Atlantica - 01.06.2002, Page 28

26 A T L A N T I C A
the bracelet a “re-evolution piece”.
EMBRACING FAITH
The concept behind ‘Embracing Faith’ jewellery is serious. The sil-
ver bracelet incorporates 20 different religious signs bound
together with a peace sign and a precious pin. The bracelet's inner
circle indicates the globe and follows the conceptual understand-
ing of meridians and time belts.
‘Embracing Faith’ jewellery stands as a symbol for the sentiment
that faith should not divide, but should instead unite. Yes, these
are lofty ideas that Brynja is tackling through her art, but she is not
naive and has no illusions of solving the world’s problems by
designing jewellery.
She asks rhetorically: “Do I think I can save the world?” Her
answer: “No. I see this as an art project, as a form of relief. It’s a
little gesture of faith and friendship.”
Brynja does believe that her jewellery brings a modicum of solace
to those that wear it, saying that people feel good when they put
it on, you can see the relief in their eyes.
The seriousness extends beyond the message of ‘Embracing
Faith’ jewellery. Brynja also donates portions of the proceeds to
various charities. Believing that everyone should do their part, no
matter how small, she spends countless hours doing different
charity work while also promoting her designs.
“People thought I was crazy to design such a bracelet. They told
me no one would wear it, especially since it might contain the
symbol of someone’s enemy.”
Bring on the celebrities. You know, the familiar cast of enlightened
socialites always willing to prove their devotion to ‘The Cause’,
whatever it might happen to be on that particular day. Currently,
‘Embracing Faith’ jewellery is circling the wrists of such notables
as Janet Jackson, Annie Lennox and Dave Steward (as goes one,
so goes the other), and Victoria Beckham – aka Posh from every-
one’s favourite band the Spice Girls. Heck, a recent photo of
Victoria’s famous footballer husband, David Beckham, revealed
that he too wears ‘Embracing Faith’ jewellery.
His and her jewellery to help bring about world peace. Rock on.
Perhaps the Dalai Lama might be calling on Brynja soon.
Jokes aside, the international community is taking Brynja seri-
ously. She’s received praise from the Manhattan art critic
Dominique Nahas; she’s been acknowledged by Amnesty
International, just one of many charity groups that Brynja has con-
tributed to; and Neiman Marcus, one of the premier luxury retail-
ers, has decided to carry and promote Brynja’s ‘Embracing Faith’
jewellery.
“At first there was a lot of hesitation over the design. Some peo-
ple objected to having the different symbols on the bracelet, oth-
ers objected because it is unisex. But today the most common
response I get from people is: ‘We need this now. We are ready
for it.’”
Heck, even the most cynical among us can admit that the world is
in dire need of a bit of world peace. And why shouldn’t jewellery
make both a fashion statement and a political statement? Will
wearing an amulet bracelet with a bunch of different religious
symbols cause the peoples of the globe to join hands and sing,
‘We are the World’? Not exactly. But, as John Lennon and Yoko
Ono once sang while sitting on their bed: “All we are saying, is
give peace a chance.”
Edward Weinman is a staff writer.
‘EMBRACING FAITH’ JEWELLERY IS AVAILABLE AT THE LEONARD STORE AT KEFLAVÍK
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOG ON TO WWW.BRYNJA.COM
airmail
... a recent photo of Victoria’s famous
footballer husband, David Beckham,
revealed that he too wears
‘Embracing Faith’ jewellery.
“Victoria called me about his stuff and
David called me about her stuff,”
Brynja says.
“ I SEE THIS AS AN ART PROJECT, AS A FORM OF RELIEF. IT’S A LITTLE GESTURE OF FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP.”
PHOTOS ARI MAGG
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