Over the past few weeks I feel like I’ve fallen into a big black hole from which I’m only just emerging. I’ve been flat out preparing for my first European trade show, Inhorgenta, which takes place in Munich from 22-25 February. Getting ready for any sort of show always seems to take longer than you think it should. In between making some final tweaks to pieces and sorting out my display blocks, I’ve been preparing price lists, press packs, customs declaration forms and attempting to brush up my VERY rusty GCSE German. For some reason, the one German phrase that has stuck with me over the years is “wo ist die nächste bushaltestelle“ (“Where is the next bus stop?”) which is probably of limited use at a jewellery show.
Of course my main focus has been on getting my jewellery ready. Selecting which pieces to take, making them then checking and double checking to make sure the finish is as good as it can be. I’m still not convinced that I haven’t packed too much. I think this is probably one of those situations where less is more and a simple display is more effective than trying to show everything. I’ll have a table set up as part of my stand so it’s just a question of transporting my trusty laminated plywood blocks to display the jewellery. I’ve had a couple of dry runs just to make sure that I take only what I need – the thought of the 50 euro excess baggage charge is weighing heavy (excuse the pun) on my mind.
I’ve also been working on a few new designs to complement pieces in my existing collections....a case of evolution, not revolution. I’ll be taking some mini atomic necklaces (see above) which are a great alternative to the larger version as well as a new parallel bracelet (see below) which I’m absolutely in love with. It has quite a strong masculine feel to it, but with an adjustable chain it's so easy to wear and a great everyday piece.
So, with a couple of days to go before the show, I’m now allowing myself to feel a little bit excited. Inhorgenta is a very different scale to anything I’ve ever done before. For a start there are over 1,000 exhibitors and around 27,000 visitors attending each year and it takes place across several halls of the Messe Munchen exhibition centre.
I will be showing my work with 8 other designers in the British Pavillion which is being organised by British Jewellery & Giftware International, part of the British Allied Trades Federation. I can’t wait to see what everyone else’s work is like. Here's to a great show!
If you’d like to see more of the show and what I’m up to then join me over on Instagram where I’ll be sharing the best bits. Right, I’m off to finish packing...
Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.
If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com