Bliss Gets Happy!

Before I explain the reason for my sudden and way too long  absence (teehee, sorry!) the reason of which family and close friends know by now, I'd like to share with you this blissfully happy news from my friend, the now New York-based accessories designer Happy David!

After taking up further studies in jewelry design at FIT, scoring coveted internships at the studios of Dana Lorenz and Alexis Bittar, and continuously working on honing her craft, Happy is unveiling a month long exhibition of her work at BLISS on BLISS STUDIO in New York, a creative space run by artists Ged Merino and his wife Carolina Morales!

For those who recall Happy's work back in Manila, you'd remember her for her fun, whimsical pieces. But as you can see from her most recent work made in New York, such as the cuff on the invite above, which is inspired by woven mats, her designs have acquired a more sophisticated, elegant but still edgy quality to them. 

The artist's reception was held last Sunday, January 15, 2011 at Bliss on Bliss, with a special performance by neighborhood band Hide Inaba.

If you are in the area, drop by Bliss on Bliss Studio, the exhibition runs for a month until mid-Feb. It is open to all, Tuesdays to Saturdays 9am-4pm or by appointment.

Bliss on Bliss Studio
4149A 45th St. Ground Flr.
Sunnyside, NY 11104
Directions: BLISS STREET STOP on 7 TRAIN
Phone: +19177679735

Now for those in the US who would like to buy Happy's work, she has been selling her pieces at the Manhattan outpost of NIDA, whose first boutique was opened in San Francisco.

The carefully-curated boutique which carries labels such as IRO, MALOLES, YVES SALOMON, BA&SH, LES PRAIRIES DE PARIS, BALMAIN, EROTOKRITOS, MAISON OLGA, RUE DU MAIL, and PAUL & JOE SISTER has been selling Happy's pieces for about a year now, and Happy considers it an honor to be carried alongside these hot European brands!

NIDA Boutique
573 Hudson Street
NY, NY 10014
Email: nidaboutique.ny@gmail.com

For more information about the exhibit or Happy's body of work, contact Happy at gethappynow@gmail.com

Triad II: Reluxe

Paul Syjuco, Kristine Dee and Michelline Syjuco will unveil their latest jewelry collections at 6pm tonight, October 22 at Firma in Greenbelt 3, Makati.

The trio's second show entitled “TRIAD II: RELUXE”, is based on Renewable Luxury (hence the term RELUXE), where they recycled precious materials, giving a second, or even a third or fourth life, to existing jewelry and jewelry scraps.

In my interview with them for The Radar (watch out for it in your Sunday Philippine Star!), Paul explains why they went towards this direction for their latest exhibition, "When you're in jewelry, you're basically a direct driver of mining. Of gems and precious metals; be it large or small scale. It's a little bit disconcerting that you contribute to the damage. And this is to show that through whatever it is that you do, there are responsible choices that you can make to contribute for the common good."

Intriguing right? For a sneak peek of what's in store, scroll down:

Michelline, who created jewelry out of tin cans in her early design years has graduated to grown up, glamorous pieces which are partly fashioned from discarded bullet shells.

Kristine's multi-functional designs (for instance, her earrings convert to pendants, or can be worn as studs), are not just pieces to sell, but something with  more than just one purpose, has meaning and a compelling story behind it.

Paul believes that old doesn't have to mean shabby, and for that reason, recycled gold and stones can and should be be given a luxurious lease in life.

All three collections from Triad II: Reluxe may be viewed at Firma Greenbelt 3 after tonight's launch.