If you follow me on social media (and if not, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook) you will have noticed my latest accessory obsession: an exquisite metallic lace cuff from Sapphô by Kim Smiley, the creative genius behind an innovative line of unique and hand-made jewelry. Using antique and metallic lace adorned with either semiprecious stones, Swarovski crystal elements, vintage objects, and/or precious metals, each item is not only original but becomes wearable art. Light as air yet heavy in impact, all the pieces of this range are named by a famous or emerging poet and are accompanied by a poem from their body of work.
Inspired by the Greek Lyric poet Sappho (circa 630 – 570 BC), Kim’s collection began organically through experimentation using mixed media, the result being jewelry created unlike anything you’ve ever seen or worn before; as though you’re “wearing your sexiest lingerie in public … but you get to keep your clothes on“.
There is such breathtaking beauty in every single piece, with no detail overlooked – that you can spend hours mesmerized by the intricate pattern of lace or the way the gilded threads run through it all. With the mantra of “beauty for for the public good“, Kim’s company trains marginalized women to hand-create each piece, paying them a “living wage” of $18.00/hour (in the city of Toronto) and thus encouraging them towards self-sufficiency and empowerment. As I’ve always said, beauty with a cause … something that will always be close to my heart.
After corresponding with Kim and learning that I was to attend the recent Yves Saint Laurent move premiere (read about it here), she sent me a one-0f-a-kind Sappho Cuff that was literally handmade just for me (CAN $275.00), using oxidized bronze lace and decorated with 24 Swarovski crystals, closing with an 18K gold plated magnetic clasp (genius and perfect for one-handed application). Upon receiving the cuff, I believe I may have stared in awe for what seemed like forever: the reality of this piece has far outdistanced anything I expected, and the included card which bears a fragment of poetry by Sappho, was the crowning touch. To say nothing of the insane volume of compliments I receive every time I wear this stunner.
Sappho, a Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos (born approx. 630-612 BC – died approx. 570 BC)
Fragments of a poem by Sappho (source)
Kim Smiley, creator and artistic genius behind Sapphô by Kim Smiley (photo by Jeremy Ladner)
A sampling of stunning Sapphô by Kim Smiley metallic lace cuffs
Sapphô by Kim Smiley metallic lace cuffs, earrings, rings and breast plates (photo by V. Tony Hauser)
Sapphô by Kim Smiley metallic lace earrings with customizable gems
The Sappho – my custom made oxidized bronze metallic lace cuff with Swarovski elements
a closer look at the Sappho poem included with my cuff – a beautiful detail that comes with every Sapphô by Kim Smiley purchase
Sapphô by Kim Smiley | The Sappho Oxidized Bronze Metallic Lace Cuff
I cannot even begin to express my admiration for all Sapphô by Kim Smiley creations, and were it up to me, I would wear this Sappho Cuff on a daily basis – I love everything about it. Factoring in that all the pieces are handmade here in Canada, the Greek inspiration behind the entire concept behind the line (which also speaks to my own Greek heritage), the unique marriage of literature with art, the finesse and detail of every item and how this is a brand that truly aims to give back (a portion of proceeds of sales is also donated to charity), not to mention how incredibly unique every single piece of the collection is, you owe it to yourself to take a look – then sit back and bask in all the compliments. Like I do.
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*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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