Open Studios 2010

Hallo everyone

I was really delighted to take part in the Open Studios 2010 in the studios where I design and make all my pieces.

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

The Open Studios was held on a cold and dark night at the end of November. Visitors were welcomed with a friendly smile, a glass of warming mulled wine...

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

...and a delicious mince pie

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

There was plenty of time to browse...

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

...and plenty of time to chat with the artists

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

I was previewing some of my new ready-to-wear collection, which will be available to buy online and through (a few very select) stockists. My display also showed some of the beautiful brides I have made jewellery and accessories for:

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

And some of the photoshoots my pieces have been used in

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

I really enjoyed showing the many visitors we had my own studio space, talking about the pieces I have made and the way I work

Photography by Sarmed Mirza

Many of the visitors said that they had enjoyed the informality of the evening, the chance to meet and talk to the artists, the range and variety of work on offer, and the chance to see inside a working studio.

I am indebted to Sarmed Mirza for his beautiful images. He is a Glasgow-based photographer and film maker.

You can see more of Sarmed's photographic work here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarmed/sets/

And read about his film work here: www.steppingstonefilmsltd.com/

Come along and say hallo!

I'm really delighted to be taking part in the Open Studios event in the Glasgow studios where I design and make all my jewellery and accessories.

I'll be showing some pieces from my forthcoming ready-to-wear collection, and running a special offer too. Oh, and there's mulled wine and mince pies on the go as well on the Friday night - a perfect way to start the weekend!

Friday 26 November 5.00-8.30pm with mulled wine and mince pies.
Saturday 27 November 2.00-5.30pm.

Room 15

Napiershall Street Centre

39 Napiershall Street

Glasgow G20 6EZ

Gioia Mia featured on 'Planning for a Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was really excited to discover that I've just been featured on the Planning for a Wedding Blog.

Gioia Mia is described as 'simple but elegant' and 'high quality'.

You can read the blog post here: http://planforawedding.blogspot.com/2010/10/bridal-accessories-gioia-mia.html

Gioia Mia MySpace page updated

Hallo everyone

Just a quick note to let you know that I've updated my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/gmjewellery

Gioia Mia featured in 'The Scottish Wedding Directory'

Hallo everyone!

I'm really delighted to have had a number of pieces featured in the current edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory:

This gorgeous shot teamed an elegant Swarovski rhinestone and pearl tiara, with the delicate 'Trio' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

The Wedding Directory also featured the beautiful 'Callisto' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

And finally, the timeless 'Semplice' necklace (a single Swarovski pearl drop on a fine sterling silver chain):

Almost all of these pieces can be made in a range of different colours - perfect for a bride, or for her maids.

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these. pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

Links

Email Gioia Mia

The Scottish Wedding Directory

Gioia Mia featured on 'Little Miss Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was absolutely delighted to have been featured on the gorgeous Little Miss Wedding blog.

Little Miss Wedding gives you tips, inspiration, and ideas for your special day - showcasing British wedding photographers, designers, and creators of everything lovely. LMW - the dedicated resource for UK brides looking for a unique wedding day filled with love, fun and style.

You can read the feature here:

http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/accessories/gioia-mia-bespoke-bridal-jewellery-accessories/

Gioia Mia photoshoot (part 2)

Photographer Alan Hutchison took some really amazing close ups of some of my pieces at the Gean House photoshoot.

These beautiful Semplice hairpins are just right for some understated bridal sparkle.

They are also available in a whole range of Swarovski crystal and Swarovski pearl colours - perfect for adding the finishing touch for bridesmaids as well.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

I really love these next two pieces, they're so delicate and the blush pink colour of the pearls and Swarovski crystals is really beautiful. The snake chain and earring hooks are sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Photography by Alan Hutchison

A more unsual and eyecatching necklace, but one which is still elegant and sophisticated. This is Swarovski crystal in various shades of purple and lavender, although it could be made in any combination of colours to complement an outfit. The semirigid necklet is sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant

Gioia Mia photoshoot

I was really delighted to have been invited to take part in a photoshoot by top Scottish wedding photographer, Alan Hutchison.

The photohsoot took place in Gean House - a very beautiful Clackmannanshire Arts and Crafts house, dating back to 1912.

All the jewellery and accessories were by Gioia Mia.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver and white Swarovski pearls

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: Swarovski crystal

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, amethyst and Swarovski crystals

All of these designs can be made in a whole range of colours. If you are interested in ordering any of these designs, please do get in touch!

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Ivory Whites, bridal couture

www.ivorywhites.co.uk

Velvet Tigers, corsetry

www.velvet-tigers.com

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant

Gioia Mia featured!

I'm really delighted to have been featured by Plans and Presents wedding planner!

http://plansandpresents.blogspot.com/2010/05/supplier-spotlight-bespoke-bridal.html#comment-form

Gioia Mia magazine interview

I'm really delighted to have been interviewed about my work by 'Allezom' magazine in the States!


Here is a transcript of the interview:

Jewelry designer, Sonia Tinagli-Macrae, is the designer and maker behind the label Gioia Mia. She makes all kinds of jewelry and accessories. Most of her work is for the bridal industry, so she makes tiaras, combs, fascinators, hairpins and co-ordinating jewelry. The label, Gioia Mia, has been trading for about four years now. Sonia wanted an unusual name that reflected her Italian heritage and encapsulated what designing and making means to her, as well as the approach she brings to her work. Gioia Mia can mean either my jewel or my joy in Italian.

There has always been a fascination for accessories with Sonia and a love of things that sparkle. It was a natural step to combine all those elements and later turn talent and passion into a business.

When asked who her icons were and if they influenced her personal style, Sonia first gives credit to her Italian grandmother saying, "Some of my strongest childhood memories are of looking through her wardrobe at her clothes and accessories. I remember that she had some tiny black lace shoes that Ferragamo had made especially for her in the 1950s, and an amazing collection of hats from the 1940s. Every time I go and visit her, she will give me another perfectly-preserved piece from her wardrobe that she had made for her. The fabrics and the cut are just stunning. The workmanship is inspirational. I feel much honored to be the custodian of these little pieces of history." Sonia also mentions the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Chanel saying "It's really amazing to look at some of the photographs of Chanel from the 1920s and 1930s she looks so modern. I love Lanvin's designs, Fortuny, Issey Miyake and all those countless hundreds and thousands of unnamed seamstresses that worked with such incredible skill and precision making clothes in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries."

These different elements have influenced Sonia's personal style as she love to mix old and new, to incorporate vintage or antique items into her designs. She tells aspiring designers to follow your heart and go with what excites and interests you. Be true to yourself in essence. Sonia markets and promotes herself through word of mouth. Visit www.gioiamia.net to see more of her designs.