Whilst we’re used to paying a pound or so for a poppy to commemorate Remembrance Sunday, The Royal British Legion are hoping to raise a little more this year from three designer brooches that are set to dazzle and sparkle on the lapels of some of the UK’s leading celebs; after which we’ll all have a chance to own one of these unique and glamorous pieces for ourselves.
The brooches have been created by three of the UK’s most exciting jewellery designers; Theo Fennell, Alex Monroe and Kleshna, popular designers with both public and celebrities alike.
Each brooch has its own style and character, the designers’ aim being not only to create a fabulous piece of individual jewellery, but also to help bring the Legion’s message to a new generation;
‘Events in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to show us the very high human cost of conflict, and it is clear that that the work of The Royal British Legion is needed now more than ever..’ The designs reflect the Legion’s values of Reflection, Hope, Comradeship, Selflessness and Service.
The poppy brooches are set to be worn by leading celebrities and personalities in the run up to Remembrance Sunday so keep an eye out for them on TV and in the press. The brooches are up for sale to bidders at
www.auctionair.co.uk. Auction Air, who specialise in auctioning some of the world’s most coveted items, are expecting huge interest in the brooches, but even those without big wallets can still hope to get their hands on a brooch as Kleshna has created a fourth brooch that will be available through a reverse auction, so you could get your hands on a brooch worth thousands of pounds for a little as you dare go! The brooches will arrive with the successful bidders in time for Remembrance Sunday (November 9
th), but they can be worn at any event or occasion and will add a splash of glamour to every outfit.
Alex Monroe, recent winner of the prestigious ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the UK Jewellery Awards 2008, whose diverse popularity can be seen through his celebrity clients, including Britney Spears, Kate Moss, Corrine Bailey Rae, Cher and Martine McCutcheon, has created a beautiful brooch which is intricate in design and takes the poppy back to nature. The brooch, made from 18 carat red and yellow gold, includes delicate detail on the poppy petals and has 11 symbolic black diamonds set around a larger central diamond.
“Truly amazing, these pieces exude glamour and are equally at home on the beach, or at a fabulous evening soiree”. – London Fashion Week on Alex’s work
Theo Fennell need no introduction and are arguably the UK’s leading luxury jewellery design house, with an international fan base and large celebrity following. Theo Fennell’s work is famed for combining sleek modern designs with hints of classical tradition and their brooch is no exception. Their handcrafted brooch is a true celebration of the poppy and The Royal British Legion. Made in 18ct rose and white gold and adorned with pink sapphires and black diamonds with an engraved motive.
Kleshna, whose celebrity following continues to grow, adding groups like Liberty X to a list including Kylie, Catherine Zeta Jones and Victoria Beckham, has truly embraced the project and in addition to her stunning poppy has created several smaller brooches including one with a more masculine touch. ‘Once I made one I couldn’t stop making these beautiful flowers, they ran away with me’.
Kleshna’s main brooch dazzles with hundreds of Swarovski red and black crystals and has three symbolic petals, representing the three arms of the forces, with the layers of crystals, not only looking stunning, but also representing the many people in the forces we should remember, past and present.
It is hoped that these one off spectacular designer pieces will not only help raise money for the Legion and the incredible work they do, but also help to highlight their message, so get bidding today!
The auction will open on 01/10/08 with the brooches going on public display throughout most of September and October.
For further details on the poppies and details on the auction please visit
www.britishlegion.org.uk.
The Royal British Legion protects the interests, welfare and memory of British serving and ex-Service people and their dependants. Around 10.5 million people - of all ages - are eligible to approach the Legion for support. Our charitable work covers a range of services including grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, vocational assessment and careers advice, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care.
Images courtesy of Kaylie Mountford –
www.kayliemountford.com.
