Hong Kong designer Mona Shroff's semi-precious handcrafted jewellery is treasured by the world's prominent families since the past eighteen years. Having created in-house accessories for departmental stores Selfridges and Gallerie Lafayette in Europe, she drew from these rich experiences to create her own line crafted with semi-precious stones, cubic zirconia and Swarovski. At India Beach Fashion Week, resort has proven to be a fertile ground for inspiration.

I had been waiting too long to feast my eyes on the stunners as Mona Shroff creates fabulously unique jewellery that is so different from anything else… and the moment had arrived! The collection handcrafted in Philippines evokes reference to Mona's signature style i.e. ingenious geometry created in linear shapes. From the first look she sent out, the jewels brought to mind the sun-washed optimism that breezes over this favoured coastal holiday haunt of the privileged. And reflects her knowledge and confidence in working with a diverse, rare assemblage. Sheer and solid acrylic was transformed into chic ornaments; banana bark, treated to hold against termites, was fashioned into a piece; a geometric pendant was clasped with rows of beads or strands of leather; a stone bracelet was worn with a stunning neckpiece; a blue rimmed oval pendant on multiple black strands captured colours of the sea; clusters of maroon geometric shapes wound seamlessly around the neck to form a stunning neckpiece that would be the envy of gals at a yatch party; and groups of wooden spokes would be ideal for a beach look. There was something for every resort occasion! The most lustworthy piece? A rare, regal and stratospherically expensive mother of pearl pendant. 

Amid wishes and cheers, she smiled and said “My jewellery is the perfect accessory for the fashionable, modern woman as it’s versatile and can be styled differently for different occasions.” The thought that came to mind as I walked out of the showing was that her strength lies in the confidence of diving into unchartered territory to create something new in terms of both design and craftsmanship. A Sell Out!

— JASMEEN DUGAL