I am truly inspired by the rituals around love and commitment that have so many iterations across cultures and throughout history. Hispanic countries such as Mexico, Spain and the Philippines traditionally have wonderfully romantic practices in their wedding ceremonies, which I learnt a little about from Spanish friends and many years of visiting the Philippines.
After the more traditional western exchange of vows and in many countries there is often a physical wrapping of the wrist or body with a length of wooden beads, or a silk thread or cord, sometimes called a Lasso - binding the two individuals in a symbolic act of union. What I think is so lovely, particularly in light of what we’ve all been living through in recent months, is that this wrapping ceremony involves not only the bride and groom, but also their close friends or family members known as the “padrinos de lazo,” who take part and agree to serve as a role model for the couple.
Having lived through so much time apart from those we cherish the most, this ritual seems to tap into a primitive need for connection and reminds me that security and strength are something we share not only with our partners, but also our family and friends too.
Taking this notion of a symbolic ribbon, rope or twine acting as a connector between two individuals, my new leather wrap bracelets, which are fastened with an 18ct gold Lovelock or Lovelink , are a modern interpretation. The wrapped element was directly inspired by my Spanish friend’s beautiful gold wedding lasso, an heirloom inherited from her grandmother, which she wears every day. Much like gold when well-worn and well-loved leather ages beautifully, keeping all of the history and sentiment securely locked in, no matter how far we may be from those we love the most.
