New: Samoan jewelry @ Aitui

September 18th, 2007 at 03:10pm Ryan Darragh

I grew up for the most part in Southern California, and although I’m not a surfer myself I love the beach communities and their casual, laid-back vibe.  Nothing says summer to me quite like the bead and shell jewelry you see on surfers all through the long, hot days of July, August and September.  This new jewelry by designer KiKi Miranda would fit right in and be all the rage.  KiKi recently joined the design team at Aitui and is bringing her own talents and style to Jesse’s established line.  Her new Tapa Necklace and Tapa Bracelets for men feature simple beads in natural colors strung on leather thongs.  The larger oblong beads are decorated with intricate designs inspired by traditional tapa cloth artwork, a beautiful touch that fits right in with the Polynesian and tropical influences seen elsewhere in the Aitui line.

The Tapa Necklace (L$150) has a simple design that is easy to fit naturally to your avatar.  The necklace looked a little too big on me “out of the box,” and although it’s moddable for size I was worried at first–I’ve run into several jewelry and other items that are moddable but already at their minimum size, and can only be “stretched” larger, not smaller.  There was no need for concern, though, as I had no trouble sizing the piece down to fit me comfortably, and I’m not an especially big guy.

These pieces are simple rather than elaborate, and the detailing is all subtle and restrained.  I like the knotwork in the back that makes the piece look like a handmade item.

The matching Tapa Bracelets (L$145) come as a pair, one for each wrist.  They share the necklace’s detailing and construction.  Depending on your mood, you can wear either or go crazy and wear both. 

KiKi’s Tapa jewelry line also includes earrings and a pendant-style necklace for the ladies, and I noticed last night that she has released another couple of great-looking men’s necklaces.

Available at Aitui (Aitui 199, 181, 23).

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No

Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Chad" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity Hair). Plain Tank Top and Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).

Entry Filed under: Aitui, Casual, Jewelry, KiKi Miranda, New Items