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When the phrase “fine jewelry” is said, bent forks and flea market charms don’t usually come to mind. But Belfast born Tom Binns decided to work against the norm. He graduated in 1981 from Middlesex Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Arts degree in jewelry design. Influenced by the Dada cultural movement, Binns created his own avant-garde collection of “Object Trouves.” His collaboration with Vivian Westwood and Malcolm Maclaren titled “Punk Couture” was a perfect way of showing his design style. His spectacular pieces have been featured on the pages of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue for nearly two decades.
Besides Vivian Westwood, Los Angeles-based Binns has collaborated with such designers as Calvin Klein and Isaac Mizrahi. He also received the CFDA award for best accessories designer in 2006. Binns draws design inspiration from the environment around him, everyday objects and even what some people consider garbage. He uses flea market gems, shards of beach glass, seashells and vintage diamonds to create some truly mind-blowing pieces. Check out Binns’ jewelry at Henri Bendel.
I stole my first pair of platforms from the Spice Bus in 1997 when Anglophilia was all the rage. Collector of vintage bags, vinyl and kitchen appliances. My dream of becoming a butcher is momentarily on hiatus so I can teach you how to wear muumuus and apply false eyelashes. Follow me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.