My commitment to stunning, slow, sustainable fashion…
Welcome to the slow-fashion movement. Here at Annabelle Hardie, I’m the one who sources the materials, designs the pieces and hand makes them. There is no poor working conditions in my Madrid studio, just me, myself and I in my happy place. Every piece I create is made with TLC and a whole lot of flamenco-style passion. I hope the day I stop creating is the day that I die. I continue to strive to keep improving every single step of production and delivery of my creations. The materials are sourced from small, family businesses here in Spain so it ensures top notch quality, some very unique elements and we can feel assured that there are no wasteful, harmful practises in their making. I’m also investing in some new environmentally friendly packaging for shipping, so watch this space.
Unfortunately, fast fashion has its grip on most fashionistas. It is one of the most contaminating industries on the planet and we drastically need to make changes to the way we fill and manage our wardrobes. Together we can make a difference by changing our destructive ways and our wallets will also thank us for it! I want my designs to be adorning and adored for many years to come and since they are delicate handcrafts, there are some things you can do to ensure they don’t end up in landfill.
Storage
Although most of the findings and all the chains I work with are stainless steel, the brass, gold and silver plated parts may tarnish over time. Please keep them in an airtight box away from direct sunlight to prevent some more delicate materials from fading. The drier the climate the better, as moisture can tarnish gold, rose gold, sterling silver and brass. You could also keep a little moisture absorbing packet in the box with them, particularly if you live in a humid climate.
Use their protective Annabelle Hardie pouches when traveling and pack them flat in a well padded spot where they won’t get bumped around.
Moths love feathers and silk so keep those accessories in a place where they can’t munch away at them.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Feathers and Raffia
Feathers and raffia can easily be straightened and put back into shape with a GHD hair straightener. Alternatively, you can use a low heat iron, but with a protective fabric in between. By the way, I haven’t added tassels into this part because mine don’t crush!
Brass, Sterling Silver and Gold
If your accessory has brass elements you can use a brass cleaner (for eg Brasso) to clean and protect it. The same goes for the sterling silver plated or gold plated pieces, use their corresponding cleaning product. If you aren’t into chemicals, or want to use something you have around the house, here are some natural options…
For complete Brass and Sterling Silver pieces
Mix 1 dessert spoon of bicarbonate soda with the juice of half a lemon into a paste (limes also work!).
Place your piece directly into the paste and leave them soaking for around 20 mins.
Remove the piece and using an old toothbrush, give it a good brush over, getting into all the grooves, until you can see that it’s clean. Rinse it in water and using a cotton cloth, dry and polish, so that there are no water marks left behind and it shines brightly.
For partial Brass and Sterling Silver pieces
Mix 1 dessert spoon of bicarbonate soda with the juice of half a lemon into a paste (limes also work!).
If your piece has other adornments such as tassels, crystals stones etc, polish around them with a toothbrush, being careful not to get any paste on them.
Once clean, use a clean cotton cloth to remove all the remaining paste and to polish it, so that it shines again.
For Gold pieces
Follow the same instructions as above, but simply replace the lemon juice with water.
Then go out and show your piece a good time!
Redesign and Repair Service
I started making and selling jewellery when I was 15 and over the years, as things have got out of date, (or seen too many wild nights on the dance floor) my old clients, friends and family have asked me to give their old pieces a makeover. So I’ve taken things to the next level and I’m offering this service worldwide.
If you have any old pieces that you don’t wear anymore (they don’t have to be my designs), or any old family heirlooms, I would love to pull them apart and make a new design with them, to give them a new life. I involve my clients with this design process so maybe you have some of your own inspiration, or you want a certain colour, or style… the sky is the limit.
Or if you have any old pieces that need repairing (once again, they don’t have to be my designs), I would love to put my skills to good use. By recycling old pieces we are giving them a new chapter in life, a great story to tell when people compliment you on the piece and all the while, keeping these treasures out of landfill.
Just drop me a line on Instagram or on my Contact page and we can start brainstorming.
If you’ve made it to here, thank you so much for reading and I look forward to taking this slow fashion movement to the next level with you, dear lover of all things beautiful.
xoxo