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Continue ShoppingAkalei Designs redefines kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern island inspired bead structures using an innovative approach to our style. Our "Kumihimo 2.0" represents the next evolution of braided artistry: advanced blending to create contemporary designs for shoppers (and students) seeking long lasting beauty and innovative designs. Discover jewelry that is affordable, timeless and boldly contemporary.
Akalei Designs redefines Kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern bead architecture and structures using innovative materials.Akalei Designs represents the next evolution of braided artistry: advanced bead engineering, and contemporary design for shoppers (and kumihimo students) who seek beauty and innovation.
Each piece is. handcrafted on Maui..
Gold & Red Silk Fiber with Golden Metallic - Fiber Necklace Lei 23"
The solid red imitation silk is accentuated with gold metallic threads that have hues of rust, green, and silver threads so this piece will match just about any outfit. The braid's spiral effect allows it to be worn tightly as a shorter or stretched out. An extra strong silver toned magnet end allows you to wear with no worry of it falling off. It measures 21” worn and as with other similar products may be used as a hat band.
This extraordinary necklace was woven together using metallic and imitation silk fibers. This unique necklace look is created by braiding together 12 different ‘bunches” of fiber in an “Off Balance” design technique. Altogether there are hundreds of strands that comprise this piece, leaving it luxurious yet flexible. By coiling the spirals you may make it a tighter braid, or tug lightly to stretch out a bit more.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes this unique necklace lei design style made only here on Maui. We reinterpret and illuminate traditional Hawaiian Lei using a vast assortment of glass and natural beads, Japanese silk and synthetic fibers, and a wide variety of braiding techniques and inspirations from across the globe.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and strong interlaced cords. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
Customized orders are welcomed - these braids can be made using Japanese Silks and various small (4-6mm) size pearls or semi-precious stones. Please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
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