Theo Fennell

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Theo Fennell
Born
Alister Theodore Fennell

(1951-08-08) 8 August 1951 (age 74)
Egypt
OccupationsJewellery and silverware designer
SpouseLouise MacGregor
Children2, including Emerald
Website theofennell.com

Alister Theodore Fennell (born 8 August 1951) is an English jewellery and silverware designer. He is nicknamed the "King of Bling" due to his flamboyant designs for celebrity clients. In 1982, he opened his eponymous jewellery business. In 2009, he returned to the company after 18 months away, and regained control of the company in 2021. [1] [2]

Contents

Early life

Alister Theodore Fennell was born to English parents in Egypt [3] on 8 August 1951. [4] He was educated at Eton College, [5] York College of Art, and the Byam Shaw School of Art. [6]

Career

Theo Fennell on Fulham Road Theo Fennell, Fulham Rd - geograph.org.uk - 372228.jpg
Theo Fennell on Fulham Road
Theo Fennell in Chelsea Barracks Chelsea Barracks Square Store Front.jpg
Theo Fennell in Chelsea Barracks

Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in Hatton Garden. [3] [7] Following his apprenticeship, he started his first jewellery business in 1974. [8] In 1982, he opened the first Theo Fennell shop at 177 Fulham Road in Chelsea, a location he chose to be closer to his clients. [8] [9] In 1997, he moved his flagship store into the building he helped design at 169 Fulham Road. [8]

In 2007, Fennell held the exhibition Show Off! at London's Royal Academy of Art, [8] consisting of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations, and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of his 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, including mentoring young British designers through his Gilded Youth initiative. [11] [12]

By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers, and jugs, with more products in design. [13] In 2011, bespoke items such as the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond, and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more. [13]

In May 2022, after 25 years at 169 Fulham Road, Fennell announced that he would move his shop to Chelsea Barracks as the rent had become "ludicrous". [1]

Fennell's clients have included Joan Collins, Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, and Madonna. [14]

Honours

Fennell is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) [15] [16] and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council. [17] He is a liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company, and an honorary fellow of the University of the Arts London. [18]

Personal life

Fennell is married to author Louise MacGregor, with whom he lives in London. [3] [5] They have two daughters: actress and filmmaker Emerald and fashion designer Coco. [3] [5]

Fennell published his memoir, I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents, in 2022. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 Prynn, Jonathan (9 May 2022). "'King of Bling' Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 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.
  4. ↑ Mathiason, Nick (24 December 2006). "The king of celebrity bling". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 "The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties". Evening Standard. London. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  6. ↑ Peacock, Eric (July 2018). "Theo Fennell: 'There are no shortcuts'". Luxury Briefing. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  7. ↑ "Market profile". The Telegraph. 26 December 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Theo Fennell: A Jeweller with a Passion For Rarity & Beauty". Country & Town House. January 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  9. ↑ Leroux, Marcus (1 December 2012). "Private equity gets extra time to ponder the beauty of Theo Fennell". The Times . Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "Video news and features". British Vogue.
  11. ↑ "The Original Design Partnership". Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Butler, Rebecca (22 February 2023). "Central St Martins graduate gets once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".
  13. 1 2 Chesters, Laura (16 December 2011). "Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell". The Independent. London. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  14. ↑ Kim, Leena (17 June 2022). "This Is Theo Fennell's Year". Town & Country. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  15. ↑ "The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards 2021" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "Find a Craftsman". Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  17. ↑ "Ambassadors". Craft and Design Council. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Getting to Know: Theo Fennell". Roseberys London. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
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