Last year my dad took a trip to our hometown Shanghai, when he came back, he not only brought back updates on our relatives, stories about his old friends, but also this necklace, one of my grandma’s necklaces. I’m not sure whether my grandma decided which grandchild should have what and gave this to my dad, or perhaps he picked this especially for me.

I instantly fell in love with this beautiful necklace when my dad handed it to me. How could I not? The gorgeously cut pale blue gemstone, the delicate pendant setting and the inscripted clasp. It’s old gold and made in a time and place where craftsmanship was deeply valued. To think my grandma picked this for herself 20, 30 or more years ago is incredible, even more incredible if she was given this by a loved one, just like she now gave this to me.

To top it off, my mum even has a story about this very necklace. When my mum and dad first got married, they were young and skint with little possessions. Attending one of my uncle’s wedding, my mum had no necklace to wear. This was a time in Shanghai when you either owned real gold jewellery or none at all. My grandma saw my mum’s bare neck and loaned this very necklace to her for the night, so in a funny round about way, this necklace came back to her. To me.

Happy Chinese new year everyone. May the year of dragon bring you plenty of good fortune and maybe an heirloom necklace or two!

I love Surry Hills style. You may call it hipster style or whatever and I know there’s a kind of stigma with that, but to be able to have your own eclectic style and dress the way you want is a luxury. I love Surry Hills because it fosters a creative environment where youngsters are free to play and dress up.

Of course I found this young gent in Surry Hills and his style is awesome. The silver metal tipped shirt, big buckle belt, his grandfather’s Rolex and red suitcase! Surry Hills through and through.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but looking at the photos now, they really remind me of one of my favourite films, The Darjeeling Limited. There’s something about his very coordinated outfit, but most of all, it’s that suitcase!

Name: Brenden
Occupation: Architecture student
Describe your style: A bit of everything, I’ve been inspired by old Western movies and The Matrix lately.
Favourite fashion designers: None in particular
Favourite clothing stores: None

I have no idea how I first came across Sydney jewellery label Petite Grand, but when I did, I instantly fell in love with the simple and delicate pieces. At a time when chunky rings, big bracelets and statement necklaces rule, Petite Grand is a breath of fresh air and something any girl would want to wear.

In December I visited Tanja Kovacevic, the creator of Petite Grand at her home studio. We talked about her lovely jewelleries, fashion, life and of course I took lots of photos too. Tanja is so amazing and down to earth, she showed me around her light filled eastern suburbs apartment, brought out some of her treasured things for me to photograph and even made me a bacon and egg sandwich for lunch! It was delicious by the way.

See all the photos and my Q&A with Tanja below.

Some Petite Grand pieces draped over Tanja’s lovely white bird cage

One of Tanja’s favourite dresses

Name: Tanja Kovacevic
Occupation: Jewellery Designer
Describe your style: Casual and feminine but with clean lines.
Favourite fashion designers and labels: Bassike, LP33.3, Lanvin, Jean Despres, Victoire de Castellane. 

Favourite clothing stores: Incu, Somedays, Bloodorange, My Chameleon.

Tanja at her workstation, where all the magic happens

The most lovely moodboard, filled with postcards of artworks and photographs Tanja collected during her travels

When and how did Petite Grand come about?
I started Petite Grand in 2011 – the business is now 11 months old! Petite Grand came about because of my love of making jewellery and wanting to express myself in a more creative way. 

Have you always wanted to make jewellery? 
Yes, I’ve always had a passion for it, but being an Accessories Buyer at Zimmermann really cemented it for me. I enjoy the thrill of creating something with my own hands and then seeing it on someone else, who loves to wear it.
 
Tell us about your latest spring summer collection and where its inspirations came from?  
The summer itself – fresh, bright, warm, colourful beach days! My travels to Europe and Morocco and the Art Deco design influences in those places. I have used a lot more colour in this collection and I love the combination of mixing different metals together in the one piece. 

Petite Grand has garnered a big following in quite a short space of time, what do you think made Petite Grand an instant hit?
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest impact. I think that my jewellery is so simple that it appeals to everyone. You can wear it in your own way and I think people really love that. 

A selection of Tanja’s treasured possessions

What’s your personal story? 
I grew up on the Northern Beaches so I guess that has influenced my low-key sense of style. Working for designers like Nicky and Simone Zimmermann and Mela Purdie have taught me so much. Working in London and travelling for several years exposed me to a lot of different people with eclectic style. It has also given me a perspective on other cultures and aesthetics that I draw from daily.


How would you describe your aesthetic?
Clean Lines
Easy
Classic
Feminine
Fun

Where do you see Petite Grand in 5 years time?
With my own Petite Grand team! Hopefully selling overseas and expanding our range of accessories. Having lots of fun!

Said bacon and egg sandwich!

You simply must check out Petite Grand if you haven’t already! In fact, one better that, head over to My Chameleon to order some gorgeous pieces right now!

PS. Thanks for lunch Tanja! xx

I’ve photographed someone against this amazing blue wall in Paddington before, but that was years ago now. I wondered into this area of Paddington again the other day and honestly just loitered til I spotted someone stylish.

I love this lady’s gorgeous dress, it’s so simple and chic, yet really timeless. I swear I’ve seen my mum in a similar dress in one of my parents’ yellowing photo albums, and I’d happily slip into it today too.

One of my favourite Australian labels, Gorman has joined forces with artist Rachel Castle to bring out a perfect, quirky, colourful and super fun capsule collection. Consisting of t-shirts, singlets, skirts, beach towel, bags and more, this pretty much defines what I want to wear in summer. Something light and airy, something colourful and fun and something easy but also stylish.

I was at the launch party a few weeks ago to take in all the quirkiness!

The weather was miserable and it poured like there’s no tomorrow that night, but fortunately Sydney’s graced us with some amazing and sunny days lately, giving me the chance to whip out my Gorman x Castle towel. It brings a big grin to my face everytime!

Check out the Gorman x Castle capsule collection and also Rachel Castle’s amazing works!