Fatz K

Looking for a unique, statement piece of jewellery? ... Then look no further than Manchester’s very own Fatz Kassim.

By Katie Bowman

She launched her bespoke jewellery line ‘Fatz K’ at London Fashion Week in September 2009 with the ‘Save Me’ collection which is made up of bespoke leather necklets, cuffs and bags, all embellished heavily with a variety of religious icon charms, gems, vintage treasures and reclaimed rhinestones.

The idea for the range came after she resigned from her high fashion brand ZuZu Couture in 2008. As founder and former creative director she found the experience quite draining and “the idea of starting a new fashion label was soul destroying”.

To cheer herself up, she created a necklace out of a “mishmash of junk – vintage jewellery, watches, medals...

The necklace was so well received by people at the parties Fatz went to during LFW she decided to develop the concept to create three collections: Save Me, Adore Me and Watch Me.

The designer appeared on Project Catwalk and said the experience raised her profile and “made it easier to secure one on ones with key fashion journalists but a lot you have to do yourself”. No stranger to the work ethic, Fatz also launched her jewellery at the General Store on Deansgate last year with a ‘Broken Doll’ theme.

Most of the reclaimed jewellery used in the three collections dates from the 1950s and is sourced from all over the world, but the rare and collectable vintage religious medals are mainly sourced from the states. However, Fatz can create a bespoke heirloom out of your broken and old pieces of jewellery using her creative talent so you end up with a one-off collection amalgamated into one.
Her inspiration comes “from the beauty of the reclaimed jewellery I source and from the stylish people in Manchester” although a previous inspiration, the corn exchange is sadly missed by the talented designer.

Gossipers you’ll be pleased to know that soon you’ll be in with a chance to win a Fatz K piece! Fatz has donated a statement jewelled headband from the ‘Adore Me’ collection - a handmade leather based headband embellished with an assortment of sparkling Rhinestone components. Keep a look out on the website for more details.

If you can’t wait until then, the range of headbands launch this month at the General Store and Eternal Envy in Heaton Moor.

Fatz has a busy schedule ahead of her - updating the website with exclusive designs, starting a blog and doing freelance styling gigs. She has also just completed a capsule accessories range for a high street label... Can’t wait to see who!

The exquisite pieces are individual and gorgeously edgy.