ELKE KRAMER | SPRING / SUMMER 2011

This Australian jewellery designer not only creates inspired and beautiful pieces, but is the owner of her own fashion accessories business and is considered one of the most promising talents in her field. Her collections are stocked in stores nationally and internationally.

After graduating from The College of Fine Arts at The University of New South Wales, studying design in graphics, textiles, jewellery and ceramics, Kramer started to do work for Oyster Magazine and Sass and Bide, when she was approached by Michelle Robinson to design jewellery to accompany one of her fashion collections.

Creativity seems to run in Kramer’s family. Her mother was a graphic designer and this, in addition with her studies, has led her work to be heavily influenced by geometric shapes and patterns. Kramer also likes to experiment with textures and innovative construction, which she feels has been forgotten in the current jewellery market.

Her recent Spring / Summer11 collection does not disappoint. Entitled ‘The Shake of Ophelia’, the collection has a tribal, exotic feel. Mellow jewel colours compliment earthy tones and mosaic bangles allow Kramer’s graphic background to shine through. The collection tells the story of a well-to-do girl in the 19th century, whose sense of adventure takes her to distant lands, where she falls in love with the rich colours and way of life.

The collection features a lot of chunky rings and layered bangles, as well as earrings. A particularly striking piece is a shoulder length earring, which has a deep fuchsia tassel hanging from a large black bead. The look is elegant, contemporary and ultimately very wearable. The collection shows the creative talent that Elke Kramer can bring together in simple, yet stunning pieces. This designer is definitely one to watch.

- Sophie Bromley-Piazza