Jacek Ostrowski will tell us about his passion for designing jewellery with amber and a plan to present his output at the inhorgenta europe fair in Munich within Brand New–New Brand.
You are a graduate of Koszalin Technical University but you design jewellery – how is it possible?
Exactly, I am this year’s graduate of Design Institute at Koszalin Technical University. I defended my graduation work with a distinction – it was a design of the jewellery from “Fine-line” collection which premiere took place at
Gala of Fashion and Amber during Amberif Fair 2007. A part of my graduation work was also presented on an exhibition organized for
the first anniversary of the Museum of Amber in Gdansk opening and it is still being exhibited in the museum. During my studies I was involved in functional objects design but even then I started designing jewellery. At that time it was some kind of “fun” for me which soon evolved into passion. Even though I have been professionally designing jewellery for two years it is still for me “playing with form” in a way.
Your “Fine line” presentation during this year’s Gala of Fashion and Amber is viewed as one of the best. What is the origin of this idea?
A concept of integration of jewellery with clothes had been my central thought for a long time and the Gala at Amberif was a good moment to realize it. The “Fine-line” presentation was organized in cooperation with a fashion designer Aleksandra Kus who undoubtedly contributed to its realization. Judging by the opinions it was a good presentation, I received a lot of praise from the people important for me, from this profession and from outside – it is of big importance for me, all the more that actually I have only started my business activity. I have already ideas for the next presentation and I would like to take part in next year’s Gala.
Is amber important for you?
Amber is a rewarding, beautiful and very malleable material, it has certainly an incredible magic in itself. I admire its warm colour and its plasticity allows easy and pleasant work. Amber undoubtedly plays the most important role in my jewellery, it adds extraordinary charm and elegance.
You did not have to wait for success too long…
I managed to do it somehow
(laugh). The first important commendation for me was winning a Golden Medal in Technical Innovation category in
Mercurius Gedanensis competition during Amberif fair 2006, and then many events was lucky for me… So I use my so called “five minutes” and I try of course to make them last as long as possible. However, it did not happen just so, I have been working hard for this success. Two years ago I started at the kitchen table at home, now I employ a dozen or so people – the company has been developing very dynamically and the jewellery gains more and more recognition all over the world.
Independency is of high value for me. I have my own style of working and I rather do not design jewellery “at call”. When some idea gets into my mind I simply realize it. Fortunately good ideas do not leave me. I design modern and avant-garde jewellery for bold women who like to attract attention with a dash of elegant extravagance.
As the only one designer from Poland you will present your previous output at inhorgenta europe’08 fair within Brand New–New Brand. What are your plans?
I am simply going to present my jewellery. Of course I will not manage to show everything so I will choose the best collections and I will present new projects which I have had quite many for the last few weeks – my creative inspiration has been exceptionally favourable recently
(laugh). Above other things I expect a good promotion, a prestige and a possibility to show myself during the fair, and at the same time I cannot wait to observe a world design. I hope that my design will be equal with the ones presented in Munich and maybe it will even enrapture – and I would be very glad in such case. Representing Poland at the fair in Munich is a great honour for me.
