Renowned New Orleans jewelry designer, Mignon Faget, introduced a collection of designs dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. Aptly, yet heartbreakingly named “In Mourning,” the collection is based on several earlier pieces of Faget’s that were inspired by now threatened Gulf Coast wildlife. Redfish, speckled trout, oysters and pelicans are presented as pins backed with black ribbons, or worn as pendants on black cords. An oyster necklace is oxidized to an oil-stained silver. A large oyster hangs from black and brown ribbons. Sterling silver crabs and shrimp charms dangle from an oxidized black chain bracelet reminiscent of the chains found on oil rigs. A large tuna or tarpon brooch is suggested to be worn “belly up.”
“It is a heartbreaking statement to make with jewelry originally designed to celebrate the abundant gifts of our coast,” says Faget, “but the reality is that we need to make people aware of this disaster and the long-term effects on this region. We all need to do what we can.”
The Gulf Coast collection benefits the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana which has worked for more than two decades to restore and protect a sustainable coastal Louisiana. In the wake of the BP Oil Spill that is threatening our coast, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is coordinating volunteers to assist in local, state and federal recovery efforts in Louisiana.
Mignon Faget’s Gulf Stream glassware will also be sold to benefit the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. In the past, Faget’s successful fundraising efforts have supported other worthy causes. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, she reopened her galleries and donated a percentage of sales of her fleur de lis designs and sales of her Rebirth Ribbon and Anniversary Amulet to the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation. Her efforts raised over $150,000 to help bring artists and art institutions back to New Orleans.
The Gulf Coast collection is available in Mignon Faget galleries in New Orleans and Baton Rouge as well as through http://www.mignonfaget.com.
