Laser-cut accessories

These have edgy and intricate designs and are just the thing to brighten up any outfit, writes Nadia Badarudin

IN the world of big boys’ toys and aircraft modellers, basswood is commonly handcrafted into parts and pieces of radio-controlled aeroplanes. But interior designer Noor Faeza Mohamad Arashah is turning the lightweight material into beautiful fashion accessories, such as modern versions of (a traditional necklace) and long necklaces with edgylooking pendants that add style to any outfit.

The KL-ite leverages on laser-cutting technology to make the refined and unique accessories, branded as Salute Salma.

SALUTE SALMA

Noor Faeza established Salute Salma after learning about the technique from her best friend.

“I adore intricate designs in jewellery and accessories.

“I was introduced to laser-cut accessories by my best friend Tasniim Abd Rahman who runs Awang Cutter Projex, a laser-cut fabrication business.

“Intrigued by the technique, I started exploring and sketching design ideas and concepts and founded the brand in 2014,” says the 35-year-old entrepreneur.

She says Salma was her nickname in college and she was fondly known as Salute Salma among her circle of friends and acquaintances in cyberspace.

What makes laser-cut accessories unique?

“Laser-cut is two-dimensional (2D) so you need to add more details to make the design interesting,” says Noor Faeza.

“Adding simple or intricate details is easy with this technology because it reads vector line drawing. It means that you are free to design and cut any form or shape, be it a curve, square, alphabet or flower. It allows you to have perfect sharp edges or complex contours.

“In other words, the details and technology transform basswood into wearable art pieces and make them special,” says Noor Faeza. who sources the basswood from art shops and hardware stores around Kuala Lumpur.

NATURE-INSPIRED

The first batch of Salute Salma’s accessories was launched at New Artists Design Market Place, an art and crafts bazaar at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur in October 2014.

Apart from bazaars, the statement pieces are also retailed on Instagram and Facebook, with the nature-inspired Venom and Bayu pendants being the brand’s bestsellers.

Noor Faeza teams up with her architect husband Wan Ahmad Fuad Wan Abdul Rahman to design the accessories. The details matter most in the brand’s accessories. A simple piece made of acrylic from the latest Lawa series.

“When we created the collections, I was inspired by a quote from a renowned architect, the late Zaha Hadid. She said: ‘There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?’ Venom is very modern and full of expressionism. It was designed based on the traditional dokoh form. We simplified the form with sharp edges and radical lines, representing strong and sophisticated women.

“Bayu, on the other hand, was inspired by the swirling wind. It’s more organic and features flowy lines and feminine character,” she adds.

NEW COLLECTION

Salute Salma launches new collections two or three times a year. Its price range is between RM35 and RM95. Its latest collection, the Lawa series in fresh pastelhued acrylic, goes well with a plain top, kebaya or kurung.

“The Lawa series is basically an exploration. Besides basswood, we also worked with acrylic this time and infused rich classic forms with simple contemporary motifs,” she says.

Visit @salutesalma (Instagram) or email salutesalma@gmail.com Salute Salma founder Noor Faeza Mohamad Arashah wearing one of her creations.