Who started it? London-based jewellery designer Fiona Paxton graduated from the city's Royal College of Art in 1992 with a distinction in textile design. For the next 15 years she consulted for big fashion houses including Chlo? Moschino and Armani, working on textile design and embroidery. She also worked as creative director at Brewster Textile Design Studio, forecasting textile designs. In 2008, Paxton launched her own jewellery line featuring beaded necklaces and bracelets with geometric patterns. Her pieces are available at luxury boutiques around the world and have appeared in Vogue and the television show Gossip Girl.
Why we love it: Paxton's necklaces are all handmade but unlike most arts-and-craft jewellery, they have an edgy, luxe feel. She fuses Indian craftsmanship with a cool British punk edge, creating styles that have a vintage flavour with an added dimension thanks to a mix of sequins, beads and other embellishments. The best part? They go just as well with jeans as they do with an evening dress.
What we'd pick: the Dott collar (left; HK$3,600) is made from banded beads in oxidised silver linked together with metallic chains. For a real show stopper, opt for the Lyon (right; HK$3,600), which is covered in beads and chains and topped off with red jewels.
Where can you get it? Fiona Paxton is available at Lane Crawford boutiques, including the one in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.