Frida Hulten, a renowned designer, has unveiled her latest masterpiece, Theodora. This multifunctional necklace is a true testament to Hulten's creativity and ingenuity. Inspired by the Byzantine Empire, African heritage, and Native American spirit, Theodora is a wearable work of art that can be worn back to front, offering two distinct looks in one.
What sets Theodora apart from other necklaces is its ability to be worn in multiple ways. Hulten carefully considered every aspect of the neck and torso, with a particular focus on the back. The result is a necklace that drapes perfectly and accentuates the wearer's unique style.
Made entirely by hand, Theodora features a stunning combination of materials, including Lapis Lazuli, Glass Beads, Swarovski, Turquoise, Brass Beads, Antique Copper Chain, Antique Brass Chain, Brass Ring, and a Gold-plated Feather. Hulten spent a remarkable 21 hours meticulously crafting this piece, ensuring that it meets her exacting standards.
Theodora measures 42cm around the neck and is 4-5cm wide on the sides. The shorter front is 21cm long, while the longer front measures 35cm. These precise measurements guarantee that the necklace always falls and drapes flawlessly, enhancing the wearer's natural beauty.
By drawing inspiration from Empress Theodora, a powerful figure in the Byzantine Empire, Hulten pays homage to a woman who defied societal norms and left a lasting legacy. The use of Lapis Lazuli, a semiprecious stone favored by Egyptian royalty, adds an air of regality and timelessness to the design.
Creating Theodora presented its fair share of challenges for Hulten. Not only did she have to overcome technical and creative hurdles, but she also had to ensure that the necklace perfectly conformed to the curves of the neck and torso. Through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, Hulten triumphed, resulting in a necklace that is as comfortable as it is stunning.
Theodora was brought to life in Stockholm in January 2016. Since then, it has garnered attention and acclaim for its innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship. The necklace has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has earned Frida Hulten the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2018.
With Theodora, Frida Hulten has once again proven herself as a visionary designer. This multifunctional necklace not only showcases her technical prowess but also embodies her commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the concept of wearable art.
Images: Photographer Helen Karlsson, 2018.
© Copyrights belong to Frida Hulten, 2016.
Project Designers: Frida Hultén
Image Credits: All images: Photographer Helen Karlsson, 2018.
Project Team Members: Frida Hultén
Project Name: Theodora
Project Client: Frida Hultén