A Modern Maharani’s Jewlerybox

Hi, everyone! I’m Richa from Mala Handmade and I am thrilled to begin guestblogging for Bollyinstyle. I’m a writer and jewelry designer based in New York City – but most importantly, I’m passionate about Asian-inspired design, which makes this collaboration fun. Growing up, I loved to flip through magazines and get lost in fantastical images of fashion and decoration that inspired me to dream…which leads me to the jewelry of Jenny Manik Mercian. At the tender age of 31, the work of this award-winning Australia based jewelry designer (whose middle name Manic Merhcain means precious gem in Singalese) has done the impossible: conquered couture, been coveted by celebrities, and collaborated with one of the world’s most commercially successful brands, Victoria’s Secret.

Mercian began making jewelry as a hobby but a glance at her portfolio shows why her work found an instant following: her handcrafted creations are large scale works of jewelry art. A bejeweled corset, bone and diamond choker, and crystal encrusted halter top are examples of bold, unabashed bling. It’s no wonder lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret continually relies on Mercian to create it’s signature angel wings each season since Mercian’s creations blend seamlessly into the brand’s image of luxurious fantasy.

You can find Mercian’s work at high-end retailers like London’s tony Harvey Nichol’s (as well as on celebrity clients like Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks). I’ll probably always have to window shop her creations – but I still find Mercian’s work important. Why? For the same reason it’s fun to look at holiday windows at Barneys, costumes at the Victoria and Albert museum, or Vogue: it opens my eyes to a new way to style those accessories that are accessible to me and urges me to stay creative in a in our mass-consumer society. I hope Mercian’s work inspires you to find your inner modern maharani!