All that glitters
All that glitters
Sandali introduces its latest range
Sandali introduces its latest range
Words Nicky Adams / Photos supplied
As soon as Ali saw the striking silver rings crafted by Lebanese jeweller Rosa Maria, he knew that it was a look his business partner and mother Sandy would also love. While Ali’s aesthetic is minimalist and modern, Sandy adores the simplicity of silver, expressing her own distinctive style through jewellery. They both agreed that Rosa Maria rings, with their beautiful craftsmanship and statement finish, were the perfect fit for Sandali.
A rich Lebanese cultural heritage has provided Rosa Maria with endless inspiration for her stunning avant-garde pieces. Her range is extensive, and over the course of 20 years she has developed her own unique style, combining clever techniques with an array of precious metals and jewels. What struck Ali straight away was how Rosa Maria allows her clients to express themselves through her jewellery: “The rings are so cool – you can either choose a single statement piece, or she does these tiny stacker rings you can build up. It means that people can style themselves exactly how they want.”
Using predominantly sterling silver with diamonds, Rosa Maria works with other semi-precious gems as well as yellow, white, and rose gold. She uses techniques such as oxidised and beaten silver with rose-cut yellow and black diamonds to great effect, and the result is a dramatic piece that feels contemporary or vintage, depending on the wearer. Ali believes the artistry as well as the quality is all part of the appeal. “People see the beauty – since we brought in her first pieces, I’ve had enquiries from everywhere from Northland to Hawaii.”
As the only Rosa Maria supplier in New Zealand, Ali is excited about continuing to build on this jewellery range. “We just love something with a point of difference – and these artisan pieces really are completely unique.”
Perfect fit
Solect specialises in quality shoe brands that stand on their own two feet.
Solect specialises in quality shoe brands that stand on their own two feet.
Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall
Light, bright, and breezy with an expanse of white space and sleek seating areas – walking into Tauranga Solect Shoe store, there’s a moment when I wondered if I’d just come in because it looks so darn restful. Then I glanced around and yep, I knew exactly what had brought me through the doors.
I love a relaxed shopping experience, and low-level music is a great first step. Good, knowledgeable customer service is a solid second. Then of course there’s the shoes themselves. Artfully displayed on minimalist style shelving, it’s all about the footwear. With a range that, in the words of branding manager Kat Farron, cleverly covers everything from “boots to Birkenstocks, sneakers to slippers, no matter whether you need to fit your feet out for the beach or the office, you’ll find it at Solect.” Catering for men and women, the range has been carefully curated. Here it is most definitely a case of less is more, so rather than sending your brain into anxious overdrive, the premium brands that have made it on to the shelves have done so because of their proven quality, performance, and heritage.
Solect prides itself on listening to its customer, so among the instantly recognisable classics sit some exciting additions. The Buffalo range is 100% vegan, with some of the boots even gaining the PETA tick of approval. While the puffy cloud soles and bouncy vibe is synonymous with the Spice Girls in the 90s, the combination of reimagined retro cool and super ethical has earned these boots and sneakers a space up there with the Dr Martens, Vans, and Timberlands. Another draw card is the extension of the Emu Australia range. While the uber Instagram-able sheepskin slippers are a firm favourite, this season the Emu cosy minis and leather ankle boots have been brought in to give the customers even more choice. As someone who loves to wear sheepskin boots all year round, I’m a pretty good road tester – and it’s fair to say I’m a big fan of this brand for its combination of price and durability.
Snuggly boots aside, the season ahead will see farm style Blundstones styled with flowing dresses, Dr Martens remaining the unisex wardrobe must-have, and street shoes and sneakers the cool, comfortable backstop. Whether for trends or staples Solect likes to think it has all bases covered.