Tags
Belgravia, Christian Laboutin, Knightsbridge, La Stupenderia, Philip Treacy, Rococ Chocholate, Shaun Leane, ShowCabinet, ShowStudio
Walking through that delightful patch of land between Belgravia and Knightsbridge always feel like taking a little vacation, or even travelling back in time. White stucco mansions, very few well dressed people and plenty of chauffeur driven cars. In the middle of this protected patch – and I really mean it, as there are plenty of gunned man around – I found a cave full of gems.
Between the red soles of Christian Laboutin, the crafted chocolate of Rococo and the prettiest kids clothes at La Stupenderia, I stumbled across a gallery called Shop, Show Studio. And I am not using the word gem by chance: this art
space is now showcasing the work of the master jeweller Shaun Leane. One off pieces, each one accompanied by the piece of art, or nature, that inspired it. We are greeted by a gem set butterfly brooch, alongside the original Damien Hirst painting that stimulated it. Then is the turn of an elaborate pair of feather hearing with a Philip Treacy hat, a scary laserprint of a snake and the beautiful diamond bracelet that reproduces its sinuous shapes. And if that is not enough, an antique and enormous bridal kimono – from the collection of Daphne Guiness – acting as the impetus for a set of statement cherry blossom cuffs.
This small exhibition is a visual spectacle of artisan jewellery.