Come and visit ‘Destination Southern Highlands’ visitor information center
and find out Whats on in the Southern Highlands
We are now showcasing our Sterling silver Jewellery gift range at the info center!
Address: 62-70 Main St, Mittagong NSW 2575
Phone: (02) 4871 2888
Website: www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au
Highlands Jewellery is as unique as the woman who wears it. An artistic collaboration between two jewellery designers turned life-long friends. After a lifetime of exposure to different cultures and styles Angie Lou and Mitsuru have created a line of simple, elegant jewellery that stays true to their minimalist aesthetic. Drawing on inspiration from their European and Japanese roots each design is like a piece of a puzzle that tells their story and the story of Highlands Jewellery.
Meet Angie
Born and raised in a small town in central Russia. With the Volga River as her playground, Angie dreamed of travelling the world and discovering the adventures that lay beyond the mighty Volga. In 1991 Angie travelled to Australia to reconnect with family that had immigrated in 1936. Not yet ready to settle down Angie returned to Europe to live a gypsy life eventually putting down roots in London to work in the Fashion industry. It was only a matter of time before the world came calling again and this time the journey took Angie to Hong Kong where she studied metalsmithing and jewellery making.
In 2005 she travelled back to Australia to study contemporary Jewellery and Object Design and later graduated from a course in Jewellery Manufacture and Trade. This provided the opportunity to work with gold, diamonds and unusual settings. It was around this time that Angie meet Mitsuru and the seed that would become Highlands Jewellery was born.
Meet Mitsuru
Mitsuru’s passion for design developed during her early childhood. On day trips away with her mother she was never without a pencil and sketch pad. This hobby became a passion eventually leading Mitsuru to the College of Art in Tokyo, where she studied Graphic Design. Her studies opened doors to forms of art, design and culture Mitsuru had never experienced, sparking her interest in Fashion Photography and Western cultures. This interest soon turned to intrigue and in 2005 Mitsuru came to Sydney with her 5 five-year-old daughter. Her plan was to stay for one year and study English however, Mitsuru found community of amazing people who helped her manage her studies while raising her daughter as a single mother.
Mitsuru spent 10 years working in the Design Industry in Tokyo and Sydney, designing marketing material and assisting with fashion accessories design. Wishing to take her jewellery design skills to the next level Mitsuru commenced an Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, where she met Angie and the rest, as they say, is history.
Words by Laura Capilli. To read more of Laura’s work head to My Not So Stylish Life
It’s that time of year again, Spring Racing has begun and we’re building up to the biggest event on the racing calendar – Melbourne Cup! But before Melbourne Cup comes Derby Day and in the fashion stakes this is the only day that matters. From the moment Jean Shrimpton put fashion front and centre on the Fashion calendar, attending a day at the races has historically been about putting your best foot forward.
Derby Day is all about classic elegance with a dress code of black and white. The fashion guidelines are a bit stricter when it comes to Derby Day, make sure you watch your hemline and it’s probably best to avoid plunging necklines. A form-fitting midi dress with a lace overlay is a great option. Or modernise the classic monochromes by wearing fitted cropped tops paired with high-waisted midi skirts and tailored trousers, just be sure not to expose too much mid-riff!
Don’t underestimate the power of accessories, they are just as important as your outfit. Silver lends itself perfectly to the black and white theme. Keep it simple with classic studs such as our Infinity Trilliant Cut earrings or for something a little more modern try our Illuminating Pyramid earrings. Add a little bling with our Topaz Cocktail Ring and to take your entire look to that next level make sure your manicure reflects your outfit and your accessories. Too often the nails are over-looked or thought of last minute, a good manicure will help to tie all the elements of your look together. You can go for the classic french tips or try something a little more adventurous such as this amazing Acrylic design from Tia Rouge.
After almost 10 years in the business Hideka Noda opened Tia Rouge nail salon in 2009. Striving to bring customers the latest nail trends and freshest products on the market, Tia Rouge has developed quite the cult following and with stunning designs and quality workmanship it’s no surprise. We want you to have the perfect accessories and manicure to complete your Derby Day look so we’re thrilled to announce two special offers to help get you there! Join the HJ club today and receive 20% off your next purchase and use the code word ‘HJ Blog’ to receive 10% off your first appointment with Tia Rouge!
