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Only in the hands of an artist can rigid, man-made materials transform into something delicate, feminine and wearable. Karen Konzuk’s line of concrete and stainless steel jewellery is such a study in contrasts. Judge John Fluevog describes her work as “cold-cut hip;” Barbara Atkin loves how Konzuk “strays from the ordinary and experiments with unusual combinations of materials requiring technical proficiency and unconventional techniques.”
A childhood visit to a Donald Judd exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario first captured her imagination. A degree from the Nova Scotia College
of Art and Design focused on precious metals, though soon after graduation Konzuk started experimenting with concrete and steel, “everyday materials incorporated into fine jewellery.”
The Calgary designer has continued to innovate. She uses powder-
coated stainless steel, used in outdoor furniture and household appliances, to achieve bright, bold hues like neon yellow and deep
plum (above, top and bottom). She was inspired by Herzog & de Meuron’s architecture in creating her ornamental Eclipse collection (above, centre), on sale at MoMA in New York.
This year, Konzuk sold her work at a Le Corbusier exhibit at the
Barbican Art Gallery in London and provided custom cufflinks to New York and Los Angeles Paul Smith stores. Her new Set collection “will be architecturally influenced,” says Konzuk “but still fashion based. It’s a work in progress.” Spoken like a true artist. wl
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Judges
Barbara Atkin, vice-president of fashion direction for Holt Renfrew, watches the international scene to forecast emerging trends for Canadian shoppers and the fashion media worldwide. She is a member of the advisory committee for the Fashion Design Council of Canada and she travels frequently to the fashion capitals of the world, including Milan, Paris, New York, London and Los Angeles.
John Fluevog’s shoes are sold in top shops around the globe and in his own Fluevog stores in Boston, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal and his hometown of Vancouver. His styles are consistently featured in international publications, showcased by global fashion designers and are regulars in the wardrobes of many celebrities, from Madonna to the White Stripes.
Joseph Mimran was the founder of the apparel and home lifestyle chains Club Monaco and Caban, and he developed the luxury sportswear brand Alfred Sung. He is now creative director of President’s Choice Home and Joe Fresh Style, available at more than 350 Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada. He is the current chair of the Fashion Design Council of Canada and contributes to the Pink Tartan
clothing line.
ONE TO WATCH
Arriving in Canada from Korea at age 15, Claudia Baik found freedom of expression in her high school textile class. After studying fashion in Italy, New York and Belgium, she returned to Vancouver to produce stunning collections, including recent origami-inspired organza pieces and abstract jersey dresses.
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