Elena Votsi is not your average jeweller. Au contraire, Elena is the only Greek who had the privilege of collaborating with Gucci (The Tom Ford era) and Ralph Lauren. Her remarkable skills and aesthetics not only earned her a place next to Fashion gods, but also her design of the Olympic Medal for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games was such a success, that the obverse (front) side of the Medals shall be used in all future Olympic Games. Of course, that also includes the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
(The obverse (front) side of the Olympic Medal Athens 2004)
Votsi studied painting and mosaic at the Athens School of Fine Arts and went on to obtain her MA in Metalwork and Jewellery at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. Once Votsi opened her first shop in Hydra, one of Greece's international islands, it didn't take long for people of the fashion industry, who happened to be on the island, to take notice of Elena's work. Elena joined forces with Tom Ford for Gucci from 1994 to 1997 to design a series of accessories and other items.
(Cufflinks made of blue lapis lazouli stone)
(Pendant made of 18K gold and coral)
In 2006 the Ralph Lauren company got in touch with Votsi, after being astounded by her designs, her winning of the international competition for the Olympic Medals' design, and her collaboration with Gucci. The company bought gold rings from the Bales, Corals, and Polyspora lines (season 2005-2006) that were showcased both at the ad campaign and at the Ready-To-Wear show in New York. The partnership is still going strong with Elena designing exclusive jewellery for Ralph Lauren, to "dress" the collections and the RL stores. The jewellery has been sold at the New York, Tokyo and Milano stores.
(Earrings made for the Ralph Lauren collection)
(Rings made of 18K Gold and South Sea Pearl. The collection was bought by Ralph Lauren for the collections and ad campaigns.)
Votsi has, also, taken part several times in the Couture Design Awards Las Vegas, and has won the first prize twice, in 2009 and in 2011. Wonder what she'll be up to next...
(All images courtesy of Elena Votsi)
(The ring that won the 1st prize at the 2009 Couture Design Awards Las Vegas)
(The ring that won the 1st prize at the 2011 Couture Design Awards Las Vegas)
(Ring from the Bales line made of 18K gold, south sea pearl and diamonds brilliant-cut)
(Ring from the Balles line made of 18K gold, and diamonds brilliant-cut)
I love Votsi's Jewellery !!!
ReplyDeleteThey are very chic!
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