What has been occurring...

So.... many...things...to...talk...about. First off, we had our first Pop Up at YMEWK market - This is the night market at the Labia on Orange. Admittedly I planned for it to be market research/exposure focussed, but it ended up being a really lucrative night! Also, Jinn got pulled into a shoot for the next day, and I almost could not believe it. The directive for the shoot was "Futuristic", which was right up our alley! All our simple, geometric designs were pulled in and from the sneekpeak I got, the geometric studs were mighty popular.

Here's to hoping it makes its way into a fab magazine (final destination is still under wraps but I will be sure to let yall know).

Then there was the Design Indaba. My soul always comes alive when I walk into the CTICC for this event every year. I love cruising the Emerging Creatives aisle especially. You will find some amazing work and even more amazing stories there. The best by far was definitely that of Songezo Baleni. This young man uses the grass weaving craft learnt as a child weaving baskets and applies it to his jewellery design skills acquired whilst studying at a Durban Tech to design and create absolutely magnificent pieces of fine jewellery. He uses very limited resources at home and gets quite creative in the method of processing the silver into wire for his weaving.Speaking with him was truly touching because although he was well aware and confident of his talent and future in jewellery design, he was also humble and sincere. I look forward to seeing this guy rise all the way to the top.

Whilst chatting away at the Design Indaba, I also managed to find studio space. Double freakn yay and a twirl from me! This has been quite a task. Having this new studio means that Jinn will be able to up production substantially and thus you, beautiful people, can look forward to easier access, not having to wait for markets or trips to Mememe Jhb.

And last but not least... We got our first fashion blog mention on Monday from Pessimiss. Check out how pretty our geometric studs look on this lady:-)

Ciao Ciao! Ps, if you have nothing to do and are in Jhb with money to spend, visit the Mememe page on Facebook to see our stock that arrived there last week.

Jinn Pop-Up Store

Here is one of the pics taken at the City Bowl Market last week. The stand was designed and built by myself and my dear friend Dylan. It turned out quite beautifully and exactly as I had intended it to look!

A little of this and a bit of that...

Jinn's first market day at the City Bowl Market went swimmingly well. There was a lot of support and good feedback. We handed out lots of our new awesome business cards designed by The Rabbit and The Robin , which resulted in an increase of hits on jinntrend.com *air punch*. A good day was had by all, enjoying yummy treats and artisan beer, as well as some shopping. I even got to snap up a discounted dress by designer Adam and Eve. They are also stocked at Mememe and I always seem to return to this label. The dresses are stylish and so well sown. In all the excitement, I forgot to take pictures. Hopefully I will get some from one of my friends and add to this post later.

Now look at these cool pics I found:

http://www.thesartorialist.com/

How chic is this old man?! The haircut, ring on his middle finger and collar flipped up. Also follwoing the untied last button rule. I hope my future husband is this stylish at that age (minus the cigarette, of course)
Here's another Stylish Old Man pic, also from the same site:

Imagine what he would have looked like with those sunglasses on instead of in his hand?
And now for some design inspiration... I have an obsession with cufflinks, and when I find the patience to sit down and design a full range of them, they may just become half of Jinn's offering! Look at these beauties I spotted on Mr Porter

I know! Fan yourself. Calm down.

I'm trying to blog more regularly. I hope I keep this up!

Oh, if you haven't yet, please check out all the new pieces on http://www.jinntrend.com/ :-)

Ornate is absolutely awesome!

City Bowl Market on Hope Street this Saturday!

New Tings Agwan

Oh wow, how time flies when you procrastinate on updating your blog! I think its best I write when big things are happening, like…um…now. As you all know, last year I was mainly selling through Mememe JHB, Pulchritude at Arts on Main and India Jane (until they closed down). I am taking the next step in 2012 and am going to sell directly to the public. I aim to target a few markets around cape Town, depending on how my work is received. First up… The City Bowl Market on Hope Street – 28 of January. Although it will be a small space right in the corner, reserved for the market newbies, it still marks a milestone is the development of little baby Jinn. I cant wait for her to be a tall grown up woman with a model’s gait. Sigh *starts daydreaming with a smile on my face*. Okay..um…where was I. Yes, very excited about the Fashion market at month end. Im glad that this one is not as mainstream as the one in Woodstock. The food is cheaper 9but just as  yummy) and its generally not crowded, which works in my favour when I usually grab a quick bite on a Saturday morning between gym and heading to the studio.

