CIARA MARASIGNAN, Philippines ❧

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I discovered the design of Ciara Marasignan in KISH in Makati in the Philippines.

From what I understand of how Ciara puts her design together, she calls her work "functional art" pieces, and creates them by threading fine wire through and around beads, crystal, stones, whatever draws her attention and inspires her.


The pieces are sturdy and smooth to the touch, no sharp pieces are out of place to catch on stocking and delicate fabric - an important detail to look out for with design pieces utilising wire for the threading and linking process. I'm always concerned about where the sharp end starts and ends, especially when I'm an active person and an animated speaker, always gesturing expressively.


The wires themselves form an intricate part of the design as they are curled and tucked in sync with the form and design of Ciara's pieces.

The only problem I have with Ciara's design is if you buy them individually not only in KISH as they're also found in all Rustan's stores as well, they always come per piece, and never as a set. It's not easy to balance her outstanding necklace pieces with earrings. As individual pieces, they overpower each other and it would help if she worked in more sets so every piece compliments the next in a complete and perfectly harmonizing emsemble.

I'm all for one incredible and glorious piece standing out, but there are times when special evenings and gowns call for at least a set to compliment and complete a "look". It's always frustrating for me to put together a set if I'm attracted to a necklace that's beautiful, and can't find matching earrings. I suppose that's why it helps to do research on a designer. I realise through her website, you can actually contact her direct for a personal request and an order for something just for you and a forthcoming event you may be planning for.

I'll have to state that Ciara does, indeed, create charming wonderful "functional and fashionable" art statements.