Bill Skinner Jewellery

I first discovered Bill Skinner jewellery on the V & A website somewhere I often look for presents due to the originality of most of the pieces. Bill Skinner's jewellery is fairly reasonably priced especially considering the unique aspect to all of his designs.

Bill Skinner studied at Sir John Cass college of art and after graduation he began freelancing for companies in London such as Asprey, Garrads and Van Cleef and Arpels. Then in the 1980s he began working with Vivienne Westwood and Butler and Wilson this is when he became truly known in the world of fashion jewellery. His work then progressed into a thriving business that it still is today making a wide range of jewellery which even included some which was royally commissioned. 

Then in January 2012 he launched his first 'Bill Skinner' range. Each piece was hand carved by him and his UK studio team. He has received much critical claim which has enabled him to continuously created successful pieces. 

Pictured below is a ring I received as an 18th birthday present from my godparents. The bee on honey is also available in a bracelet. 

His website

Catwalk to Club Exhibition - Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Explores creative explosion of London fashion in the 1980s.

Decade launched careers of new designers and the emergence of a vibrant club & music scene

Newly established London fashion week offered designers opportunity to show together for the first time.

Catwalk collections covered by international press and eagerly sought after by oversea buyers.

British government actively promoted industry

Margaret Thatcher declared,
'Fashion is important because it raises the quality of life when people take the trouble to dress well, and it also provides employment for many, many people'.

London's unique fashion identity in the 80s result of fusion between club and catwalk - risk taking young makers behind that new style remain some of the most influential figures in fashion today.

Designer Georgia Godley,
'Young London was all about taking risks and creating something out of nothing through passion and ambition'.

- Michiko Koshino
- Chrissie Walsh
- Willy Brown
- John Galliano
- Wendy Dagworth

Katherine Hamnett
Used t-shirts as platform for anti-war and green politics

BLITZ denim
1986, BLITZ magazine, 22 designers - customise Levis denim jackets: intended to inspire readers to experiment rather than go shopping e.g. cutting jacket in half and putting a long tube of jersey into the middle.

Fashion Aid (inspired by live aid)
Royal Albert Hall, 1985

---> Subverting classics e.g. white shirt and tailored jacket brought a new femininity to Saville Row      styling