Launch of Irish Jewellery Designer Chupi's SS16 Collection
I’ve always been a bit fascinated with brands that manage to encompass a stylistically cohesive feel. Bonus points if it’s authentic to the designer. Dublin-based jewellery designer Chupi has this down pat. Her self-titled collection, launched in 2012, has become quite literally a shining example of how to market your creativity in a beautiful way. The collection is sold in a number of stores including Dublin institutions Weir & Sons and Kilkenny, as well as on her website, Chupi.com.
Most recently, the nature-inspired collection has hit the well-curated shelves of the [ MADE ] Store & Gallery- a hub of Irish design in the top floor of the ever gorgeous Powerscourt Town Centre. Just down the hall, Chupi recently held a special party to celebrate the launch of her Spring/ Summer 2016 Collection. Given the brand’s eye to detail and impeccable presentation, my expectations were high.
Some people like football. Some people like fast cars. Me? Why, there’s nothing I get a greater kick out of then seeing the fruits of a creative’s labour. Chupi and her lovely team did an amazing job at displaying their wares alongside cute vintage props, bell jars and rustic cuts of branches.
The Dublin Doughnut Co.’s jammy (well, not so much jammy as honeycomby. This is no ordinary doughnut company.) delights were offered around, as were some cocktails from my neighbours at Teeling Whiskey. Side note: it was on this night that I discovered that Teeling packs a quite the punch. One drink in and I was, as the kidz on Tumblr would say, “turnt af”. You sure get your money’s worth there!
High up on Louise’s (never-ending) wish list is a piece from the “We Are All Made of Stars” star sign collection. So simple but such a lovely, personal piece to have. Either on its own or layered with a birthstone charm, I’m loving it.
Though the bulk of the collection is priced pretty affordably, Chupi has created a higher-end selection of fine jewellery and engagement rings. Ideal for all the lovers (or self-lovers who want to treat themselves Samantha Jones style) out there.
Chupi’s collection strikes a particular chord with me because they have been inspired by natural pieces found minutes from my house. Like Chupi, I live right beside Dublin’s Grand Canal. It is around here that she collects the twigs, leaves and feathers she then casts her creations on. Her “I Can Fly” swan feather collection has probably become her most recognisable design. And basically… the swan this feather this collection was cast on? My neighbour! Some get a cup of sugar; I get a necklace!
Giant balloons were grouped together to create the photo backdrop of candy coloured dreams. To achieve a similar look, check out the cute selection of round balloons over on Hippenings.com.
To celebrate the launch, Chupi’s right-hand woman Dots created a gold-leafed print that was raffled on the night. The quote she used was from everyone’s childhood favourite, Winnie-the-Pooh: “Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I didn’t win. Sad face.
Never one to leave a sister hanging, almost every time I see Chupi, she gives me a little piece of stationery. Last time was a pencil; this time a notebook. I’m secretly hoping that next time she’ll hook me up with some swan feather-tipped Tipp-Ex or maybe some whimsical staples. In the meantime, I am more than obsessed with her custom Moleskine inscribed with a quote from Roald Dahl. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Such a lovely keepsake from the event.
This post was not sponsored and all opinions come from a place of real love. Y’all know I gotta stay true to me.
