By Natalie Thysse
Edited by Imaan Moosa and Humairaa Mayet
Run by women, designed by women, for women, the PICHULIK brand amplifies women empowerment.
PICHULIK has been around for over a decade. Led by founder and creative director Katherine-Mary Pichulik, every jewellery piece designed is inspired by ancient traditions and cultures. Each piece is designed and woven together to represent the close relationship women have with jewellery and the long history of wearing jewellery.
From left: The women behind PICHULIK. Right, Founder and Creative Director, Katherine-Mary Pichulik. Photos: PICHULIK
When I wear jewellery, I’d like to know what I am wearing and what it means. ‘Is there a history behind it?’ is where the PICHULIK brand delivers, to give an overview of the pieces you’d like to purchase.
According to the International Gem Society, jewellery was worn as amulets to protect against bad luck and illness.
Each piece of material used tells a story, from the robe they used to create ‘Calypso’ earrings, to the jewellers brass on the ‘Cantadora’ earrings for metaphysical healing properties, to the titanium pins that will never corrode, tarnish, rust or irritate the most sensitive skin.
“The materials used in the designs are all sourced from the continent. Their iconic ropes are made by local crafters and beautiful stones gathered across Africa,” PICHULIK told The Insider SA.
It takes a great amount of time and attention to design and factor in the jewellery pieces.
This unbreakable trait reminds me of our capabilities as women. We are unbreakable and resistant to rust. Our long history of fighting a system that oppresses women shows how we are still fighting for equality.
PICHULIK accessories are made to last when taken good care of. What I absolutely appreciate about their online website is the YouTube guide on how to clean your jewellery. When purchasing a piece, it comes with an orange brass polish cloth to shine brass hoops and cast elements.
As women, we are often regarded as something we’re not and it’s up to us to accept stones being cast or wipe out those nasty comments and continue to shine bright.
This eponymous jewellery atelier is based in Cape Town – a city known for its fertility that drew colonists and oppressors. So where better to start a business and wear pieces that tell a historic story?
PICHULIK Atelier in Cape Town
Photo: @pichulik
It started out as a hobby and today it’s worn by who’s who. Named one of the top 10 African fashion brands to watch by Italian Vogue, PICHULIK told The Insider SA that she’s inspired by ceremony and initiation hence tracking the connections across the continents that bring us together.
Ever noticed how the wearing of jewellery evolves throughout different stages in our lives? It shows the connection we have and the feeling of empowerment when wearing it – not for anyone’s attention but for one’s own feeling of connectivity with the things around our necks, arms, in our ears, nose and other parts of our body.
When you feel empowered, you are yet to reach your full potential and that’s how I feel when I wear my Alpha earrings. E.E. Cummings was right when he said the following:
To me, it’s not about the pair of ‘Hélène’ earrings weighing 10 grams hanging from my ears but more about the aftermath. The absolute boldness and feeling of self-nurturing and ownership.
Hélène earrings from SS23 Algiers Collection.
Photo: @pichulik
PICHULIK is one for all ages. Their new spring/summer collection – SS23 Algiers Collection – is inspired by Katherine-Mary’s family history. If I had to describe this collection, I would say it’s honouring our deceased and current loved ones – an ode to our ancestors, an appreciation for loved ones.
Apart from identifying as a woman, our anatomical characteristics, PICHULIK, seems to be one of the things that connect us regardless of our hierarchy or skin tone.
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