30 August 2011

'Dear Father' Exhibition is now open

DEAR FATHER
August 30 to September 17

Opening event: Saturday 3rd September 3-5pm

‘Dear Father’, an in-store exhibition, has been curated by Lord Coconut as part of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2011 Look.Stop.Shop program. The exhibition is a historical exhibition of vintage postcards Lord Coconut sent to his father, whilst travelling on his grand tour between 1898 and 1911.  During this time, Lord Coconut visited a number of counties throughout the world and sent back both the postcard and a small trinket which represented his travels in each country.

Each jeweller, as part of the exhibition, was given one of these postcards and asked to re-produce the small gift that Lord Coconut may have sent back to his father which reflects the postcard’s origin.


Justin Siow
‘Cicada Absinthe Spoon’ from Montmartre, France
2011   
Titanium (constructed from most of the two hand cut rectangles of titanium)
12.5cm x 3cm
$660 GST included



























Dear father,
I am writing to you from Paris where I have found myself immersed in the bohemian culture of Montmartre. Whilst here I have been introduced to “la fée verte” (the green fairy), a curious anise-flavoured spirit called absinthe. Its preparation requires the drinker to place a sugar cube on top of a specially designed slotted spoon that is then placed atop a glass filled with a measure of absinthe. Ice-cold water is then dripped over the sugar cube so that it is dispersed through the spirit. Please find enclosed a spoon designed for such purpose. I hope you enjoy it! – LC


David Parker
‘Nanook – Polar Bear’ from Arctic, Canada
2011   
Sterling Silver
4.5cm high
$680 GST included




















Dear father,
I find myself in the far north of the American continent. This postcard portrays a sunny situation but at this point in time it is far from this pleasant vista. The temperature is well below freezing and only the hardiest of Inuit can survive here year round.

Please find enclosed a small sculpture of the polar bear – Urcus Martimus. Here they believe that the bear will only allow respectful hunters to kill them. In death the hunters offer tools to the bear – and in doing so the bear can take the tools into the hereafter.

-          A truly fascinating people and religion!


a.l.i.Alexander
‘Dear Father seal’ from Clevedon, United Kingdom
2011
Cast Sterling Silver and Roman Coin minted in London between 317-326AD
5cm high (coin: 1.8cm diameter)
$990 GST included
















Dear father,
It is an age since I last corresponded, and for that I apologise. I hope this little trinket will alleviate any sorrow that may engulf your heart. Clevedon is a pleasant town. I have not partaken of the current fashion for sea bathing, but rather have been on many walks around the town. On one walk I found a Roman coin, seemingly just placed upon the ground for my foot and eye to find it. I have coerced a local silversmith into setting it into this seal. It has not yet been engraved. I have arranged with an excellent man in the colonies to engrave two initials of your wish. I hope not to be so tardy with my future correspondence.

With much affection,

Your son

PS The coin was minted in London in about 320AD according to the people I have discussed it with in the local taphouse.


Tamara Hain
‘Carp/Dragon necklace’ from Hanoi, Vietnam
2011   
Oxidised Sterling Silver and Jet
Dragon pendant: 2cm sq.  Chain: 75cm long
$780 GST included

















Dear father
I realise today that you taught me to be the dragon. You see here in Hanoi, young children learn that although you may be born a carp you must work hard to become the dragon and so to succeed. Thank you father for such lessons, I hope someday to become half the dragon you are. I have seen such sights and there is so much more to tell of this journey on my return. Until then, stay well.
With love, your son 
LC x


Vikki Kassioras
‘Yohohama signet ring’ from Yohohama, Japan
2011   
Sterling Silver, Bronze &Nickel Silver
Mokume-gane, Waxed cord & PatinaSize W
$440 GST included




















Dear Father,
While in Yohohama I was able to obtain a small piece of the rare Mokume-gane metal made by a highly skilled smith. Under my direction a local craftsman has set it in a ring and added a small flourish of his own - the tassel. I was also able to procure a sword made from this metal but will keep it with me until my return.
I hope this latest souvenir from my travels finds you well. 

Your loving son.


Kath O’Neill
'Outback Vaquero' rowels from Granada, Spain
2011
Fine and Sterling Silver
3cm x 0.8cm
$198 GST included a pair



















Dear father,
Have reached Alhambra and now resting up, taking the "cure" as advised. Monks are quiet chaps, not much English, and food here a pleasant surprise, wonderful madeira although sparing. Got lucky at cards, and able to pay monks up front. sending you what is left of silver spurs, after I had most of them melted down for travelling expenses. Bit tricky, smithy here not happy about doing it, these blokes take their horse gear very serious, which is why I'm sending you these rowels. We shall set up Squatter's and Stockmen's gear, Spanish style. Also in talks with monks about a supply of Madeira.

Take care, yours affectionately, Lord C.


Beth Croce
‘Heart brooch’ from Bombay, India
2011   
Sterling Silver, Silk, Linen and Ashes
4.5cm x 2.5cm
$750 GST included





















Dear Father,

All's well here at the Ashram. Waited half the night for a spot in the darshan but hit the jackpot somewhere before dawn, the coveted Private Interview with S.S.B. The Old Boy was in fine form. Enclosed is one of several miracles performed while we watched (abet at a distance of several paces). Kept close to your heart this locket and the vibhuti (sacred ash) within will provide protection when in danger I'm told. But perhaps keep the home alarm system in place for now....

