Amid her fabulous collection of jewelry, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld admits a few favorites. One of these is her Lara Bohinc bracelet given to her by Robert Konjic to celebrate their first year together. Bohinc spent her formative years in Slovenia at the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Art, deciding in 1996 to relocate to London to study at the Royal College of Art with a focus on jewelry and metalwork. When asked why she chose London, Bohinc replied: "It was the very kooky way you guys dress. No one puts things together like British women do: they're daring and accepting at the same time. In Europe if you wear anything in the least bit different they whisper about you, but in England you could walk around naked and nobody would care." Within one year, she had debuted at London Fashion Week, won the Marks & Spencer New Generation Design Award, and launched her own label, Lara Bohinc International, clearly finding her niche with her bold and feminine designs.
Bohinc uses industrial techniques such as computer aided design, photo etching, and laser cutting with materials like rose gold, polished brass, and leather to craft her coveted pieces. Known for her versatility and her passion for design, she has collaborated with a number of respected labels including Lanvin, Gucci, Costume National, and Julien McDonald; most recently the dynamic designer was engaged as a consultant by Cartier, one of the world's premier jewelers. She also finds time to write a fascinating blog for Vogue UK. Bohinc resides in London with her boyfriend, Benedict Cooper, a British advertising producer, and their daughter, Coco. I must say, Monsieur Konjic has fabulous taste in jewelry as well as women.
Lara Bohinc photograph courtesy of accessorieslounge.com
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic photograph © 2010 See Your World LLC. All Rights Reserved.