The recent annual Goldsmiths Craft & Design Competition saw MA Fashion Artefact graduate Viktorija Agne win a Bronze prize in the Design Section: 3D Finished Pieces – Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery category.
MA Fashion Artefact graduate Viktorija Agne has won Bronze at this year’s Goldsmiths Craft and Design Awards in the Design Section: 3D Finished Pieces – Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery category. Image credit: Mekhane Model One
London based designer and maker Viktorija was joined by BA (Hons) Fashion Jewellery student Andrea Tan, who also won a Bronze at the awards in the Design Section: 3D Finished Pieces – Precious Jewellery category. The competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials, and is known affectionately within the trade as the ‘Oscars of the Industry’. For both designers to be awarded at such early stages of their careers is quite unique – jewellery expert and ceremony host, Joanna Hardy, along with the audience of 300 world recognised trade companies and individuals, sponsors, industry associations and press were very impressed with their work.
Through the application of shapes, appropriate materials (metals, 3D printing, precious metals, gem stones, diamonds) and production techniques, she delivered a unique and captivating product inspired by the sound complexities of the modern industries. After completing her collection for LCFMA16, she said,
“Jewellery will invoke on the advanced aspects, thus making every new collection advanced, experimental but still classic in the way that it exposes new approaches, as well as the aspect of multi-functionality in a tasteful and original manner.”
We spoke to Viktorija following the awards to talk about her collection and 3D prints inspired by the concept of mobility and transformation of objects, read our interview below.
What made you want to study MA Fashion Artefact?
It happened in my second year of BA Fashion Jewellery, I still remember the day and that feeling when I saw MA Fashion Artefact students working on their final collections. It was something beyond real, incredible designs, craft skills and concepts they were developing. That day I knew straight away that I want to study MA Fashion Artefact.
You recently won Bronze at this years Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council. You were selected in the Design Section: 3D Finished Pieces – Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery category. Congratulations! What did you produce to win, and how does it feel being recognised?
I’ve produced a range of Transformable Neck piece, which actually transforms form one shape to another. It feels truly wonderful to be recognised by such a prestigious award in England – it’s a dream come true.
Where did the idea to create a collection of transformable jewellery come from?
I have always been fascinated by mechanics, robotics, automotive designs, as well as the jewellery. Combining those together seemed like a bit of a no brainer for me, it was great making those subjects come together to create a collection of transformable neck pieces.
Work from MA Fashion Artefact student Viktorija Agne while she studied BA (Hons) Fashion Jewellery at London College of Fashion.
How would you describe your conceptual style?
It comes from the concepts of mobility and transformation of objects, which enhanced by knowledge, technology and individual artistic insights.
How have you found life after graduating, was you prepared to entry the industry?
At first it was a bit scary but also exiting. I graduated a month ago, so it hasn’t changed much, because I’m continuing to do what I was doing while I was studying MA Artefact – designing and making jewellery.
What three tips would you have given yourself before starting MA Fashion Artefact, or to any students considering applying now?
1. Use the workshop time and space as much as you can.
2. Ask technicians, tutors and learn from their knowledge and practice as much as possible
3. Be really patent and organised with timing, because TIME PLANING IS THE KEY!
What is your plan for the future, where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m working on my own jewellery brand at the moment. I’m hoping to launch something in April or May. I hope that in 5 years the brand will be going full speed ahead.