FOCUS ON: Mawi men’s jewellery

This FOCUS ON post looks at one of our favourite jewellery designers, Mawi.  Mawi was born in India but crafted her jewellery skills and inspiration from many other cultures. Then in 2003 she  presented her London Fashion Week collection that made the world stand up and take note.
This year, has seen her move into her first full menswear collection, and we caught up with the lady herself to find out about her inspirations behind this.

Tell me something no one knows about yourself, and your brand? 
That my surname means Black Panther and my full name Thang Mawi means Great Fame.

Where do you do most of your work? 

I do all my work in the studio. I try not to work from home as I like to keep my work and personal live separate. I like to chill and zone out from work completely when I’m away from the studio.

What’s a typical day look like for you? 
I get bombarded with meetings and requests as soon as I walk into the studio. I dump my bags and get onto my computer to check e-mails and then have meetings throughout the day. I am very involved and hands on with all aspects of the business so I’ll have meetings with production, the design team, sales, shop manager, marketing and press. All day long my head is bursting with ideas but I don’t always find time to get creative on a daily basis. I love making models, collages and samples so I try to find time in the afternoons to do creative projects. Friends, family, stylists and neighbours are constantly pouring in for a quick chat, a cup of coffee or to buy jewels so the studio is always buzzing. No day is ever the same and it’s always exciting. We never know who is going to rock up.

What inspired you today?
Today I was inspired by neon lighting. We were doing our Christmas shop window with flashing lights and neon signs and I had this amazing concept. But you’ll have to wait and see.

Why did you create a jewellery range?
It was a natural progression to create a men’s line. We have spent the last 10 years growing the women’s line and feel we are ready to expand. We first ventured into men’s jewellery 6 years ago but we were too ahead of the game and the product was too directional for the time. The men’s accessories market has changed considerably in the last few years and this sector is already proving to be one of the biggest growth areas and we want to capitalize on that. We have carved out a niche in the market and have acquired a strong following. The men’s line will help take the brand to the next level of growth.

What’s your biggest challenge? 
Staying ahead of the game both creatively as well as in business.
Thanks to Mawi and her team for allowing me the opportunity to gain this insight into the brand.  Watch this space for some exciting new Mawi collections coming soon next year!

Welcome to Maketh The Man, a lifestyle and travel blog by Callum Watt and Anton Welcome.

Maketh The Man launched in 2010 as a home to showcase male jewellery. From the best chunky necklaces to our favourite signet rings. Whilst the Mark Twain quote does say "Clothes maketh the man", we actually think its the finer details that make an outfit really pop. Hence why we decided to focus our attention on how to accessorize your wardrobe.

We quickly expanded our coverage to include all accessories from the best footwear, to the most stylish bags and pocket squares.

Today Maketh The Man has grown to be one of the UKs top male lifestyle blogs covering a range of different categories. From the greatest holiday destinations to the tastiest cocktail or finest whisky recommendations, with a healthy dose of technology and grooming thrown in.