The sacred architecture and patterns of the Silk Route are the inspiration for Alice Cicolini's jewellery. As her collections have evolved, inspiration flows from sources as diverse as Venice, Lahore, Hampton Court Palace and the diamond workshops of Hatton Garden, always retaining a connection to her fascination for the way in which ideas and motifs change and adapt across vast landscapes. For the way in which inspiration travels.
Her handmade vitreous enamel pieces, crafted in India in the studio of Kamal Assat Meenakar, one of the last Jaipuri meenakari trained in the enamel traditions of Persia, can still be made to order. This mastercraft tradition has been passed down through family generations over 200 years. A family whose work is owned by the Maharajas of Patiala and Jaipur, and exhibited the world over, their craftsmanship remains of the highest quality. At the same time, her renowned Memphis collection is created entirely in London, where she works with Theo Iannou, an award winning goldsmith, and Stanislav Reymer, a lacquer enamel craftsman in the creation of her pieces.
Alice Cicolini is a designer and creative commissioner, curator of several international touring exhibitions on design and a published author, including a book on contemporary British dandyism, The New English Dandy, for Thames & Hudson. She is a Research Associate at Central St Martins, where she graduated in 2009 with a Masters in Jewellery Design. Formerly Director Arts & Culture for the British Council in India, she remains closely involved with Indian craft and design.
Alice has exhibited at the V&A, Sotheby's and Homo Faber. She has collaborated with Carpenters Workshop Jewellery and CAST, as well as Peter Ting and heritage British pearl company Winterson. Alice was part of the British Fashion Council’s celebrated Rock Vaults initiative, curated by Stephen Webster, from 2012-2015. Her work has been featured by Joanna Hardy (Masters of Modern Jewellery), Carol Woolton (Drawing Jewels for Fashion), Olivier Dupon (The New Jewellers) and Melanie Grant (Coveted). A chapter of Kyle Roderick’s book for Rizzoli (Bejewelled: The World of Ethical Jewelry) has been dedicated to Alice’s appreciation for and dedication to the sustainability of artisanal skill.
Alice Cicolini is available at Liberty, Twist, Dover Street Market, Auverture and a select list of inspirational independent stores across the US, Japan and Europe.
Enquiries: rossella@alicecicolini.com
AC x Twist Online
Twist is one of the most respected independent jewellery stores in the US. Famed for its powerful designer curation, the team behind the store have built one of the worlds best archives of contemporary jewellers talking about their work.
Hear Alice talk more on her process and inspiration.
