Irish jewellery to sparkle in Harrods
Cork-based PR guru Vikki Shorten, 32, has clinched a deal with exclusive London store Harrods to stock her exciting collection of VSL jewellery from next month.
Vikki launched the collection of about 40 pieces two years ago, and expanded into Beverly Hills last year.
It includes designer bracelets, cuffs, silver gloves, stack bracelets and earrings.
However, it is her striking Swarovski crystal-encrusted cuffs and gloves, which boast 200 distinctive crystals embedded individually in silver casings, which have attracted the attention of several A-list style trend-setters.
The cuffs and gloves were worn by Fergie from The Black Eyed Peas on her band’s most recent European tour, and by X-Factor judge Tulisa, who wore two bracelets, Wonder Woman-style, for the talent show’s semi-final before Christmas.
Pop stars Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, as well as millionaire hotel heiress Paris Hilton, have also been spotted wearing VSL jewellery.
Vikki, who comes from Mallow, Co Cork, said she was delighted after finally sealing the deal with Harrods last week.
“I’ve been in talks with Harrods since late last year and I got a call last Tuesday to go over for a meeting on Thursday.
“They’re changing Harrods during 2012 and 2013 and they thought the VSL brand would fit in with their new look.
“After just two years, this is really fantastic. Once the jewellery goes into Harrods, it will open the doors to other shops.
“Barneys in New York are also interested in stocking the collection.
“When I started the brand, high-end department stores were my focus, and I aimed to get the collection in within three to four years, but I’m delighted with this.”
She is now hoping to target other high-end outlets across Europe, and in the US, particularly in Miami, Florida.
“It is a really exciting time for VSL Jewelry and we have already been contacted by famous people who want to wear the jewellery on the red carpet and in music videos,” she said.
The cuffs and gloves sell from €650 and are available in Keane’s Jewellers and the Shoe Suite in Cork.
Vikki plans to open a pop-up shop in the Cork Airport Business Park from next Wednesday.
Raised in New York and Chicago, Vikki has always had a passion for style and fashion.
When she moved back to Ireland, she set up Power PR International, which now has offices in Dublin, Cork and London.
The firm represents clothing, footwear, top shelf beverage and luxury vehicle companies, and boutique hotels.
* www.vsljewelry.com
