Melbourne label Krista is evoking colourful ’90s nostalgia through handmade jewellery and accessories
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kate McWilliam FOR KRISTA
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Primary colours, patterns, spirals and a playful nostalgic vibe.”
Multidisciplinary artist Krista Lyle founded her eponymous label in 2019 when she started experimenting with handmade sterling silver jewellery and customised caps. Characterised by bright colours, nostalgic details and a distinctive homemade feel, Krista’s work took off over Melbourne’s lockdowns.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
Since selling out of her last batch of hand-embroidered hats, Krista has really focused on her jewellery and ceramics practices, crafting pieces with a “distinct handmade theme”, she tells me. “The ceramics are lumpy, you can see fingerprints and scuffs left in the jewellery and the seams are visible on fabric-based works.” Below, she speaks on femininity, environmental responsibility and the local creative scene.
Tell us about you. What’s your creative background?
View this post on Instagram
I was always very creative growing up but a couple of years ago I started studying fine art at RMIT. There I really found my love for ceramics, textiles and jewellery making. I did a short course in jewellery casting but other than that, I’m self-taught. It’s been fun learning as I go. I found the aesthetic language/style that I like – primary colours, patterns, spirals and a playful nostalgic vibe.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
It started developing at uni and then kicked off during lockdown. At the time I was reworking caps, T-shirts and jumpers using bleach, embroidery and ribbons. I’d also started making jewellery for myself. I have quite chubby fingers and I found it hard to find jewellery that I liked and that fit [my fingers]. Friends kept ordering [pieces] from me and [the label] grew from there. My practice has grown slowly and organically, which has been great for me.
It’s remained sustainable and something I can keep up with. There have been many challenges already – the first being the work/life balance. I haven’t yet found a way to switch off… the other big challenge is the social and environmental responsibility that comes with being a creative today.
I believe it’s important to respect those around us, especially minorities and other creatives, as well as the land we work on. When you’re running a profitable business I think it can put a bit of a spotlight on you… not [necessarily] a bad thing but definitely something that needs to be considered.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
View this post on Instagram
At the time, the project was solely a way for me to make cute things and develop my own ideas… I’m so grateful that other people have connected with my work and that they want to keep watching it grow. Today is partly for them, too.
The project is now financially self-sustaining which means I have the funds to keep working on new and exciting projects, of which I have millions. Today, I’d like to use Krista to explore our femininity. My work tends to be more feminine but I don’t believe it’s related to any gender. I’d like to see if my work can be something everyone feels excited to wear.
How would you describe Krista to someone who’s never seen it before?
Krista is a playful, colourful, nostalgic multimedia practice that uses recognisable shapes like stars, hearts, spirals and bows. There’s a distinct handmade theme – the ceramics are lumpy, you can see fingerprints and scuffs left in the jewellery and the seams are visible on fabric-based works. The overall aesthetic is feminine and at times pretty ‘extra’. I reflect a lot on ’90s and 2000s-inspired accessories and styles and am very influenced by patterns and decorative details in my everyday surroundings.
Where did the name come from?
View this post on Instagram
My name is Krista, so it was pretty easy! I’m inspired by how we make art as kids. When I was growing up I’d always label my creations with ‘KRISTA’. I didn’t want a name that was too specific to jewellery or ceramics. I’m planning some projects and exhibitions in the near future using all kinds of different materials – so I kept it simple.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
I’m not afraid to say I’m really proud of a few things about my label – its accessibility, environmental consciousness and how I’ve been able to keep it so closely aligned with my ideas and values. So far, I’ve been able to do the work I want and execute it the way I want to, without ending up with a super big price tag.
This is important to me. I want my work to be something everyone can enjoy… I’ve also made it a priority to keep my environmental impact at the forefront of my mind. I create in small batches and like to take commissions – this reduces waste and means anything can be made in custom sizing.
I also prefer to opt for lab-grown gemstones over mined stones because of how harmful the mining industry is. Our environmental footprint is something we should all consider and I’m proud of how I’ve been able to put these considerations into action.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
View this post on Instagram
I wouldn’t change a thing! Figuring it all out is just part of the process. I could have done many things better but I’ve really enjoyed the process of building my own business.
Who do you think is most exciting in the local creative industry right now?
Naarm has so many talented creatives so it’s hard to choose! I’m really loving Bobby’s work, his jewellery is so beautifully crafted. He’s also open and helpful with sharing jewellery skills… creative gatekeeping is a big no-no for me and people like Bobby help the creative industry become a more welcoming and exciting place.
My friend G has also just started an exciting project called Miracles, upcycling garments with a very fun, glam, punk, sexy vibe which I love. I’m very keen to see where it goes. I also think Briar Griffiths Kemp, Sschafer and Poppy Templeton are ones to watch.
What about the local creative industry needs to change?
View this post on Instagram
Because Naarm is home to so many creatives, I think people can be quick to critique and compete with each other. There’s definitely merit in holding each other accountable but I also believe we’re just doing our best with what we have.
Dream collaborators?
Egg Lemon, Soup Archive and Madonna.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
Current favourites in my wardrobe are HVML, Dimora Press, Oats the Label, Pei Yi, Sacreflux, Egg Lemon and Poesia Pietra. I also have lots of vintage finds and many of my own experiments.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
View this post on Instagram
Items can usually be purchased through my website however everything just recently sold out (restocking ASAP). In the meantime, I have plenty of pieces in stock at Sucker. As I mentioned I take custom orders and my DMs are always open!
Shop Krista’s designs here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
