AFTER collaborating with Zang Toi in his New York fashion show last September, Penang jeweller extraordinaire Amee Philips and the New York-based Malaysian fashion designer are back together again.
The “Zang Toi 1,001 Precious Jewellery Collection” crafted by Amee Philips, was showcased at Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur recently. Zang Toi flew in specially for the exclusive show and jewellery launch, which was attended by the crème de la crème of fashion aficionados and jewellery connoiseurs.
“This line was inspired by Zang Toi’s trip to Marrakech, Morocco and I transformed his impressions from the trip into ready-to-wear jewellery,” says Philips, who first met Zang Toi at the George Town Festival in July this year.
“We both recognised that we are very passionate about creativity in our own fields. So when he asked me to collaborate with him for his jewellery collection for Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week, I was delighted and excited,” says Philips. Zang Toi’s fashion designs, inspired by his visit to Africa in 2000, were bold and presented a challenge for Philips as she only had six weeks to complete her jewellery line for the September show. But she managed to finish in time and hand-carried them to New York. Zang Toi’s runway show was a huge success with extensive coverage seen on TV, fashion blogs and magazines around the world.
“We had a great time in New York, but since then, it’s been back to work on the 1,001 Nights, which is the collection you see,” says Philips. When Zang Toi approached Philips to create a jewellery collection for Zang Toi’s Spring 2012 runway show in New York, she was “absolutely thrilled!” The golden opportunity was both “an honour and a challenge”, she says.
The collection is an extension of her jewellery shown earlier at the New York fashion show. The bigger pieces are bold, but generally, the collection features simple but pretty designs in 18k white and yellow gold.
“It took me three months to come up with the complete 1,001 collection. Plans are afoot to launch a new collection every year,” she adds. “The jewellery worn by the models at the New York runway were chunky pieces. But these pieces (shown at Carcosa) are more wearable,” explains Philips, whose jewellery line includes choker, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
She particularly likes a RM15,000 multi-strand long gold necklace which can be worn over any outfit. A central design theme is a distinct circle with four cardinal points, like a compass. What’s this Zang Toi’s “circle” about?
Since it has four direction points, Philips made a wisecrack: “Let’s just say it reminds us that North, East, South and West, Zang Toi and Amee Philips are the best!”
The circle looks captivating and has its wow-appeal. Those daring enough to flaunt the flamboyant look can sport the bold dangling earrings with this circle design (measuring 7.5cm in diameter), which would definitely make heads turn. The circle can also be a show stealer when worn as a choker. Trendsetters can opt for scaled-down versions of these earrings, which are half the size.
Limited edition pieces with a black jade circle and emerald pendant are priced between RM20,000 and RM60,000. Some of them are in black enamel.
When Philips asked Zang Toi what he would like to call the charm bracelets in the new collection, he said without hesitation: “Love At First Sight!”
Each bracelet features the circle in the centre and a miniature gemstone. There are 12 variations, each with a different birthstone.
“You can choose a bracelet with your birthstone or any gemstone you fancy. The bracelet is unisex,” suggests Philips. Lots of “Love At First Sight” charm bracelets (priced ranging from RM1,500 and RM2,500) were sold at the New York show. Philips sent her designs (for this collaboration) to Zang Toi for approval via e-mail.
“If he doesn’t like the design, he will put it nicely. Like, ‘How about this?’ or ‘How about that?,’” says Philips. The most expensive item shown was a pair of blue sapphire earrings worn by Kirstie Alley in the New York show. The earrings are priced at RM540,000.
On her jewellery venture with Zang Toi, Philips says: “It’s very inspiring to work with him. He’s very encouraging.”In turn, Zang Toi told the media that he was “impressed by Philips’ energy”.
“After our meeting at the George Town 2011 Festival, he asked to see my work. Within 18 hours, I sent him a prototype of my jewellery pieces and Zang Toi was very impressed (by my speed and energy),” says Philips. The name “Amee Philips” is synonymous with refined sophistication, stunning elegance and dazzling magnificence.
Her versatile creation – the V-clip has revolutionised the way jewellery is worn. It has been awarded the prestigious Malaysia Good Design Award. Today, the V-clip has been patented in Malaysia, the United States, Europe, Australia, China and Hong Kong.
Recently, Philips also showed off her “Nyonya fusion jewellery”, a Peranakan-inspired range where the old charm of Nyonya jewellery is preserved with a touch of modernity. Philips continues to zealously create outstanding collections in gemstones, jadeite and pearls, whether for casual or red carpet events.
Amee Philips Exclusive Jewellery boutiques can be found in Penang and KL, and will soon be in the United States and Britain as well. The brand Amee Philips was appointed “Platinum” sponsor for the recent Miss World/ Malaysia 2011 beauty pageant and the jewellery sponsor of the 24th Malaysian Film Festival.
Philips has also been invited to be featured in the prestigious 150 Years Rolls Royce Yearbook which will be launched in November this year in London. This special edition will be sent to distinguished Fortune 500 personalities in 52 countries.