It's a small, cosy place in Warsaw's Powiśle district, named after its address – 5 Maja Avenue 7. Previously, it housed the tailoring studio of Jola Słoma and Mirek Trymbulak, where the fashion designers, who are normally based in Gdynia, would see their Warsaw clients. Currently, as the designers – who have always also been involved with jewellery – have become more engaged in jewellery-related activities, the space has gained a new purpose.
"We already had great pleasure in preparing this place. When new opportunities arise, new creativity is also born – in this case too, we had to push the boundaries of our previous work, start thinking differently, to create it anew," says Jola Słoma.
Creativity is evident here in every element of the decor. But above all, in the jewellery. Soul Bijou is – as its creators declare – a brand that carries spiritual meaning and is the result of collaboration with people close to their soul. Hence the diversity of collections and ideas inspired by Baltic amber and its extraordinary properties, Venetian masks and collaboration with brothers Massimo and Sergio Boldrini, or Murano glass from Bruno Amadi's studio. Their jewellery always has a philosophical element. Previous collections showed the cyclical nature of life and transience, masks are a symbol of hiding our true selves and discovering them… also through wearing masks. The latest creations are the result of fascination with black diamonds and various shades of black in jewellery, but also a recognition of elements of destruction in nature.
Our jewellery – much like our fashion – defies all trends. We design for people who aren't looking for trendy items, but for things that are *them* – things they will feel good in," emphasised Jola Słoma.
Marcin Tymiński's jewellery also defies all trends. His current designs are based primarily on polymers, the colouring and polishing techniques of which he has mastered to perfection. He uses them to create fanciful sculptural forms inspired by coral reefs, which are captivating in their composition and mesmerising in their depth. He combines them with Baltic amber and ceramics, and more recently, also with diamonds – both coloured and colourless.
Diamonds are commonly associated with classic jewellery, usually gold. I want to break these stereotypes by combining them with polymer so that they also feature more prominently in jewellery with a modern design, explained Marcin Tymiński.
At the first jewellery exhibition at the new 3V7 Gallery, visitors can view – at weekends and by appointment – jewellery by its creators. However, they do not rule out that as the gallery's concept evolves, the works of other artists will also be presented here.