Last week, in the midst of previewing Gorman’s SS range, another sweet find came my way. In a gift box given to media, there was a tiny package, wrapped in ribbon. Scrawled in the accompanying card was a handwritten message that said, “This little gift was made in Australia from recycled brass. Hope you like it. Polli. x”
Like it? I loved the gorgeous, deco-style necklace and pendant inside (as above, minus the coloured threads) and the mission was on to discover who is the mysterious Polli. Turns out Polli is two people—Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd, uni mates since way back in ‘99 when they studied industrial design together.
Sharing a mutual passion for design, craft culture and fashion, the ladies hocked their handmade pieces at Paddington markets and over the ensuing decade, Polli has morphed into the fully-fledged jewellery and homewares label is today with over 450 stockists around the world.
Polli’s designs take inspiration from Japanese and Danish paper design and are made with industrial-style techniques drawing on materials and processes from other industries. There are currently two collections: Kohl Gold (which uses 100% scrap brass) and Art Deco (made of 75% recycled stainless steel) which manifest themselves in everything from earrings, brooches, pendants and cufflinks to mirrors, mobiles, tableware and jewellery stands.
The label’s social consciousness and environmental policy has scored them a Low CO2 rating by the Carbon Reduction Institute and the team have a modern, flexible work environment where they even sit down to organic lunches together, taking turns at preparing. Group hug.
Shop online at the Polli website where there’s some great bargains to be had on previous season (25% off).
