Avenue 32

Winners of the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, Anndra Neen, hosted a private view of their accessories and jewellery at the elegant Spatisserie at The Dorchester.

Presenting in London for the first time, immaculately-dressed sisters Phoebe and Annette Stephens were on hand to introduce the brand and reveal their design influences.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Phoebe and Annette were immersed in the art world at an early age, absorbing the creativity of their highly artistic family.  Father Luis Stephens is a painter and their grandfather Conlon Nancarrow was a progressive composer.

But was their grandmother – sculptor, painter and jewellery designer Annette Nancarrow – that particularly inspired their work.  Annette Nancarrow’s jewellery was collected and worn by creative luminaries including Frida Kahlo, Peggy Guggenheim, Elizabeth Arden and Anaïs Nin.

New York-based Phoebe and Annette founded Anndra Neen in 2009, bringing together their sisterly vision and instinctual style.

Hand-crafted in Mexico, the mixed metal pieces are bold, architectural and beautifully-made.  They draw on a range of historical and cultural references, including Mexican art, antique European jewellery, Egyptian and Bedouin motifs, Japanese design elements and French Medieval armour.

The pieces are powerful, feminine and warrior-like, with fluid lines and curves.  They look to artefacts of the past while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

The Alpaca silver woven cage clutch and the smaller cocoon-shaped clutch reminded me of the futuristic metal cage designs used by Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.  Other favourite piece include the bold embellished and hammered metal cuffs and the rounded stud effect large bib necklace.

Delighted to win the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, Phoebe and Annette Stephens said: “The prestige of the prize has helped project our work globally and take our brand to the next level”.

Anndra Neen will present their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at Hôtel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week in March 2012.  Following their win, Anndra Neen will be designing a range of exclusive accessories for Dorchester Collection.