Just imagine a treasure chest overflowing with glistening baubles, or a candy store inviting you to scoop up its contents in eager handfuls and enjoy, and you get a notion of Israeli designer Orna Lalo's exuberance. Founded first as a small cottage industry, Lalo has now expanded her jewelry production into an international company. Her creations make boldly colorful statements that often have whimsical appeal. They can be dramatic without overpowering the viewer. As the jewelry is assembled by hand, collections are produced in limited editions, not en masse.
Lalo's background was in fine arts and fashion design. She studied first at Tel Aviv's Kalisher School of Art, and then enrolled in Shenkar College to study fashion. Because she could not find the right buttons, accessories, and costume jewelry needed for her creations, she resorted to designing her own. When these novelty items caught on swiftly among the students the resultant stir helped make her reputation.
The jewels are formed from an inexpensive, versatile material - synthetic resin - a denser, more natural looking substance than plastic. As powdery fillers are added to it, the material assumes a variety of textures. It might sparkle like glass or be as smooth and opaque as a pebble on the beach. Though basic molds are first used to configure the molten resin into assorted shapes and sizes, the filing, perforations, coloration, and lacquer applications are done by hand. Besides the resin, Lalo uses lots of beads, including authentic Swarovski crystals and silver-plated leather chains for hanging pendants.
The Lalo team produces a number of collections a year, many of which are featured at trade shows and exhibitions. Collections center on different themes. Among their imaginative titles are: Carousel, Lost and Found, Wheel of Destiny, Ballroom and Bird on a Wire. Though designs tend to take their initial shape on the computer screen, Lalo often sketches or models her product until it achieves the desired configuration. "Though the original design does not always resemble the end product, the same line of thought prevails," she tells me. Design is an integral part of her life, says Orna. Color is another passion. "I have an absolute response to color, like perfect pitch in a musician," she explains. When she dares to dabble with unconventional color combinations in her work, as she often does, she is right on target. Besides the jewelry, Lalo is involved with ornamental home accessories. "In the future we want to continue enlarging our product line and to focus even more on the topic of decorative design," she tells me.
“I am thrilled to be on the Emerald Coast at the Elevation Shoe Boutique; Lori has selected styles that are very connected to the coast and representative of every lifestyle”. There is truly something for everyone and at wonderful price points. Visit the boutique and find your own Lalo Treasure.
Please Note: The Elevation Boutique is in Grand Boulevard Town Center in SanDestin. Give them a ring at (850)-837-4400
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