About Michele Dawn, Jewellery & Millinery Designer

I have always had a passion for fashion.  From a small child collecting pictures of the latest fashions for my scrap book and drawing my own extravagant designs, to later in life developing an enthusiasm for vintage fashion, and in particular accessories. 

With a love of natural gemstones, freshwater pearls, fabulous textiles and anything that sparkles, I enjoy the challenge of creating a 'fantasy princess tiara', a credible vintage style headdress, using authentic vintage elements or emulating the style of a particular period.  

In recent years I have become seduced by colour!  I love to blend colours and experiment with using different textures of stones to create truly individual jewellery.

I welcome your ideas for making something really special ... it could be simple or elaborate; an understated hint of decoration or a wild and extravagant statement piece!

Michele Dawn Hankins

BA (1st Class) Hons, Applied Art

Licenciate of the Society of Designer Craftsmen

A few words about my background

I have been working in the bridal world for many years, attracting individual commissions from brides, collaborating with bridalwear designers, jewellery shops and selling my designs through my own bridal business and website.

I enrolled on a Fashion and Clothing Craft course to enhance my practical skills for my newly launched bridal business.  The business was very successful and after 15 years of serving happy brides,  I gave it up to devote my attention to designing and making jewellery and accessories... the part I loved the most!

In 2000 I embarked on a Foundation Course in Art & Design and consequently an Applied Art degree at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating in 2004 with a BA,  1st class honours.  My final degree show ‘glass wedding dress’ and glass jewellery collection attracted great attention and was exhibited at a number of galleries around the country and the prestigious 'New Designers' Exhibition at the Business Design Centre, London, I was awarded a Licenciate of Designer Craftsmen.

In 2005, I was happy to be nominated and accepted for a place on the NCGE (National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurs). This course was held at Cambridge University and was instrumental in my goal of firmly establishing myself as a designer in the bridal industry. 

My work is constantly evolving and continues with more exploration into colour, discovering lyrical compositions with warm and cool colour pallettes.  I create strong, fluid, feminine jewellery with wire, lace, crystals, pearls and gemstones.  I am fascinated by wire in all its guises from the finest gauge silver wire for lace inspired bridal pieces to bold gunmetal enamelled wire for statement colour fashion pieces.

University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield. 2001 - 2004 Degree Show

 'Creature of Volume' 2004

Hand cut soda (window) glass, silk screen printed and laser etched with japanese style birds and flower design; silk screen printed white organza, silver metallic organza; silver plated wire, in excess of 3000 Swarovski crystals. This dress was part of my final degree show exhibition.  Every element of the dress was made by hand and took in excess of 700 hours to complete.

Alongside the dress, I exhibited a collection of glass jewellery pieces, using a variety of glass techniques, including fusing, slumping, casting and lampworking.

The Guardian Newspaper article published following my time at Cambridge University with the National Council of Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme in 2005.