Jinn also has its first proper photoshoot coming up. YAY! We are working with the designer at The Rabbit and The Robin. I have total faith in this girl’s creativity. Cant wait to see what she comes up with. You will be able to view it soon enough on www.jinntrend.com.

This just in… as in two minutes ago… Jinn will be at the You, Me and Everyone Else Market as of March! Double freakn yay! For those of you who don’t yet know, this is the night market that is held once a month at The Labia on Orange Street.

Hope to see you pretty people there!

London

Upon my recent trip to London, I made a good few worthy observations that I don’t think most stores here have picked up on just yet. Okay, so they all know about color blocking but that was being spoken about last summer season anyway, so no points for that one. I was actually surprised that it was still so big for Summer 2011. Nevertheless, this is the case, so big, bright and bold, and don’t be afraid to wear clashing colours ala the pic in my previous blog post.

Image courtesy of topshop.com

Image courtesy of Stellashops

The trend I am excited about is 70’s glam, and I proved my allegiance to it by buying a pair of denim bellbottoms and serious platforms whilst abroad. I cannot wait. I, for one, am sick of skinny jeans. They’ve been around way too long and they are not really as friendly to girls of my hippy proportions. This new trend will see me looking shapelier and taller – yeah and yeah! With this look go blouses with waist ties and large shades and hoops. Luckily I have all these in my closet, so with the platforms and jeans I am trend ready.  I’d advise buying a pair of neutral platforms to wear with this trend as well as tie in with any colour blocking look.

On the jewellery front, there’s a strong push towards pieces featuring animals, and more than that of the saffer designers who are quite partial to doves and rabbits. I most like the big cats, (think Maisson Panthere de Cartier for peasants).

Image courtesy of Cartier

I didn’t mind the linked elephant necklaces. I even spotted some pighead rings and bangles, hmmmmmm….those were too much for me. I would side with the Muslims on this one.  There was the cutest monkey ring at Topshop that I wore for the full hour I was in there, till, I decided that it may just be novelty and we all know what happens with that… I wish my winter weight had the same effect, then I’d be able to wear the cheeky shorts with high waists that I spotted around. Remnants of a skinny summer in London.

It looks so cute on! Wrapped around your finger and looking up at you. Image courtesy of Topshop

The black and very grim looking long pleated skirts seen this winter get replaced by pretty coral or green ones. I searched and searched but didn’t manage to grab myself one of these. Best paired with a simple fitted tee or short tent vest.

Animal prints also huger than I thought, if you are like me and feel like a fresh divorcee in a tiger print dress, then go for a printed scarf instead.

It’s my civil duty to mention that palazzo pants are huge, although I will not be wearing them. For those of you who are lucky to be built like rakes, go wild with these fun, flirty pants this season.

As a parting shot, Id like to mention the cheeky shorts were often paired with patterned sheer pantyhose. My fave was when worn with polka dot hose. Check out the pic I sneaked on the tube. Till next time…remember…ornate is awesome J

Evolution. The Constant Climb

This is just a quick update to explain my absence and indicate when my posts will be back full force. I felt that the quality of this blog would be greatly increased by adding pictures, and, since I didn't want to punish you all with bad quality images, I decided to take a blogging hiatus till I could improve my picture quality. I am now pleased to announce that this will be possible  at the start of the new month J. Finally we can move from descriptions to images, and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

In the meantime, I have been developing a new range, all original designs and in sterling silver. Just the thought of these pieces bring me a huge sense of pride and excitement for Jinn’s future. I will post pictures at month-end to sate you all. I don’t want to say too much. Come back soon to see what is in store. Remember, patience is a virtue and I promise it will be worthwhile.

Things I am loving right now:

This Dior Rose ring – Pink Diamonds set in Rose Gold… Note the band that fits around it. *swoon*

This citrine nugget ring – Image courtesy of she's electric

This entire look! – Image courtesy of Pinterest