Pichulik: the power of ornamentation

Katherine Mary Pichulik didn’t set out to be a jewellery designer. She studied Fine Art, became a qualified pâtissier and backpacked through India before returning home to Cape Town, wondering what life had in store.

The creation of her trademark neckpieces started out as something for fun that she did in the evenings in her one-bedroom apartment. She had no plan in mind, but noticed that they drew a lot of attention. “I always got compliments. Once a German woman approached me in a shopping mall and actually bought the necklace I was wearing off my neck. It made me think that there might be something in it.”

In the two-and-a-half years since then there has been plenty of proof that she was right. Pichulik has grown into a team of 11 who export to 13 countries, run a stand-alone store in Cape Town and supply stockists all over the country.

The brand’s Golden Fold necklace was selected as a finalist in the 2013 “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” award and last year Pichulik was named the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and African Fashion International Accessory Designer of the Year.

Her most recent accolade was to be selected as a finalist in Vogue Italia’s “Scouting for Africa”, a search for emerging designers based in Africa.

Despite growing recognition, Pichulik remains humble and inspired by the people she meets, the books she reads and the treasures traders source from all over the continent – Ethiopian recycled glass, Ghanaian agate stones, brass parts from West Africa, fossils from Niger…

“My jewellery attracts a woman of a certain spirit,” Pichulik explains. “When I get talking to the women who wear my pieces I am so astounded by their calibre. They are funny, creative, inspiring and have wonderful stories.”

Out of this, Pichulik’s ‘Brave Women’ series was born. “I am creating an archive of the incredible women who engage with the brand. In 15 years we’ll look back and say, ‘These are the stories of the women who wear our pieces’.”

But what if you don’t feel bold enough to pull off her statement styles? “Women often say, ‘I’m not bold enough to wear this’ and I’ll come back and say ‘Wear the piece and feel yourself get brave’. It’s through the process of wearing that you become empowered.”

By Emily Pettit-Coetzee
Images: KOPE | FIGGINS
Product shots: Supplied