On meeting Philip Crangi, the founder of Giles and Brother jewellery, I can see where the fascination comes from. A dapper and bearded gentleman with a soft Californian drawl, his tough tattoos belie his eclectic and often dainty designs.

With a background in fine jewellery, and an interest in all things fashion and design, he has collaborated on various high profile projects with Vera Wang, Shipley & Halmos, and Phillip Lim’s shows, plus a 2009 line for Jason Wu- which have widened his customer base and gained several celebrity fans.

His motto that jewellery should be worn and enjoyed and not saved til ‘best’ suggest that he has a strong woman in mind when he designs. One who will be happy to mix up leather, oxidised silver and Swarovski crystals, from breakfast meetings to dancing the night away.

He is in London town to promote the new Holiday range for women, which will be available in time for the festive season. This is inspired by snakes and armoury and incorporates leather and lacquer cuffs and matching collars, graphic punched metal necklaces and bold chain necklace with crystals. Most of the styles are available in three parts, with earrings, necklaces and cuffs, it is an ideal way to start building up the collection or tapping into several at once.

Bearing this is mind, he is very much aware of his customer and their needs, and each piece has a story and connection, as though it finding a piece of hidden treasure. In his classic collection, you can find everything from big statement pieces, inspired by places, culture and Charlotte Rampling, to bracelet combinations which feature his signature leather braiding and a sprinkling of sparkly things.

Above all, he designs jewellery for women and men that is comfortable… It’s more like art for the body and is meant to be natural; He claims it should never look really new and it doesn’t have to be chunky or flashy, but wear with confidence and the attitude says it all.
Check out the Holiday range, and the Classic collection on www.gilesandbrother.com

By Sara Darling