Meet the Jeweller Subverting Beauty Standards

The tone of the work is confrontational: a direct criticism of a modern symptom. It subverts the notion of ‘normalising’ imperfect features through surgery, instead the wire serves as an icon – a frame for the imperfections of the wearer, challenging them to embrace their perceived flaws. 

The rigidity of the form gives it an unflinching appeal, it does not obscure, nor play tricks with the eyes, in the name of flattery. It instead invites attention, encourages a long, sustained look at what we try so hard to gloss over; what is contained within the frame. 

The jewellery itself is striking, the wearer is adorned with some of the most precious and coveted materials in the world, pearls, diamonds and 18 carat gold. Their imperfections too become covetable; transformed into a commodity. The emotional response reminds us of something we all already know – that we are our own toughest critics. 

The way Joanne T wants us to view ‘imperfections’ as a point of difference to be celebrated; a unique quirk of nature, which she has captured here without need of accompanying explanation, is particularly commendable, and illustrative of her mission to pay homage to the phrase “in jewellery, I ensue dialogue.”

Materials unite the pieces, but in structure and scale they are divided. Created to fit a range of facial structures, the collection acknowledges, in line with its core message, that one size does not fit all. The message is integral to the collections purpose – to celebrate individuality and move away from a single standard of beauty. 

For more information: https://www.notjustalabel.com/joannet