MANILA, Philippines - Wynn Wynn Ong takes an unexpected direction in “Ages,” her 2010 jewelry collection to be launched tomorrow, Nov. 19 at FIRMA Greenbelt 3, in cooperation with HSBC Premier and Ayala Malls. In a tightly edited suite of 42 pieces, Wynn Wynn shows a merger of opposites — opulence and restraint, ancient techniques with modern technology, familiar material with a cutting-edge feel. Fluid dialogue between present and past is seen in the fusion of modern shapes with ancient forms.
Babylonian gods and Minoan bulls take center stage on cuffs. Coiled snakes, gem-studded falcons and rams, duelling gazelles leap, strut, and soar on rings and pendants. A sculpted likeness of Chedu, the Babylonian male god in bull form, strides across the center of a waist-cincher in black leather. A carved green turquoise necklace with falcon heads glisten with tourmaline eyes, and one finished earpiece is meant to be worn in such a way that tiny gold leaves curl around the top of one’s ear to reemerge at the lobe, dangling a long translucent whiskey citrine drop at the edge of a tendril.
Wynn Wynn continues to maintain her decision to make a limited number of jewelry pieces each year, none of which are repeated in design. Each finished piece is archived in thick leather binders.
Wynn Wynn and the team of Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre of FIRMA are donating a percentage of the sales from the this year’s collection for the benefit of Hands On Manila’s flagship education program — the Hands On Schools - Galing Mo Kid. This program places volunteers in partner public schools to assist students with leadership potential in their studies, through a mentorship program. Two of the partner schools were partially submerged during Typhoon Ondoy, destroying much of their textbooks. The donation will help replace these essential textbooks, aid in efforts to refurbish the waterlogged schools, as well as buy much-needed supplies for the students.
Wynn Wynn Ong’s collection is available at Firma at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati City with tel. 757.4009, firma2@vasia.com.