Creature comforts

THE IMAGE OF shy creatures emerging from hibernation in bold costume jewellery was the quirky idea behind these pictures taken in a woodland setting using stuffed animals. They illustrate the current vogue for statement pieces in fashion, whose designs are often drawn from precious jewellery, which in turn often takes inspiration from animal and plant life.

Panthers, frogs, snakes and mythical beasts are the very stuff of precious jewellery that tests craftsmanship and skill, but the affordable pieces shown here on native Irish species, the pine marten, the hare, and the squirrel come from vintage shops such as Dirty Fabulous in Baggot Street and from boutiques such as Rebecca Davis in the Westbury Centre and China Pink in Ranelagh, whose style is strong and colourful rather than small and timid. Brighten up a summer dress with a colourful necklace or cuff with pieces from Phillippe Ferandis, the French designer whose signature glamorous collections have always taken nature as a theme or try a cocktail ring to lift the spirits from Kenneth Jay Lane – even a chunky bow on a peep toe adds a cheery sunny touch.