COLLECTION I STORY
The debut C.W. James collection explores the relationship of light and movement on reflective surfaces. It pulls together eclectic visual influences, including the kinetic machinery depicted in Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, the functional sculpture of Carl Auböck, the natural landscape of Karen’s coastal home on the Great Ocean Road and vintage leathers and watches collected from her travels long ago. Each component is meticulously designed and crafted. The signature C.W. James silver and brass buckles are cast from a mould made from a hand-carved wax master. Freya, Selene and Theodora are constructed from sliding parts that gently move with the motion of the body, with each metal element finished with a high-polish lustre to reflect light and create reflections. Viola and Cerese are constructed from vintage leather French watchstraps collected in the 1960s (and stored in pristine condition), while the leathers used in Odile have been repurposed from broken vintage bags and garments.
Clockwise from the top left, Book Ends Carl Auböck 1955. Detail of the 1927 movie poster for Fritz Langs Metropolis created by Heinz Schultz-Neudamm. The screenplay for Metropolis was written by Thea von Harbou. Stones with natural leather, a collaboration between the Viennese Werkstatte Carl Auböck and Various Projects. Photography by Clemens Kois. Detail of cliff face at Point Roadknight beach Anglesea Australia 2017.