by Nikki Gotianse-Tan
“THERE is nothing infantile about the bib necklace”, so says one online style bible. Intricate and bejeweled, it is a piece that reflects much time and thoughtfulness in arrangement and execution. Done purposely large and designed to swath the wearer close to the neck, its elaborate anatomy invites and holds the eyes. Seen as the decoration of choice for statuesque models of many a runway show this season from Monique Lhuillier to Lanvin, they are creating a frenzy in their assortment and figuring into the daydreams of many women as their new must-have acquisitions. Personally, I see them as the modern equivalent of estate jewelry as both possess the ability to create a stunning impact. And in these tight times, they strike just the right balance in quality and value. Although they are slightly more costly than your average accessory, they have an heirloom air that spells timelessness and longevity.
On the local front, the recent ascent of this trend has gone hand in hand with the rising fame of up and coming Filipina jewelry designer Nicole Whisenhunt. Of late, one cannot seem to mention bib pieces without uttering her name in the same sentence. This is due to the collection of delicate and overtly feminine custom bibs that she recently unveiled to rave reviews. Since then, specialty boutiques up and down the archipelago – from Firma in Metro Manila to Davao’s very own Martish – have served as exclusive showcases for her one-of-a-kind semiprecious masterpieces.
An interesting story colors the arrival of Nicole’s bibs in Southern shores via local boutique, Martish. Nicole says, “Tisha Ang, one of the brains behind Martish as well as a very good friend of mine has always been encouraging and supportive of my jewelry designs since I started five years ago. On one of Tisha’s travels to New York, she had a stop over in Manila and I invited her and some friends to have merienda in my apartment. That afternoon she saw the first bib I made, “Elizabeth,” which was not even 100% completed. She mentioned she wanted to buy it and take it to NY. I even told her that it still needed some final editing. To make the long story short, she brought it with her and she received overwhelming feedback abroad. Tisha then proposed to me the concept behind Martish, she was then meeting with talented designers and bringing in the latest in must-have brands, and asked me if she could carry my label. Instantly, I was sure that Martish would be the perfect home for my pieces.”
Through her handcrafted pieces, Nicole cannot help but present products that are broad in influence. A great many things inspire her, including travel, different cultures and interesting people, and all make a showing in her body of work. She frames each piece with stones sourced both locally and internationally and makes expert use of different techniques in sewing, wiring and embroidery to weave them into a gem of a story. In the end, Nicole’s pieces are truly sights to behold and are created to mean much to the wearer as things beloved for years to come.
Nicole Whisenhunt’s bibs are locally available at MARTISH store, Door 4 Deri Building, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada (beside Villa Margarita). For inquiries, call (082) 303-1253.
