NORTHSKULL AW16 COLLECTION

For its Autumn Winter 2016 collection, Northskull presents a selection of exciting new pieces that embodies the notion of elsewhere, or of ‘altrove’.

The inspiration behind the designs is drawn from the juxtaposition between different cultures and identities; in particular the clash of the natural and manmade, the old and the new, and the real and unreal. The Altrove collection explores these concepts to celebrate and empower the beauty of contrast, making different roads and stories cross and meet. Throughout the development of the collection, exotic melodies from the music of various African artists were a source of inspiration to energise the artistic direction of the pieces. Like music, jewellery is a universal language where the sounds, rhythm and tone need no translation in order to be appreciated.

The Altrove collection is empowering. Experimenting with innovative metallic detailing, tactile textures and embroidery, these Northskull creations embrace design influences from afar. There are statement pieces inspired by the daring beauty of tribal jewellery. Primitive surfaces and patterns are reinterpreted with elegance. The leather has been used and distorted in numerous ways-from the beautiful decorations created by the embroidery to the scarification of the skin characterised by detailed embossing with exclusive patterns. The metal has been brushed with an understated finish to achieve a matte feel and to give the jewellery a sense of timeless beauty. A wintery palette embrace all the materials of the collection; burgundy, dark greens and blues to the more neutral hues of grey, black and taupe for the leather and semi-precious stones that include matte onyx and natural bloodstone.

The AW16 collection consists of an exciting array of visually arresting pieces in the form of bracelets, cuffs, rings, necklaces and cufflinks. From the Oloye Cuff, crafted as a statement piece by skilled Italian artisans, to the more understated Adikala embossed leather bracelet enhanced with a buckle and arrow design, as well as revisiting the signet ring style and updating it with natural stones such as matte black onyx, these Northskull pieces infuse the rich sensibility of the altrove concept with an unconventional twist. Additionally, bolo ties and key chains are introduced for the first time. By presenting these men’s accessories as part of the Altrove collection, Northskull is leading the way in styling a new uniform of masculinity, blending decoration and function to define the contemporary look.

The Altrove collection is an assortment of beautifully crafted accessories for the modern man who likes to express a certain raw beauty in sophisticated ways, bringing a nuance of refinement to the pieces with luxe artisanal finishes to offer stylish men offbeat accessories for AW16.