Accessory lovers rejoice—the Houston Museum of Natural Science is proud to be the only store in the state of Texas to carry the distinctive East London accessory line MAWI (pronounced as “moy”) by Mawi Keivom.
Keivom, who was born to diplomat parents in Manipur (a state in northeastern India), studied fashion design in Auckland, New Zealand, and worked for NYC-based fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, prior to starting her eponymous UK-based accessories label in 2002, with husband and business partner Tim Awan.
Keivom previously collaborated with Disney Couture and Swarovski in creating one-of-a-kind costume jewelry and her pieces have adorned celebrities from Rihanna to Deepika Padukone. She recently made her debut for Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai this past March with her “Indian Odyssey” collection (a take on the 1968 science-fiction film “2001: A Space Odyssey”), where her accessories were paired alongside garments designed by Indian fashion designer Gaurav Gupta—an excellent collaboration as both designers are about cutting-edge and experimental aesthetics.
Her accessory designs are often a cauldron of various subcultures, textures, and elements that infuse punk and industrial with old-world luxury glamour. Keivom finds it far more rewarding to see a person on the street donning her pieces over A-list stars and celebrity or brand endorsements. She also believes that “you can get more creative and quirky with accessories,” even if you work in a corporate setting.
Here are a few fun-loving, luxurious MAWI accessories that you can purchase at the Houston Museum of Natural Science:
For the traditionally glamorous femme, who hasn’t made the commitment to pierce her ears: Mawi London Crystal Gem Clip Earrings ($295) – Hematite plated and set in Swarovski and mixed crystals.
For the regal, edgy femme: Mawi London Spike Crystal Earrings ($465) – elegantly plated in rose gold for a vintage-chic appeal, features an edgy suspended spike, and set in Swarovski and mixed crystals.
For the style-conscious minimalist: Mawi London Crystal Spike Studs ($180)
For the femme fatale who mixes glamour with danger: Mawi London Razor Crystal Ring ($295) – the delicately decadent and simultaneously controversial rose-gold plated razor blade ring features a single emerald solitaire Swarovski crystal.
For the modern sophisticate: Mawi London Ladder Chain Crystal Choker ($665) – this divine ladder chain choker is plated in rose gold and features a ruby crystal center, set in Swarovski and mixed crystals. 13.25″ length.
For the glittering party girl: Mawi London Glitter Bug Clutch ($560) – this glitter-encrusted clutch replete with crystals, perspex spikes, and metal adornments is sure to make you the toast of the party. Measures 10.5″ x 7.5″.
For the cosmopolitan, daytime chic affair: Mawi London Leopard Clutch ($795) – this leopard-print leather clutch with crystals, perspex spikes, and metal adornments can easily transition from day to evening. Measures 10.5″ x 7.5″.
The accessories price ranges from $180 to $1,700.
Apart from Texas, MAWI is carried nationally in Barneys and Opening Ceremony. Occasionally, you will find the brand on the members-only, NYC-based sample sale website Gilt Groupe.
