire of upcycled jewellery – the material – coconut shell (from my home country).
After spending three months at home in Jamaica with my aging parents, and not being close to my source of acrylic (back in Denmark), my fingers itched to be working. I made some lamp bases of reclaimed wood (from my mother’s yard), starting with Ackee tree wood. Then moved onto coconut as I watched the shell often being thrown out after the preparation of some of our meals. So I thought this an excellent opportunity to further cement that Denmark-Jamaica bridge I am building.(Ackee wood bases. From my mom’s garden)
As I am still be-dazzled by prisms, rough-cut diamond shapes, facets, I designed some jewellery and had the shapes cut by a local craftsman. I took the coconut shell pieces back to Denmark, and almost immediately set about making the pieces I had in my head, but as I played with the pieces, other designs presented themselves. Some of these shapes gave way to pieces I designed in acrylic.
Much of the inspiration has come from V-shapes around me.
The collection mainly has stripes/ chevron pieces that stand alone, some in two’s and others in three’s. Assembled like the stripes in the army – corporal, sargent, general, etc.
The stars (shapes cut from a production of wedding favors I did for my daughter’s wedding) (this was the only shape I could get cut out from the hourglass sides).
As usual, contrasts – warm coconut with cooler silver chain.
Clairely Upcycled Jewellery pick ups the prominent Silver A’ Design Award
Como, Italy, February 12, 2013 /DESIGNPRWIRE/
A’ Award and Competitions are proud to see that the project Clairely Upcycled Jewellery by Claire Requa wins the noteable Silver A’ Design Award at Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Competition
Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Competition Silver A’ Design Award Prizewinner
A’ Award and Competitions are proud to inform that the project Clairely Upcycled Jewellery by Claire Requa has been acknowledged with the noteable Silver A’ Design Award at Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Competition elected as the winner by the esteemed arbiters of the A’ Design Awards & Competitions among thousands of participants.
Insights on Clairely Upcycled Jewellery
Claire Requa, the creative mind behind the winning design Clairely Upcycled Jewellery demonstrates “Beautiful, clear, upcycled jewellery, designed out of a need to use the waste material from the production of Claire de Lune Chandelier. This line has developed into a considerable number of collections – all telling stories, all representing very personal glimpses into the philosophies of the designer. Transparency is a vital part of the designers own philosopy, and this is reflected her by the choice of acrylic used. Apart from the mirror acrylic used, which itself reflects light, the material is always transparent, color or clear. CD packaging reinforces the concepts of repurposing. ” To learn more visit: http://www.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=26032
The Silver A’ Design Award
The Silver A’ Design Award is a prestigious award given to top 5% percentile designs that has exhibited an exemplary level of perfection in design. The designs are judged by a panel of three different jury which is composed of Academic, Professional and Focus Group Members. The designs are evaluated with score normalization to remove any biases and are voted on aspects such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, fun details, technology, and any other specific points that could be considered, each of these points are further weighted for different jury groups.
About A’ Design Award and Competitions
A’Design Award and Competitions, aims to highlight the excellent qualifications of best designs, design concepts and design oriented products. A’ Design Award and Competitions are organized and awarded annually and internationally in multiple categories to reach a wide, design-oriented audience. Learn more: http://www.whatisadesignaward.com
Earlier this year, in April, I received an email that I had won an award for my design –
Claire de Lune ® Chandelier. This came from A’Design Awards in Italy.
At first I didn’t believe it until I read it again at least twice!
But then it sunk in. I was going to Lake Como to a gala event to accept my award!! Suddenly, I was accutely aware that I was going to have to presentable, that not only would there be the other winners, but the organizers also informed that the press would be there, and there would be SERIOUS picture taking going on! ACK!!
My daughter, who lives in Hamburg, said she would join us there in Como for the event, so we made a little family outing out of it.
Then the preparations started: I had to have a new dress, the right shoes, the right accessories, both under and over the clothes, just the right make-up, and had to be ready to say something! – THAT was the most nerve-wracking!
We are off to Milan airport, Malpensa, the day before the gala event.
We arrive in Terminal One, this is an area that reminded me of the fruit section of a supermarket. Ok, maybe that’s not what they had in mind, but hey….
I had taken one of my lamps with me to assemble and be exhibited at the MOOD Museum of Design, starting the day after the gala event.
The award was a very nice thing to happen. I was proud and honored. But what really made an impression on those weeks, was the preparation of preparing the trip, the thoughts of how I would “present” myself.
The actual gala took place on the shores of Lake Como in beautiful Villa Gallia.
This is the hall where the awards were handed out.
Here I am with my award!
Broletto di Como, where the exhibition took place.
