Posts Tagged ‘Winifred Grace’
Chicago Designer Spotlight: Winifred Grace
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I first met Winifred Grace Gundeck a little more than two years ago. At the time, I was writing a feature on her jewelry line, Winifred Grace, for a local magazine. I arrived at her small, sunlit studio for the interview and was greeted by a petite and welcoming Winni, as she is commonly called. We chatted on the lone sofa in the box-shaped studio before she showed me the work station. The table was covered in bits and pieces of metal, rhinestones and chains soon to be transformed into accessories rooted in her distinct aesthetic. After learning how that aesthetic materializes and seeing the finished product, I realized what Winifred was fashioning was a sparkling future in jewelry design.
Fast forward to present day and the Winifred Grace line has continued to blossom. Though it seemed impossible back then, the Spring 2010 collection is even more spectacular than the one I fondled during the interview. The season’s introduction of graphic brass elements adds a complementary contrast to the oxidized silver and light-catching Swarovski crystals. “I was inspired by vintage textiles and ancient tribal jewelry,” Winifred says. “[The brass] gives a unique vintage quality to the modern designs.”
Top image from left to right: Rhinestone and oxidized silver necklace (shown in the model’s hair), $185, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Brass and jet drop earring, $115. Above image from left to right: Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $345, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Cut crystal and brass charms necklace, $195.
As with every season, the spring collection includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings that together feel well-edited and perfectly cohesive. Along with the craftsmanship, what distinguishes Winifred’s designs is how she harmonizes a raw edginess with feminine flare. The quality is obvious and exceptional, the vision unique and breathtaking. Each piece is made to order and handcrafted here in Chicago by the Winifred Grace team. This includes the oxidation of metals—one of her signature techniques.
By mixing and distressing various metals, chains and embellishments, each piece embodies a versatility that can be dressed up or down. They can also easily be layered with other Winifred Grace items or with your own jewelry. Whether your look is trendy, classic or understated, the line filters beautifully into any given wardrobe. “The collection is a mix of casual, sophisticated elegance,” she says. “I’m most happy in flip-flops and a tunic but welcome the chance to put on my party shoes! I think the collection speaks to both sides of my personality.”
Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $548, with the cut crystal and brass charms bracelet, $460.
Just as each Winifred Grace collection is a small treasure trove of gold, silver and crystal, the label’s future promises to be just as dazzling. Soon, Winifred will introduce one-of-a-kind couture pieces available only on her e-shop and a few stores. But that’s just the beginning. “I also have some top secret plans for expanding the Winifred Grace brand into the lifestyle arena,” she says. “Stay tuned!”
We certainly will!
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Brittney Jo
Makeup: Jennifer Hanwright
Hair: Kelly Tracy
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth and Maia McGinley
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Designers, Jewelry, Winifred Grace, Winifred Grace Gundeck
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Simply Fabulous: Winifred Grace Bracelet
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
When it comes to Chicago-based jewelry designer Winifred Grace, it’s impossible not to love her work. In her Spring 2010 collection, we adore the “Oxidized Chain, Rhinestone and Brass” bracelet ($275)–perfectly edgy and glamorous.
Tags: Accessories, Bracelet, Chicago Designers, Winifred Grace
Posted in Simply Fabulous | No Comments »
Timeless Sparkle
Monday, October 12th, 2009
When you come across a jewelry line like Winifred Grace, you know you’ve found something special. With its timeless elegance and luminous embellishments, the collections by Chicago designer Winifred Grace Gundeck are an exquisite balance of practicality and beauty.
The ornate necklaces, bracelets and earrings materialize by using three design techniques. First, she oxidizes sterling silver—a technique she learned in Mexico—tarnishing it black for a harder edge. Second, 18-karat Indian gold blazes against the oxidized silver, striking a bold contrast. Finally, she creates texture by hand-braiding chains of various finishes and weights. Additional details such as rhinestone chains, pearls and diamond insets really give a girl what she wants. “I want to make designs that are really wearable, that make a statement, and that are not overpowering,” Winifred says. “I want women to feel compelled to pick it up and wear it.”
And we do! Whether dressing up a t-shirt and jeans or accenting a classic LBD, the collections are packed with designs perfect for any occasion. For everyday wear, I love the Jet Hematite and Swarovski Crystal earrings ($230), and for a night out, add some sparkle with the 17-inch “Gold, Silver, Rhinestone Fringe and Pearl Necklace” ($340). Now, we just hope she starts designing rings too. Visit winifredgrace.com for more information.
Images courtesy of Winifred Grace.
By Meghan Turner
Tags: Accessories, Designers, Winifred Grace
Posted in StyleBlog | No Comments »
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