Coinciding with the much-awaited 2010 release of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland comes the release of Tom Binns’ most adventurous jewellery collection to date. Having designed pieces for everyone who’s anyone, including the White House, Binns’ collection features jewellery influenced by Burton’s latest film.
Once an animator apprentice for Walt Disney Studios, Burton left the infamous film company as his drawings were considered too ‘dark’ to be used in any Disney picture. However, instead of restraining his unique illustrations and talents, Burton has reversed his fortune and become one of the most talked-about film directors of the 21st century. With blockbuster creations such as Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Sweeny Todd, Burton’s next release was always bound to be huge. Partnering with the company he left, Burton’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland has sparked inspiration upon many designers already, including Tom Binns.
Binns’ Alice in Wonderland collection consists of six pieces, ‘belonging’ to the movie’s key characters, which will retail between $1,000 and $2,000 at Berdorf Goodman and New York’s Barneys. For those unable to afford these designs, Binn’s will also release a more economically accessible collection for Disney couture. Binn’s is keen for a wholesome selection of customers, stating, “It’s nice to have large-scale pieces and little bits that everyone can own. I don’t think of jewellery as being that precious.” 35 pieces, retailing from the considerably lower price range of $100 – $500, will be available in speciality boutiques and department stores.
Burton’s film seems to have taken the fashion world by storm, seizing the opportunity to design collections intertwined with a remake from a contemporary filmmaker of perhaps the most classic childhood film. Swarovski, Urban Decay, Charlotte Tarantola, Toy Watch and Mighty Fine have all been named as collaborating with Disney for this venture, so keep your eyes open for Alice-inspired items in the Spring of 2010 and I wonder which other designers will take a tumble down the rabbit hole?
