MELBOURNE: Jewellery label Joolz has been named as a finalist in the Australian Fashion Awards in two categories - Accessories Designer of the Year and Up and Coming Designer of the Year. Joolz designer Airdrie Makim - who beat Dolce & Gabbana as Accessories Brand of the Year runner-up in the Essential Awards at the end of last year - said she was "thrilled" with her latest coup.
Organised by online community 2threads.com, the Australian Fashion Awards are voted for online by regular 2threads.com visitors and consumers.
Makim’s designs for Joolz often use recycled materials, native Australian timbers and local gemstones, although her recently released 'Something for Cate' piece took a more high end approach.
"I designed this necklace after being inspired by Cate Blanchett’s performance in Elizabeth. I made it an Australian, but also a very regal piece,” she said.
With the results of the Australian Fashion Awards due for release next month, Makim is also gearing up to send designs to a new stockist in the US, marking a significant break into the US market.