JOHN HARDY

Sometimes it is a mystery where designers get their inspiration. Naturally, a piece of art needs to be able to stand on its own and communicate the ideas clearly. However, meeting the designer or understanding where the designer comes from always gives the beholder a deeper layer of understanding, and a deeper connection with the piece itself.

John Hardy's designs are dangerously dark and bold, spiritual, and very enigmatic. Unfortnately they sometimes fall under the radar. As a designer, however, John Hardy is very passionate and very close to earth. Like other designers (such as Gurhan, LaLaounis) he draws his inspiration from the past. But rather trying to recreate elements of old, he hones in on a very specific design element, and follows it through with an entire collection.

His youtube channel and home site offers a wonderful series of videos that take one behind the scenes to draw a direct link from his inspiration to his design process. Take this necklace from his Kali collection. This pattern is taken from wet stone walls found by creek or riversides, and is reflected elegantly in the entire collection.

John Hardy is also a very environmentally aware brand. It was the basic principle on which the company was established. It didn't "become green" for the sake of following the current trend, it was its leader.

Overall John Hardy brand is very exotic, very close to earth, and very spiritual. Their beautiful videos offer wonderful imagery and concise explanations of their company that are truly worth taking a closer look at. You can see more at www.johnhardy.com