The signet ring - aka the pinky ring or chevalière - has meant many things to many people over the centuries. From bearing the official seals of ancient Roman dignitaries to adorning the little finger of loaded British aristos, via a retinue of clergymen, 1930s femmes fatales, Mafiosi and hip hop artists, the little finger ring has at one time or another been worn to signify class, status, style and attitude.

It is this long history that Beirut-based architect Dina Kamal explored when seeking to reinvent the jewellery icon. Referencing Bauhaus aesthetics and Art Deco jewellery too, Kamal's PNKYRNG Collection comprises an ever growing - but always harmonious - range of mens' and womens' rings handcrafted from 18 karat gold.

Nailing the vogue for luxurious minimalism, Kamal's pared down collection is a masterclass in how pushing and re-examining an idea can yield brilliant fruit. "You do that in architecture - you re-study everything and the way you look at things is different to how a designer or an artist would," says Kamal, adding: "The idea is only 10% of the project, then it's about refining and getting the proportions right because how it feels is as important as how it looks."

A 5-colour gold palette and diamonds in complementary hues, as well as a variety of subtly differing silhouettes facilitate a mix and match approach to personal adornment with combinations covering a spectrum which runs from classic chic to coolly directional.

Because met up with Kamal to pick her brains on the importance of form vs. function, being courted by Dover Street Market, and her quest for the perfect pinky ring.


DINAKAMAL DK01
dinakamal.com

Spring 2011 saw Prada pioneer chunky soled footwear with their creeper brogues, but who would've guessed they were paving the way to an explosive return of the classically iconic brothel creeper? Donned originally by soldiers in the post-WWII era, brothel creepers are most famous for their association with the Teddy Boy culture of the 1950s. Traditionally worn with drainpipe trousers and drape jackets, the creeper quickly became a distinguishing factor in an already highly recognisable silhouette.

Yet with Prada at the forefront of footwear revolution, and androgyny at its peak, creepers are no longer just for boys. Fall 2011 catwalks shook under the clomping footsteps of so many heavy-soled shoes as designers manned up their collections with a hefty dose of crepe soles, leather and suede. While Ashish models bore black leather single soles graffitied with slogans such as "Hug Me" and worn with ripped up jeans and spider web-print tights, Damir Doma chose pointed creepers to complete his collection.

The classic creeper took its fair share of the limelight, but that isn't to say that adaptations weren't welcomed with open arms. Never one to be upstaged, Burberry Prorsum took the creeper to a whole new level (quite literally) with their wedged version of the beloved original. Featuring latticed black leather and secured with shining silver buckles, these reinvented beauties were hefted down the runway with exceptional vigor as the British-based luxury brand proved that making a trend your own is the best way to do it.

Aside from the aesthetic plus sides of owning your own, if you're looking to add a little extra height without the cost of comfort, brothel creepers are without a doubt the shoes for you.

Inspired by vintage jewellery Bex Manners launched her jewellery design company Bex Rox in 2006. Although originally from the Balearic Islands Bex based her company in London. Bex rose to fame with her innovative use of magnetic fastenings while her exciting uses of materials such as fossils and raw semi precious stones also helped her to gain recognition.

Bex Rox on Because:

Knott Ring

Chain Bracelet