I’m very much a jeans-and-tee kind of woman. Occasionally, I’ll wear a skirt. Wow. But, generally, I feel most comfortable and confident in something basic.
I own a single pair of heels, dubbed my “wedding shoes”. But basic doesn’t necessarily mean boring. I’m by no means a fashionista, but I reckon I have a decent eye for style (even if it’s just knowing that I can appreciate someone else’s).
Since Eve ate the apple, or so the story goes, covering our bits is simply what’s done. And being naked in public is illegal and all (except at some beaches). So, we get dressed.
I’m hardly peeved with Adam, Eve or the law. Getting dressed, if you choose, can be a great tool for self-expression. It’s fun. Besides, I have no doubt that we humans would find a way to express ourselves without clothing. Thank heavens for temptation.
Since patterns, frills and wild thrift store coats aren’t my jam, I indulge in accessories. I have enough ear piercings to decorate myself like a Christmas tree (or so my mom tells me).
I recently visited the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed. I sent my partner off to Ferrymans Irish Tavern for a beer or two whilst I browsed for ages (a fine strategy, if you ask me). In addition to the warehouse itself, the little shops are beautiful. There’s art and food and trinkets and jewellery – all showcasing local goodies. Love that.
Don’t miss this: in addition to the Watershed, I highly recommend visiting AAFRICAA – A curated contemporary African design emporium in the new-look Alfred Mall, V&A Waterfront. Open 10am to 7pm daily.
I made a pitstop at iLoni pronounced (ih-l-oh-n-eee), a proudly South African, exclusive jewellery brand by award-winning designer Madri Hopkin. Iloni’s signature style is timeless and elegant, yet bold and playful. Perfect for elevating my jeans and tee approach to style.
Their stacked rings, bracelets and earrings were right up my alley. I tried a few pieces on, overthought which I liked most, and then went home with my new favourite earrings: the Droplet design. They’re handcrafted and come in silver and 18ct gold-plated brass – perfect for everyday wear, with just enough quirk to add something special to your look.
A very cool thing about iLoni is that you can curate your jewellery thanks to the variety of styles, designs and materials. For example, the collection allows you to personalise stacking rings by building your own statement ring with different designs and different metal colours.
Check it out:
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Uniqueness and sustainability (all the good stuff that comes with slow fashion) are two things I value deeply. So, learning more about where my earrings came from made me adore them that much more. iLoni is proudly Capetonian at its core.
Creative design has always been Madri Hopkins’s passion. In 2013, during her studies at Stellenbosch University in Creative Jewellery Design and Metal Techniques, she was nominated as a semi-finalist in the Anglo Gold Jewellery competition before graduating. She was also nominated for best final-year student.
The iLoni brand was established in 2015, straight after she completed her studies. During the start-up year, Madri was chosen as one of 40 emerging creatives and given the opportunity to exhibit at the Design Indaba exhibition in Cape Town. In the same year, she was invited to display her jewellery at 100% Designs in Johannesburg. Here, it was chosen as one of the 100 most beautiful art pieces in South Africa.
Soon thereafter, a bespoke neckpiece was chosen by Southern Guild for its exhibition titled “A New Wave” in Cape Town. This neckpiece was also chosen to be displayed at the New Wave Exhibition in Johannesburg. In 2017, Africa Fashion International contracted Madri to collaborate on the design and production of a unique accessory range to be sold in their retail shops.
Making her mark as a talented South African jewellery designer, Madri was invited to open the first iLoni store in the trendy Watershed at the end of 2020. In 2021, she was a Professional Category finalist at South Africa Jewellery Week.
Made in a studio in Gardens by local women, iLoni designs can also be found in selected high-end boutiques nationwide, or simply shop via the new online store.
If there’s anything good that resulted from the COVID pandemic, it’s the emphasis on supporting local.
Wandering through the Watershed, an excited merchant asked me where I was visiting from after showing interest in one of her products. It broke my heart a little. Sure, prices might be steeper when it comes to handcrafted goods, but I’d rather invest in something that lasts from a brand that’s doing something that matters than continue to buy and re-buy cheap rubbish.
Save up for something special. It’s worth it.
Details:
Store:
- Location: V&A Watershed, shop F72A, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Times: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Studio:
- Location: Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm | By appointment only
Contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 082 829 8027
Also read:
Four new local businesses selected for the V&A Watershed’s Design Lab
Picture: @ilonijewellery / Instagram