Most of the winners showed up at the opening of the exhibition, and here is one of our group photos. More can be seen here on FB:
1-5 June in Frederiksberg’s beautiful gardens with entrance on Falkoner Alle, we will be there, exhibiting at Mit Slot Mit Hjem (My castle, my home). Along with many other exhibitors with products for your home and garden, we will be there with our new products, which we will keep secret for now, and then there will be the ones you remember.
We will be in the same booth with Salamat Interiors with her lovely products from India.
We love!
Launching our mirror lamp in a smaller version. Now you can have all the glamour and luxury that is in the BIG chandelier in a smaller version, just right for your bedroom, bathroom, living room, or boudoir.
Claire De Lune Chandelier has been awarded with the noteable Bronze A’ Design Award
Como, Italy, April 10, 2012 /DESIGNPRWIRE/
A’ Award and Competitions are pleased to share that the project Claire De Lune Chandelier by Claire Requa has been granted the prestigious Bronze A’ Design Award at Lighting and Lighting Projects Design Competition
Lighting and Lighting Projects Design Competition Bronze A’ Design Award Medalist
A’ Award and Competitions are pleased to share that the project Claire De Lune Chandelier has been honored with the prestigious Bronze A’ Design Award at Bronze A’ Design Award Competition elected as one of the winners by the international arbiters of the A’ Design Awards & Competitions amidst numerous participants.
Insights on Claire De Lune Chandelier
Claire Requa, the creative mind behind the awarded project Claire De Lune Chandelier says “Decorative, lighting, sold flat-pack, packaged in a reusable carrier bag. I have provided an affordable version of a grandiose, luxurious, cultured product representing a past era – baroque/rococo, done in a modern material. This theme is timeless. At the same time, Claire de Lune Chandelier provides a bit of humor, in its whimsical-ness. (Assembly instructions are provided on paper, as well as a CD- Beta). The idea of making it flat-pack was to do my part in the reduction of CO2 emissions.”
The Bronze A’ Design Award
The Bronze A’ Design Award is a prestigious award given to top 10% percentile designs that has achieved an exemplary level of sublimity in design. The designs are judged by a panel of three different jury which is composed of 5 Academic, 5 Professional and 5 Focus Group Members. The designs are evaluated with score normalization to remove any biases and are voted on aspects such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, fun details, technology, and any other specific points that could be considered, each of these points are further weighted for different jury groups.
About A’ Design Award and Competitions
A’Design Award and Competitions, aims to highlight the excellent qualifications of best designs, design concepts and design oriented products. A’ Design Award and Competitions are organized and awarded annually and internationally in a multiple categories to reach a wide, design-oriented audience.
I needed a complete packaging solution for the Clairely upcycled jewellery. Preparations for my exhibition at the National Gallery of Denmark, museum shop in Copenhagen pushed me to make the final decision. So I set to and struggled over yet another weekend, scrambling around my studio for inspiration, trying to find something that would satisfy my many packaging criteria; one of them being that the packaging should already exist in some form, so I would not need to produce even more new packaging material, and another criteria that it should mail easily.
But first off, the MAIN issue was how to make the display for the museum shop. I am always thrown into a tizzy when I have to design an new display – whether it be at a trade show, market, or in this case at the museum shop.
It was a serious challenge to make a beautiful display to complement the grand and distinguished surroundings, AND solve a long-standing issue with me – the packaging of Clairely upcycled jewellery.
[Jaws music playing here – da da, da dah, dadadadadah].
Another criteria was the convenience factor, for the museum shop staff.
Having had three shops myself, where I also sold other people’s products, I know how irritating it can be to have to fiddle with complicated product packaging behind the counter which delayed customers. And as a critical consumer myself, I am aware of, and delighted by how products are presented when I am purchasing .
For example, I love a product packed in something that makes me smile, makes me think. Like I love having food presented in such a visually pleasing way that it takes me several minutes before I eat it. I bathe in the sheer joy of looking at it. It’s just a seduction of my senses.
After much research to try and find the things I needed, and NOT finding them, my Jamaican ingenuity came shining through once more…I found a solution that I not only am happy with, but rather pleased with, as well.
Photo: David Rivett
I am thrilled to have found a packaging solution from a product that is being phased out – the good old CD case. A product that I can repurpose, squeeze one more use before they hit the crusher.
I love their transparency. Again, an important part of my own philosopy.
I not only borrowed from the music industry, I borrowed from the medical industry as well. The product blurb, included in the CD case is on a piece of thin paper folded up in the packaging (just like when you buy pharmaceuticals) but visible through the plastic. If I were a shop/boutique owner, I think I would appreciate the ease of finding products for my customers by just checking the spine of the CD case. Don’t think it can be any easier.
Thank you Lali of Adgreen for polishing the label idea. This just seals it. And it is sealed!
Merry Christmas!!!
Design ..... and senses 