Dark and metal are the themes for a fashion art fusion between silversmith Ruth O'Connell and fashion designer Kerry Funnell for the Tauranga Fringe 2022 on Saturday.

The look will be presented as part of a series of fashion shows featuring the creations of both artists.

Both creators are resident artists at The Satellite Studios at The Incubator Creative Hub.

While Kerry has worked out of her studio since 2018, Ruth moved to Tauranga with her partner and daughter in 2021.

Kerry describes their fashion catwalk look as ‘broody and sinister' with lots of black, metallic and mesh fabrics contrasted with whites.

'The music is dark, heavy – and sometimes gets it's shriek on,” says Kerry.

After a career including designing for film sets, teaching, and having her work purchased for the WOW collection, Kerry knows how to create a mood.

Ruth's background is in textiles and fashion which eventually led her to jewellery through costuming on a movie set, after which she worked for ten years at the Bead Gallery in Nelson.

A fusion of fashion and jewellery will be on display at Tauranga Fringe 2022. Photo: Supplied.

'The Bead Gallery nurtured my interest in history and costume. Taking what I learned from so many amazing crafters I had worked with, I developed my own style and a desire to seek out new methods of creation, becoming a self-taught smith,” says Ruth.

Most of Ruth's pieces are one-of-a-kind and even favourite designs evolved into unique variations. Her aim is to create unique adornments which become cherished heirlooms.

'I have a strong fondness for antique austerity, vintage hues, as well as bold contrasts in both colour and texture,” says Ruth. 'My work reflects moods and styles that are symbolic of the retro music I love and the culture that lives within it. So, I do a lot of time travelling through my crafts. I encourage slow fashion by creating jewellery that lasts and will hopefully be cherished as an antique one day!”

Ruth also teaches others to make their own bespoke jewellery at workshops which she runs at The Artery.

'I encourage my ideas in my courses in which we repair, repurpose and recycle existing jewellery and other materials.”

On Saturday, the public will be able to visit the working studios of artists based in the village, and stay for the whole day of events, music and markets. Under the traffic light system, Covid-19 vaccination certificates will be checked on entry.

Tauranga Fringe 2022 will be held at the Historic Village, 17th Avenue from 10am-5pm on Saturday, January 15. Entry is $10 and under-14s can attend free of charge.

A fusion of fashion and jewellery will be on display at Tauranga Fringe 2022. Photo: Supplied.