27 November,2010 06:22 AM IST | | Amrita Bose
Jewellery and accessories label Coyote breaks away from the ordinary to give run-of-the-mill metal stuff an edgy makeover. Metal heads will have a field day, we promise
Dipika Vijay hates being introduced as a jewellery designer. "I dislike it when people bracket me." That might have something to do with her work pushing the envelope when it comes to traditional, overtly ornamental jewellery. Each object is driven with a spunky twist rather than over-the-top detailing.
Acrylic Jaali Coasters (Rs 300 per piece)
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The Mumbai-based designer creates delicate, yet edgy, slightly androgynous earrings, rings and pendants in silver, gold and diamonds, besides funky accessories, including stirrers, place mats, coasters, trivets and hangers in acrylic, stainless steel, wood and felt.
That she chose her brand name to be Coyote speaks volumes about the kind of jewellery she designs. "Coyote is a species of wild wolves. The name has an element of wildness and attitude attached to it. It's also a slang (term) for sexy women," explains Dipika.
Metal mania
In her late twenties, this College of Arts (Delhi) and National Institute of Design graduate obsesses over metals. "In my mind's eye, everything I see or hear, gets transformed into metals. That's how I get ideas," she reveals. A Post Graduation in Lifestyle Accessory Design from NID and a Diploma in Industrial Training on precious metals, like silver and gold, was how Dipika got introduced to the world of metals. That was 2005. Egged on by the flood of compliments when she wore her first precious metal statement to a party, she set up Coyote. There was no looking back since.
What an idea, Dipika!
Dipika didn't have an agenda behind starting Coyoteu00a0-- "there was this desire to create things with loads of oomph and style, that I would love wearing," she explains.
The baubles and accessories by Coyote rely more on hardcore design rather than transferring pop prints off the Internet on to objects. Simple, clean lines, polished metals, spatially gorgeous and a minimalist aesthetic overall make her designs ethereal. Dipika doesn't deny the Indian influence in her work. "My starting point is Indian. I merely stylise it well. So, forms feel virgin in context. I guess my designs act as a breather," she says.
Designs everywhere
Dipika credits her time at NID with opening her mind and rocking her world. She also credits her graphic designer husband, VJ Arumugam's work and the The Art of Looking Sideways by designer Alan Fletcher as key inspirations.
"Inspiration is omnipresent. It's hard to miss the genius of other human beings and in nature with all senses alive."u00a0
At Bombay Electric, Apollo Bunder; Zoya, Bandra (W); Attic, Santacruz (E); Bliss, Versova.
Call 22876276/ 26420888
Log on to dipikavijay.blogspot.com
Email coyote.dipika@gmail.com to place an order (mention item code)
