Spotted at last weekend’s Brightspot Market, jewelry from The Project Madness is both courageously edgy and inherently feminine…not unlike the muse for the line, Frida Kahlo herself. It was this line’s appealing combination of raw statement mixed with sensual allure that inspired me to find out more about how the Project Madness came to be.
It turns out, this Project is a team effort, involving a triad of fresh talent. In the fall of 2008 after graduating from Lasalle College International in Jakarta, Bonnie (a fashion design graduate), Ajeng (a fashion illustration graduate), and Vannie (a fashion business graduate) decided to start an accessories line. Each had been profoundly moved by all facets of Frida Kahlo’s life. Everything from her unapologetic passion, her personal tragedies, the resulting triumphs, and her aesthetic sensibilities had inspired them to translate this type of personal dichotomy into a line of wearable art.
Bonnie explains, “Most people are truly inspiring, but we believe in duality; every coin has two sides, everyone has their alter ego, and sometimes their alter ego can truly bring about their creativity and inspire tons of marvelous things.” This notion of a layered existence has been beautifully channeled into each piece produced by The Project Madness. Using leather and silver plated metal, each work entertains a sinuous quality. The metal pendants look as if they are dripping off the leather cord, and the rings appear to be simmering on their wearer’s finger.
Unrestrained passion and natural talent are perhaps Frida Kahlo’s best known qualities. She is then the most fitting muse for this line which allows the wearer to indulge and satisfy her own passion for beautiful and unique jewelry.
Great jewelry that steps outside the box just far enough to generate questions. Kudos to these women.
I like their concept of duality. Alter ego bring about creativity is so true. Beautifully written! The rings and bracelets look gender neutral to me. I see the strength of their belief in their designs.