There’s something in common among the Israeli jewelry designer Shiran Tal Soffrin, founder of Urban Raven, and archaeologists: they both look at material things in a total, different way. What has been thrown away or set apart and forgotten, gain interest and get an unique story, but for Shiran discarded objects and little memorabilia unleash a range of creative, chic and eco-friendly possibilities. It’s time for a virtual coffee at Valens’ with Shiran Tal, she has a lot to say about how she has become the “Urban Raven” and her new projects. How and when was “Urban Raven” born?While studying industrial design at HIT College, I became interested in jewelry design…
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Republic of Pigtails Autumn 2016 Hair Accessory Collection
Rika Gunawan has a revelation: she has been working on something new for her hair accessory brand, Republic of Pigtails. While we’re fully immersed in summer and party trends, the Indonesian designer is already preparing her exciting new collection of handmade hairpieces for Fall 2016. This autumnal collection will have a peculiar accent, she said to “Valens… per voi” it will bring people back to spring even in the coolest autumn days. All her designs are inspired by “Fall fashion but still have some Spring flair” as Rika describes them.The inspiration came unexpectedly one day, last October, while she was helping her daughter dressing, she continues “she didn’t like any…
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Indie Interviews: Rika Gunawan and Her “Republic of Pigtails”
There’s an imaginary state where everyone loves dressing up, starting from the head, but with just one eco-friendly piece: the president is Rika Gunawan and her happy place is called “Republic of Pigtails”. RoP or better Republic of Pigtails is an independent fashion brand based in the New York area and on a community of mothers, daughters and sons, offering products that can be worn both from mothers and their little ones and even by pets! Republic of Pigtails was “founded” during a critical point in Rika’s life when she faced the hard economic reality and decided to continue with what she loved the most: designing. Ponytails are what may…
