Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 116 - July/August 2021

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup KANGARU UNVEILS NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL GALLERY FOR DRAWING, PAINTING AND ACTIVITY SETS The National Gallery Company Ltd has announced a new deal with Kangaru Toys. Kangaru is one of the fastest growing toy brands in the world, specialising in innovative stationery, colouring, crafts, plush, STEM and novelty toys. Known for innovation, creativity and manufacturing capabilities, the company designs, develops, manufactures and markets creative branded products for children around the globe. Within the UK, the Kangaru Toys range is being managed by Paul Fogarty at Two In One Direct. New drawing, painting and activity sets will be specially developed for the National Gallery, bringing together Kangaru’s expertise in the arts, crafts and activity sector and the world-famous masterpieces in the National Gallery Collection. The new range will include junior art sets and learn to paint sets, as well as adult art and colouring kits. The range will carry a ‘create, paint and draw in the style of the great Masters’ theme and will be branded under the National Gallery. Joe DiPalma, founder and CEO of Kangaru Toys, says,“Kangaru is excited to join the National Gallery to introduce new artists of all ages to the National Gallery Collection. “We’ll supply children and adults with the right tools, pens, markers and inks, and canvas, while allowing them to be inspired by these great artists. Art kits and related supplies will bring the museum experience into homes and allow folks to explore their creativity while learning the stories behind the paintings and their narrative.” The range will be available in the National Gallery Shops and in art material specialty retailers over 2021. Prices will range from £10 to £29.99. ARK JEWELLERY LAUNCHES BRIDAL COLLECTION Ark Jewellery has unveiled three new collections of bridalwear. Crafted in gold and inspired by Middle Eastern architecture, the collections are intended to symbolise beauty, tranquillity and eternity, making them perfect for brides planning their special day. The new pieces of jewellery are environmentally friendly thanks to the use of recycled and fair trade gold. All of the packaging is also sustainable, ensuring the minimisation of any carbon footprint created by the production of the jewellery. 3D design and printing have innovatively been employed to produce these collections, which has allowed 3D patterns to be engraved into the precious metal, imbuing the pieces with a unique and stunning finish. Ark Jewellery is owned by Kristina Smith, an artist, designer and silversmith who studied at the Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University. Throughout her career, she has focused on sustainability within jewellery making and always tries to use recycled gold and fair trade gold to fashion her creations. Extremely passionate about environmental concerns, Kristina’s jewellery and art are intended to inspire and educate as well as have a profound aesthetic value. During the creation of these new collections, Kristina’s vision was to create pieces that were inspired by some of the beautifully designed architecture of the Middle East. Utilising repetitive patterns and unique engravings, including geometric designs, the collection helps to highlight the beauty of gold. Symbolically, eternity is represented within each piece of jewellery, offering brides the chance to find a piece of jewellery that will fully reflect their special day and the eternal love they feel for their spouse-to-be. Speaking about her latest pieces, Kristina Smith said, “Art without a story is meaningless. But like all good art, my pieces give you room to discover your own emotions, connections and weave them into a story that ultimately makes them part of your life.” All the collections are intended to showcase the raw beauty of gold. Unlike with many bridal pieces, Kristina has specifically designed her jewellery with the intention of putting gold in the limelight. The patterns and intricate designs engraved into the metal are the highlights of the pieces and there are no gems or stones. However, Ark Jewellery can produce bespoke versions of any items within these collections, allowing brides to have their favourite gemstones put into the pieces if they so wish. The three collections each offer their own take on showcasing the beauty of precious gold. The Starburst collection is made from precious yellow gold and features large and small domed pendants as well as earrings. They are available in both 14k and 18k gold and feature a choice of 41cm or 46cm chains. The rose gold collection is named Rose Flower and features domed pendants with a V ball. Like the Starburst collection, Rose Flower is available in 14k and 18k versions. The third collection is Palm Beach, which takes inspiration from the Middle East, ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. Carefully crafted in white gold using 3D printing techniques, Palm Beach showcases an intricate pendant with a concave and layered design. Earrings and a white gold ring are also available. The full range is available from Ark Jewellery now www.arkjourney.com/gold-bridal 116