Wed, 31/03/2021 - 11:25
Anisha Parmar Jewellery moved into Banks Mill Studios just two years ago as she wanted a base surrounded by other creative businesses like herself.
Anisha started her fashion journey at Gucci as a junior designer and it was at this time that she designed her first jewellery collection, – inspired by South Asian jewellery and British urban architecture. On a whim she applied for the Future of Fashion programme with Not Just a Label, which gave her the opportunity to showcase at the Premier Class trade show in Paris where she gained her first order for the V&A museum.
Today, Anisha take threads from the rich tapestry of South Asian culture, viewed through the Diaspora lens, our pieces aim to blend traditional influences with trailblazing contemporary design to create striking statement jewels and accessories, handcrafted in her studio at Banks Mill.
As well as launching collections, Anisha also works on bespoke, one off showpieces for magazines and photoshoots.
Anisha comments: “My jewellery design draws heavily from the story of my family migrating from India to East Africa and then to the UK, re-imagining their identity in a foreign land. My work is influenced by my hybrid heritage, finding beauty in both worlds.”
“Growing up in London, my aesthetic was tempered not just by my own family’s history, but the diverse cultures that string together the multicultural melting pot of Britain. My work finds itself at the juncture of all things urban and ethnic, coupling the traditional influences with a graphic, modern edge.”
To enhance her business Anisha has also been able to invest in new laser cutting machinery with the help of a recent business grant. As well as being able to use the laser cutter and engraving for her own jewellery, Anisha can now offer this service to other businesses.
Being based at Banks Mill has helped Anisha to grow not only her business, but personally too. Anisha notes: “Being in a building of creatives has given me the opportunity to network with others, exchange ideas and access peer support which has really helped grow my confidence as a business owner. Before lockdown I was also able to be on the Banks Mill Open Studios committee which enabled me to really get involved with the organisation of the event from the prospect of an exhibitor.”
“I’ve also been able to access co-working space at the Enterprise Centre and an AA2A (Artists Access to Art Colleges) residency which are both affiliated with the University of Derby.”
During her time at Banks Mill Anisha has also engaged in the Big House project and NBV business support in the form of coaching and mentoring from one of their creative advisors. It was with the help of Filomena Rodriguez that Anisha was able to apply and successfully gain a grant through the Arts Council.
The DYCP (Developing Your Creative Practice) grant supports individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners who want to take time to focus on their creative development. For her Empowered Adornment project, Anisha plans to spend the next 12 months visually exploring adornment in the South Asian Diaspora. In particular, she will be looking at: jewellery collected through journeys of migration as artefacts with the capacity to be carriers of emotions and memories; gold as a woman’s security within the context of historical and contemporary diasporas; and adornment to express cultural heritage.
You can watch an interview with Anisha sharing her journey here, visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Find out more about her laser cutting service at AP Laser Studio