Designer DETAIL - Elk Accessories

Break out the Brights – Summer at ELK is here.

While designing for their fashion accessory label ELK, owners Marnie Goding and Adam Koniaras have two words in mind – edgy and inspiring. In the array of stylish leather bags, signature sterling pieces, resin jewellery and quirky brooches, you will discover unique design elements and a fresh interpretation of classic trends, resulting in ELK’s must-have range of accessories for summer 2007/2008.

The Melbourne look

Featured in our favourite style bibles such as In Style, Russh, and Marie Claire, it would be fair to say that Elk Accessories is fast becoming a jewellery hanger staple. But let’s go back to the beginning – how did it all come about?

“We started the label in 2003 in Melbourne. I was always doing short courses in interior design and painting and I was always sketching designs for my partner Adam, who is a fine jeweller, to make although he never had the time to make them. So, I began making things myself and learning along the way,” says Marnie. “This was probably the best way to create anyway because its one thing to draw an idea but to actually understand practically how things are made your designs are more considered, you can understand limitations and boundaries of manufacturing.”

Out and About.

This summer, accessories are all about the season’s key accessory colours, such as mint, biscuit, coral & ocean blue, with the summer season offering the perfect opportunity to break out the bright colours. To ensure she offers a fresh and original range each season, Marnie has devised tried and tested methods of finding new design inspiration.

“I am fortunate enough to travel a bit for work so am constantly exposed to new ideas outside of my Melbourne ‘bubble.’ Colours and wearability are the two greatest considerations for Elk, and our clients follow us season after season because they know we will never be impractical with anything we produce,” Marnie says.

The brooch is back

If you are craving a cute-as-pie style this spring/summer, you can’t go past the brooch. Making a big comeback in the style stakes, Marnie loves her collection of these sweet and sassy accessories. “My favourite piece is the chirp brooch - I called it the third child - a happy accident!” says Marnie.

Look forward to…

The unveiling of Marnie’s winter collection. “We are just tying up Winter 2008 at the moment. It’s looking fantastic and has a few more quirky Elk ideas thrown in. We are also using some luxury textiles next season too like cashmere and silk, I wish it was cold already!” Marnie says. With each successful collection, Marnie proves her label is here to stay for many seasons to come. “It has all been a fantastic journey so far. The highlight though is seeing someone in public wearing one of our pieces looking fantastic - it’s a real ego boost!”

For more information, visit www.elkaccessories.com.au