Nak Armstrong

I recently discovered the work of jeweller Nak Armstrong while doing some window shopping/ internet browsing in Liberty's jewellery section. Based in Austin, Texas, Armstrong recently set up his own label after gaining recognition and a CFDA award as part of design duo Anthony Nak, which ended in 2010. Technically, what sets Armstrong's work apart, is its construction- abandoning the traditional use of a bezel, he instead suspends stones in a metal framework. This makes each piece lighter, causes it to behave differently and means that every piece is individual, almost like 'couture'.

The influence of architecture, which he studied in college, is easy to spot- the arches and domes reminiscent of buildings in an exotic, forgotten world. Combined with the dulled metal and richness of the stones, there is something old world about Armstrong's design, albeit with a sophisticated touch. Contrasting qualities are dominant, especially in the use of precious stones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds alongside semi precious stones like tourmaline and lapis lazuli. To learn more about his work, watch his stockist Barneys' interview here.

Daft Punk X Pharrell X Nile Rodgers: 'Get Lucky'

People have been buzzing about Daft Punk's upcoming fourth album, Random Access Memories, since word got out about it. I've become more interested about this album since they said that they would do their usual work with machines and synthesizers, but this time with live musicians, going on to list Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Paul Williams and Julian Casablancas amongst those they are to collaborate with. The first two feature on the first single from the album, Get Lucky, which captures the West Coast vibe of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac that the duo cited as influences for the new album. The influence of Rodgers, who produced David Bowie's Let's Dance and Diana Ross' Inside Out, is evident in the funky vibe, with Pharrell's falsetto providing the perfect accompaniment. In the run up to the album's release on May 20th (UK release date), Daft Punk have been posting video interviews with their collaborators online, with Pharrell's revealed today.

Get Lucky has a surprising touch of soul for a song produced by a pair of robots. Pharrell describes it putting'the gut' back into music, while in Rodgers' interview, he uses the word 'groove'- referring to how the music 'wraps around his body'. His interview is the most interesting, hearing about some of his legendary collaborations and seeing him play some impromptu guitar- it just makes you want to see him working in the studio. It's intriguing listening to what inspired each very different musician, especially when while the song has many elements, it's such a specific sound.

 

A minute-long video was shown at Coachella last week to promote the single, featuring the robots, Rodgers and Pharrell, all donning sparkling suits by Saint Laurent. If this is anything to go by, Random Access Memories could be their best album to date. You can pre-order on iTunes here.

Woolmark: Dion Lee

The only thing more frustrating than this unseasonal cold in April, is the fact that I've spent over six months wearing the same damn clothes- winter coat, sensible shoes, warm knitwear... Usually more than content to dress head to toe in black, lately I've been craving white, yellow and blues, anything to break the monotony- something I indulged in last week when away at the Dubai World Cup (hence the neglected blog). The sensibility of winter clothes gives wool a bad name- something the revived Woolmark prize aims to correct, awarding designers who display creativity and innovation with the classic material. Christian Wijnants won the top prize this year with a collection focused on knit, but Australia's Dion Lee showed the most interesting creations in my opinion.

Using wool in its felt form, Lee cuts the fabric into architectural shapes, sculpting the body in elegant lines. The almost woven technique that follows the side of the body and the spine mimics the latter, giving the collection a spookiness, especially when done in tonal shades of steel grey, black and cream. The photos here were shot by Stephen Ward for Vogue Australia, and you can see the rest of the images here.