Dennica Abdo is the talented owner of the Faraway Tree collection producing unique, handcrafted pieces. After gaining an incredibly successful following in the US, Dennica is back on home turf with another eye-catching collection.
She features a diverse mix of handmade jewellery, bags, bow ties and hair accessories, painstakingly made with semi-precious stones, denim, glass, leather, crystals, wood as well as much more. Current trends are incorporated into designs using a mixture of mediums.
Creating a niche for herself, Dennica presents The Denim Collection – uses a range of eco-friendly denims, combined with crystals, studs, chains, prints, leather etc to create statement bags, earrings, cuffs and much more. This collection really allows fashionistas to show off their own personal style and set their own trends!
I had a chat with Dennica to find out a bit more about her brand.
I first met you at HSFW Press Preview, what did you think of the event?
It was a good event, great for networking and I met so many other designers, bloggers, press and industry folks that were amazing connections.
How did you get involved with HSFW?
Stacey Bell had contacted me via Twitter to ask if I wanted to take part.
I was immediately drawn to your brand mainly because of the name The Faraway Tree Collection as I read the Enid Blyton books as a child. Why did you choose the name?
I grew up reading Enid Blyton books and had a collection to rival any library. I loved the concept of The Faraway Tree, a tree that took you to magical lands for adventures with charmed and mystical beings. I wanted my collection to capture that “Paparazzi Enchantment”, each piece to be a show stopping one of a kind head turner. My logo also represents all that is magical and enchanted.
What inspired you to start up the brand?
Creating has always been something I’ve done since young, making simple outfits, customizing items, upcyling old accessories and jewellery into new improved pieces to go with my outfits. I lived in the States for a while and dabbled in various creative projects including a printed tee-line. When I came back to London I started to take things more seriously when asked about items I would make for myself. I now feel like I’m racing to catch up with myself as I literally pulled out all my old ideas, brainstorm sessions and projects I’d had on a backburner and literally just threw everything out there.
How would you describe your clothes and accessories?
I would describe my collection in 2-parts:
Pop/Celeb Culture and Red Carpet inspired pieces: Customized must-have fashion fads with a reworked original twist at prices you can afford for the constantly changing tastes and moods of the fashion savvy female.
Unique Boutique: Pieces that don’t follow passing trends, original items that reflect the uniqueness of the customer as one size does not fit all. Also, creative pieces I produce based on inspiration from life, situations, scenarios, people’s stories and surroundings etc. as well as the desire to create something desirable and new.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yes, since a young age, I would always go out of my way to customize an outfit to make it original, or pull looks and pieces from different cultures and mish/match them with current trends. I have an arts and crafts background and love incorporating various techniques to create original pieces. I’m kind of a “if I like it, I like it” person.
Which designers inspire you?
Off the top of my head, Alexander McQueen for the drama and extravagance he would bring to the runway, Pam Hogg and Vivien Westwood for their anything goes, head turning fashion. I also love the creativity and mayhem of Betsey Johnson.
Which celebrity would you like to see wearing your designs?
Rita Ora, Kimora Lee Simmons, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, I could go on and on…
I read on your website about your re-invention service and I have not come across this brilliant idea before. Where did the concept come from? I can imagine it is very popular!
Yes, it is very popular; I used to “re-invent” all of my old items, so why not offer the service out? So many clients have old pieces of jewellery, odd beads, falling apart belts, bags etc. that could be whipped up into something new and unique. For example; drop off your old necklace and come back to a new pair of earrings and matching bracelet.
What’s next for The Faraway Tree Collection?
There is actually quite a few things in the pipeline for the line which I can’t discuss as of yet, but I can say a few things involve overseas ventures. We are also branching out in some exciting new projects that will not be bags or accessories 😉 so watch this space.
I can safely say that The Faraway Tree’s quirky pieces are hard to miss and are definitely not for the shy and retiring. If you want to stand out from the crowd then why not get online and have a browse….. www.thefarawaytreecollection.com or check out the facebook page at www.facebook.com/thefarawaytreecollectionfanpage
