Fashion

High Tea by CandleLight

If you think you SALA Festival is just about paintings, photographs and galleries, think again.

Jewellery designer and artist Melanie Joy Steadman showcased her collection of unique, handmade jewellery at a fashion show ‘High Tea by CandleLight’ at Candles on Walkerville as part of SALA Festival.

Softly spoken and humble, Melanie Joy says she considers herself an artist not just a fashion designer.

“Art is about concept and feeling, not merely concern for economic and social trends,” she says.

“Art commentates on these things, but is not subjected to them. Art is about freedom and liberation and personal interpretation – think Alexander McQueen, Lady Gaga and Karl Lagerfeld.” 

Melanie Joy studied fashion design before focusing on jewellery.

“I’ve been making jewellery for myself since age 15, so it was always there in the background as a hobby,” she says.

“Fashion design was an extension of that interest – what people wear and how they express themselves.”

Melanie Joy’s jewellery consists of one off statement pieces that are not for the shrinking violet.

“My clients are typically self-motivated achievers and ‘go-getters’, women who know who they are and where they are going in life.”

“I design for the woman who is not content with the ordinary, someone who appreciates texture, colour and the tactile nature of my pieces.”

Bright, colourful, unique and topped off with fascinator style hats, High Tea by CandleLight reflected Melanie Joy’s creativity and personality perfectly.

"High Tea by CandleLight is my own interpretation of the 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party."

"I chose to interpret the word ‘mad’ as accentric, and outrageous!"

Looking closely at some of Melanie Joy's creations is like looking into your Grandmother’s jewellery box, there is a certain sentiment to all of the pieces.

Melanie Joy uses vintage brooches and beads that seem as if they have been lovingly collected over a long period of time. The jewellery feels as if it already has a history and Melanie Joy stresses how important this is in keeping her artistic integrity. 

“When someone purchases a piece from me, they know that they are getting a quality product, created by an artist over many hours, days and sometimes weeks."

“An original, one-off piece featuring exquisite materials sourced from trusted suppliers who can give me the history of each and every bead and trinket.”

Melanie’s pieces are collector’s items, something to be passed down through a family.

“I envision that my pieces will become collectable, and will increase in value as time goes on, like any good piece of artwork can be enjoyed, admired and kept as an investment.”

Melanie Joy is just getting started, keep an eye out for her next project.

“I have not chosen jewellery over fashion, you will see me branch into fashion in the very near future!”

Check out Melanie Joy's website http://www.workofmelaniesteadman.blogspot.com/

Photos by Love Birdy Photography

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