Sligo designers spark off new shore collection
THEY say never mix business with pleasure but two Sligo businesswoman and designers are banking their success on it: Designer goldsmith Martina Hamilton and garden designer, author and TV presenter Leonie Cornelius, hosted a special event at The Cat and The Moon store last Saturday to celebrate their friendship and Martina’s new ‘Shore’ collection.
Large numbers turned up to view the newly-launched pieces of jewellery for which Leonie has become Brand Ambassador.
The new statement pieces include necklaces, earrings, and a brooch in sterling silver with pearls featured. The newly-extended collection also features petite hallmarked yellow 9ct Gold items.
Martina and Leonie’s collaboration began earlier this year when Martina asked Leonie if she would model some pieces for her Shore Collection in a stunning seashore-themed photo shoot.
“That was the beginning of working together again and we realised we should do more,” Martina told The Sligo Champion.
“It seemed a logical thing then when the photography came out so beautiful - we’ve used it on the website and it’s gotten a lot of national publicity as well through that.
“Thankfully she agreed to become our brand ambassador, it’s been a natural progression.
“We launched my new collection ‘Shore’ in Design Yard in Dublin which is also run by Sligo brother and sister just off Suffolk Street. I think their grandmother still lives in Rosses Point, so that was a nice third aspect,” she said.
For Leonie, working with Martina made her realise the power of collaboration in creativity: “Being a designer for her and for me, probably more so for me because I work on my own, you end up being, not lonely, but missing that interaction and the brainstorming together, inspiring each other,” she told this newspaper.
“For me as a garden designer I get a lot of inspiration from the natural landscape here and so does Martina so it’s a nice overlap for both of us to be doing something together. I love her circular pieces. I could see them as massive sculptures. We’ve even talked about Bloom together!”