Artist Focus: Merle O'Grady

26 year-old Dublin born designer Merle O'Grady trained in Fashion Design at Limerick School of Art & Design before relocating to London in 2004 to pursue her passion - accessories. She specialised in Accessory Design at London's world-renowned Cordwainers College and spent time working in the studios of designers Tracey Boyd, Betty Jackson, Pauric Sweeney and Topshop's Design Studio. After running a successful stall on Spitalfields market, selling her own leather handbag designs and jewellery crafted from antique 19th Century chandelier crystal, Merle decided to focus solely on creating her eponymous fashion jewellery line.

Merle's signature style includes her distinctive custom-made laser-cut Perspex links combined with Swarovski Crystal components, 22ct Vermeil & 14ct Gold Fill. Each design is limited edition and is carefully crafted by hand in Merle's London studio.
Merle's main aim when designing is to create something unusual & individual yet beautiful & wearable through combining seemingly contrasting materials & textures. For Autumn Winter 09/10 Merle was inspired by lace patterns, contructing her signature lightweight punched-effect Perspex components into intricate geometric arrangements with hand wrapped crystal-tipped wires forming a web of 'bars' like in lace-making. The overall effect is feminine yet striking and slightly armour-like.