A Journey of Passion, Creativity, and Elegance
As we celebrate Silk & Steel's 15th anniversary, I reflect on the remarkable journey that began in 2009 with a vision and a passion. Silk & Steel was born out of my desire to create high-end, bespoke luxury jewellery that would become collectible future heirlooms.
The Beginnings: A Passion for Vintage Couture
My love for vintage couture jewellery from the 1940s through the 1990s was the cornerstone of Silk & Steel's inception. I sourced unique pieces from London and Parisian flea markets, and American estate sales, masterfully integrating these treasures into modern vintage couture pieces. Each creation was a testament to my keen eye for beauty and craftsmanship, incorporating semi-precious gemstones like clear quartz, white topaz, smokey quartz, pearls and onyx, alongside luxurious materials such as silk, velvet, organza, and feathers. These designs quickly became iconic Silk & Steel statement pieces, featured in magazine editorials and showcased at New Zealand Fashion Week.
The Rise to Prominence: New Zealand Fashion Week 2010
In 2010, Silk & Steel made a grand entrance onto the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week, collaborating with New Zealand designers like Sarah Lily, Angela Lewis, and Turet Knuefermann. This exposure catapulted the brand into the spotlight, leading to the creation of our first diffusion line later that year. This line included beaded gemstone bracelets and necklaces, as well as the introduction of stainless steel materials, marking the beginning of Silk & Steel's evolution into a finer fashion jewellery line.
The first magazine to feature Silk & Steel was Simply You magazine, which included an amazing editorial that I still have today. Canvas magazine in the Weekend Herald also featured Silk & Steel leading up to New Zealand Fashion Week in 2010, which was the catalyst to evolving the brand.
Iconic Designs and Notable Collaborations
The launch of our first Superfine collection marked a significant milestone for Silk & Steel. The success of this collection led to the creation of statement sterling silver designs. The Prima Donna ring, our first design in the sterling silver mainline collection, remains an iconic piece in Silk & Steel’s collection.
Over the years, our popularity soared, leading to a collaboration with Trelise Cooper in 2014. I designed a couture range specifically for Trelise's runway show, resulting in Silk & Steel being stocked in Trelise Cooper stores across New Zealand and Australia.
Further collaborations with designers like Yvonne Bennetti and Storm, who were early stockists, have solidified strong relationships, making their stores destinations for Silk & Steel jewellery lovers. Bespoke designs for artists like Ellie Goulding and Gin Wigmore, the latter leading to the 2023 Superstition Club collaboration, highlight Silk & Steel's unique appeal and versatility.
A Growing Presence: Expanding Across New Zealand and Australia
Today, Silk & Steel is proudly stocked in approximately 60 stores, including high-end fashion boutiques, leading department stores, and jewellery stores across New Zealand and Australia. Our reputation for fashion-forward yet classic designs, high-quality craftsmanship, limited editions, and exceptional customer service has cemented our success.
Broad Media Exposure and Global Reach
Silk & Steel has also gained significant media exposure, regularly featured on TV shows such as *Shortland Street* and prime-time TV. We have been a staple in New Zealand fashion and lifestyle publications and have also appeared in American lifestyle publications, including *Glamour* magazine. One of our proudest achievements was being stocked in a high-end fashion store in Soho, New York, further solidifying our international presence. Silk & Steel also appeared in the very first edition of *Denizen* magazine, where I was interviewed for my first couture jewellery collection. Additionally, our brand has graced the covers of many fashion and lifestyle publications, regularly seen on fashion leaders and celebrities, cementing our influence in New Zealand fashion.
Sustainable Practices and Future Vision
We remain committed to sustainable practices, avoiding mass production, and utilising recycled sterling silver and sustainable packaging. Our collections, including the Steel, Superfine, and Mainline collections, are launched twice a year, with beaded designs handcrafted in Auckland from semi-precious gemstones, and sterling silver pieces handmade by artisans in Jaipur, India.
Our Dedicated Team and Commitment to Quality
I am incredibly proud to work with a dedicated team in New Zealand. We work very closely together, sharing a passion for the brand and our customers. Our long-standing relationships with all of our manufacturers are built on mutual respect and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and service. This dedication has been a key factor in our success, and I am deeply proud of our brand.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future
As we celebrate this 15-year milestone, we are excited about the future. Our latest Golden Hour collection reflects our journey and our dedication to innovation and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from vintage couture designs and incorporating beloved elements like our iconic curb chains, pearls, and gemstones, we honour our origins while looking forward to the next 15 years.
My passion and creativity continue to drive Silk & Steel, as I remain as enthusiastic about each new collection as I was when I first started. I am grateful for the support of our customers and stockists, and we look forward to continuing to create beautiful, timeless jewellery for many years to come.
Sarah x
- Sarah Cotterall, Designer and Founder of Silk & Steel Jewellery