Hope this finds you and Mother well. 
With love, LC


Emma Bulpit
‘Senegal God’ from Dakar, Senegal
2011   
Olive Treed Wood and Leather
15cm x 14cm
$660 GST included


















Dear father
Senegal has been good to me! You would love it here, one of the many traditions in beautiful Dakar is Folk wrestling! Hope you enjoy your new adornment.

Love Lord Coconut


Deeana Michela
‘New Amsterdam lapel pin’ from New York, America
2011   
Sterling Silver, 18ct Gold and Enamel Paint
2cm x 1.2cm with 3cm pin
$300 GST included
























Dear father,

I have arrived in New York City. It is a place like no other! As it is in the middle of a construction boom, there are beautiful New-Art style buildings being erected all over the city.

I have enclosed a gift for you, inspired by the first theatre built on Broadway, the New Amsterdam Theatre, designed in this New-art style. I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time, father
Lord Coconut



24 August 2011

'Dear Father' Exhibition opening

Exhibition Opening
Saturday 3rd September
3-5pm




















The' Dear Father' exhibition is a historical exhibition of vintage postcards Lord Coconut sent to his father, whilst travelling on his grand tour between 1898 and 1911. During that time, Lord Coconut visited Canada, France, India, Japan, Senegal, Spain, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. 

The in-store exhibition is part of the 2011 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Look.Stop.Shop program. 

Each jeweller, as part of the exhibition, was randomly given one of these postcards and asked to produce a small gift that Lord Coconut may have sent back to his father which reflects the postcard’s origin. 

The jewellers involved are: a.l.i.Alexander, Emma Bulpit, Beth Croce, Tamara Hain (My Friend Romeo), Vikki Kassioras, Deeana Michela, Kath O’Neil, David Parker, and Justin Siow. The Exhibition is on from Tuesday 30th August until Saturday 17th September. 

There will be an opening event running from 3 to 5pm on Saturday 3rd September. 

Lord Coconut, the store, can be found on Level 4, Carlow House 289 Flinders Lane. This hidden treasure is the only retail store in Melbourne specialising in handcrafted contemporary jewellery, cufflinks, and art for men. The store features works by over 20 Melbourne jewellers, designers, and artisans. 

Lord Coconut, the perfect store for presents for boyfriends, 30th birthday gift ideas, 40th birthday gift ideas, 50th birthday gift ideas, gift ideas for men and contemporary jewellery.

16 August 2011

Open Studio as part of Craft Cubed - Aug 20

As part of Craft Cubed 2011, Lord Coconut is participating in the Open Studio event this Saturday. The store will be open from 10am to 4pm and we will have free Ginger Beer and selected sweet treats available throughout the day.





















Jeweller A.l.i.Alexander will be creating one of her Thesis rings in wax for a client on the day whose thesis was titled ‘The effects of Thyroxine on regeneration of peripheral nerves in the axolotl, Ambl...ystoma mexicanum’. Ali says “I have always been intrigued by thesis titles and I’m thrilled that I have found a way to help celebrate the completion of a thesis”.

Ali will also be creating by hand a special lapel pin in wax throughout the day which will be cast in sterling silver and finished the following week. The completed lapel pin will be given away to a lucky store visitor as part of our involvement with the Craft Cubed Open Studio program.

Pop in on the day and become one of the first explorers to experience the amazing range of cufflinks, necklaces, tie pins, lapel pins, brooches, bracelets and rings which have found a retail home at Lord Coconut. 


12 August 2011

Hocking Stuart Red Magazine


MSFW Emerging Designers Exhibition

Fashion wouldn’t be fashion if there weren’t a new crop of fresh and talented designers snapping at the heels of their more established brethren.

Lord Coconut jeweller Beth Croce of Bioperspective is one of 12 talented designers featured in the inaugural MSFW Spotlight Emerging Designer Exhibition that has been hand-picked by Connel Chiang, prominent Melbourne stylist and Emerging Designer Exhibition creative director.


















The full range of Bioperspective cufflinks are available in-store now.

Event details:
 29/08/2011 to 11/09/2011


1000 Pound Bend
361 Little Lonsdale Street

Monday: 10am - 6pm
Tuesday: 10am - 6pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Thursday: 10am - 6pm
Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm

11 August 2011

Leather wallets now in stock

We are proud to present the latest wallets to hit the Australian market. Small, compact, stylish and Norwegian by design, what more can you ask.

EXENTRI - It's the smallest wallet we've seen going around that can hold minimum seven cards and have a separate pocket for bills, without folding them first. All cards have their own pocket, protecting the magnetic strip to avoid embarrassing failures and the hassle of replacing them. The exterior 'slider pocket' provides quick access to your most used cards or travel card.



















At a very reasonable $119.95 they'd make an ideal Fathers Day gift.



Honourable mention - South Korea

Congratulations to David Innocente who received an honourable mention at The Cheongju International Craft Bienale Awards 2011 in South Korea for his amazing LM box.  Great result!


















See a selection of his work in store now. Priced from $121.

These boxes are ideal for storing mens ring, mens wedding bands, mens bracelets, contemporary jewellery, designer cufflinks, mens jewellery and handmade silver jewellery.

They are also great gift ideas for men, birthday presents for boyfriends, 30th birthday gift ideas, 40th birthday gift idea and 50th birthday presents.