Fatz, the Manchester woman behind high fashion brand ZuZu Couture, has designed for boxer Ricky Hatton, Rio Ferdinand and many other celebs, but her jewellery is being talked about in the loftiest of fashion circles.
FATZk, made with a whole lot of love
FATZk jewellery was launched last year at London Fashion week to great acclaim from the capital’s coolest fashionistas. Her collection of metallic leather necklaces, bracelets, belts and clutch bags, embellished with semi precious vintage gems, reclaimed sparklies, glittery rhinestones and religious medals is all hand-made and exclusive.
Customers can even have their most precious keepsakes worked into a design. Granny’s gold watch may never look as good as it did on her as she foxtrotted around the ballroom in the 1940s, but it works superbly as the centre-piece of a FATZk necklace or headpiece. It’s vintage, but with a whole lot of love thrown in.
Headturning fashion
Says Fatz: “I designed my own necklace with some beautiful brooches and some vintage pieces I picked up on my travels and wherever I went women were stopping me and asking where I got it and if I’d make one for them. I was knocked-out by the response, so I decided to design and create my own collection.
Exquisitely vintage: Keepsakes can be turned into stunning jewellery
“I source vintage items, medals and charms from around the world, so each piece has a history all of its own. We all have old rings and brooches that have been passed down from loved ones which we probably never wear because they don’t look quite right. I can incorporate those into a necklace so that treasured keepsake can be worn close to the heart. It’s a beautiful tribute and a constant reminder of the person we loved but lost. My headpieces are an extension of that.”
Fatz, the North west regional winner of the Millenium Fashion Designer of the Year award, launched her own label, ZuZu Couture in 2002 when it immediately caught the eye of the Telegraph’s Fashion Editor Hilary Alexander who attended the launch. The label developed a cult following for its fashion forward designs and cutting edge shows.
In 2007 Fatz beat thousands of fashion hopefuls to secure a place on Project Catwalk, the Sky One reality TV fashion series hosted by Kelly Osbourne. The competition aimed to find Britain’s next top fashion designer with 12 finalists competing in a series of design tasks.
FatzK: Ahead of the fashion clan
Although Fatz didn’t win the show, she won two out of seven challenges and received praise for her style and design flair from the elite judging panel – fashion designer Julien Macdonald, Grazia magazine fashion editor Paula Reed and the show’s mentor, designer Ben De Lisi.
“Jewellery is offering me a new challenge,” says Fatz. “Women want fabulous statement pieces at affordable prices and that’s what I’m giving them. I’m overwhelmed by the response.”
Her headwear can be found at the General Store, Deansgate; the Triangle Designer sale on the last Saturday of every month and from mid July at www.fatzk.com. Prices start at £25.
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