Alister Theodore Fennell (born 8 August 1951)[1] is a British jewellery and silverware designer. He is often called the "King of Bling" for his flamboyant designs for celebrity clientele.[1][2] In 1982, he founded Theo Fennell, his eponymous jewellery business.[3] In 2009, he returned to the helm after leaving the company for 18 months.[3] He regained control of the company in 2021.[4][5]
Theo Fennell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alister Theodore Fennell 8 August 1951 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Eton Byam Shaw School of Art |
| Occupation(s) | Jewellery and silverware designer |
| Spouse | Louise MacGregor |
| Children | 2, including Emerald Fennell |
| Website | www |
Early life and education
editFennell was born in 1951 in Egypt.[2] He was educated at Eton,[6] and then York College of Art, followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art, now part of the University of the Arts London.[7]
Career
editAfter art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in Hatton Garden.[8][2] Following his apprenticeship, he formed his first jewellery business in 1974.[9] In 1982, he opened his first Theo Fennell store at 177 Fulham Road in Chelsea, a location he chose to be closer to his clients.[9] In 1997, he moved his flagship store into the building he helped design at 169 Fulham Road.[9]
In 2007, Fennell held an exhibition, Show Off!, at London's Royal Academy of Art,[9] consisting of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of Fennell's jewellery.[10]
In 2008, Fennell founded The Original Design Partnership, a design consultancy, specialising in jewellery, silver, and curios while also working in other design fields, and mentoring young British designers.[11]
By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers and jugs, with more products in design.[12] In 2011, bespoke items, including the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more.[12]
In May 2022, Fennell announced that after 25 years, he was to move from 169 Fulham Road to Chelsea Barracks, as the rent had become "ludicrous".[5]
Customers have included Elton John, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.[13]
Honours
editHe is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)[14][15] and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.[16] He is a liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company, and an honorary fellow of the University of the Arts London.[17]
Publications
editIn 2022, his memoir, I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents, was published.[2]
Personal life
editHe lives in London with his wife, Louise (née MacGregor), an author.[6][2] They have two daughters, Emerald, a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a fashion designer.[6][2]
References
edit- ^ a b Mathiason, Nick (24 December 2006). "The king of celebrity bling". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Hogan, Michael (10 April 2022). "Jeweller Theo Fennell: 'Being called the king of bling is better than the prince of darkness'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b Leroux, Marcus (1 December 2012). "Private equity gets extra time to ponder the beauty of Theo Fennell". The Times. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ Zhang, Tianwei (23 November 2021). "Britain's Theo Fennell Wants to Keep His Brand Small, and Beautiful: After taking back control of his brand, Fennell has been focusing on bespoke pieces for private clients and nurturing a future generation of British jewelers". WWD: Women’s Wear Daily. p. 66. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ a b Prynn, Jonathan (9 May 2022). "'King of Bling' Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties". Evening Standard. London. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Peacock, Eric (July 2018). "Theo Fennell: 'There are no shortcuts'". Luxury Briefing. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ "Market profile". The Telegraph. 26 December 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Theo Fennell: A Jeweller with a Passion For Rarity & Beauty". Country & Town House. January 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ "Video news and features". British Vogue.
- ^ "The Original Design Partnership". Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ^ a b Chesters, Laura (16 December 2011). "Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell". The Independent. London. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Kim, Leena (17 June 2022). "This Is Theo Fennell's Year". Town & Country. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards 2021" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Find a Craftsman". Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Ambassadors". Craft and Design Council. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Getting to Know: Theo Fennell". Roseberys London. Retrieved 2 November 2023.