Beauty and Fashion

Celebrating Beauty Inside and Out

Discovering Social Impact through Heritageinspired jewelry at EDEN + ELIE

by Julia Tan

Can anyone remember the last time we had a Beauty & Fashion event? Neither can I. To be fair, we just survived a pandemic and most of us were living in our pajamas or gym clothes. Now that Singapore has opened and bigger events are able to happen, it’s time to sparkle!

AWA at Eden + Elie

Sparkle was exactly what a group of ten AWA ladies did on May 18 when we visited the EDEN + ELIE studio on 160 Owen Road. EDEN + ELIE is a local jewelry brand, founded by former architect, Stephanie Choo. Stephanie’s designs recall the beautiful beading of the Peranakan culture that is so ingrained in Singapore but makes them accessible to a modern, global customer.

Not only are EDEN + ELIE’s pieces inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Singapore but they also seek to provide meaningful employment to persons with disabilities. Currently, EDEN + ELIE employs nine autistic artisans at a workspace in Enabling Village.

Alfa striking a pose

All of us were impressed to learn that approximately 4,000 beads go into a large bangle at EDEN + ELIE and it takes a skilled artisan only about 30 minutes to weave those 4,000 beads together. We were doubly impressed when we saw that each bead was no bigger than a chia seed!

Sarah and Paige pleased with their choices

After gaining an appreciation for both the skill and culture behind each piece of EDEN + ELIE jewelry, we poured ourselves another glass of prosecco and went shopping. Their timeless, colorful collection spans the rainbow, allowing you to add a pop of color to any neutral outfit or coordinate with your already colorful wardrobe. Every one of us walked out with something new, either for ourselves or loved ones we plan to see over the holidays.