Art of survival: back to basics for Boyscouts
![The Boyscouts’ new collection includes, from left, Necklace Rivet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ecUtCBvXDUUqBYpKJrC7G-415-80.jpg)
Zelda Beauchampet, founder of fashion accessory label The Boyscouts, originally studied industrial design before turning to jewellery: ‘I liked the medium, the fact you can design things that you an wear on your skin,’ she says. The Dutch designer’s fascination with the original British Boy Scout movement informs the philosophy of her Netherlands-based brand.
The can-do, practical attitude espoused by Scouts – girls now being as much part of the movement as boys – is reflected in Beauchampet’s tendency towards fuss-free outlines and wearable, affordable pieces. ‘Scouts provide inspiration for the stories behind our collections because what they do presents practical questions: how do they develop survival skills or learn to use basic tools, for instance?’
From left, Earring Rivet, €150; and Earring Rivet Cuff €50.
Past Boyscouts ranges are inspired by the adventure process and outdoor activities we associate with the Scouts movement: glinting silver and black charcoal are used as if reflecting the remains of a campfire, for instance, while the jewels themselves double up as a kind of trophy or achievement badge.
Beauchampet’s new ‘Building Character’ line, comprised of bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces, draws on these inspirations, while always reflecting her own taste for simple forms and mixing the contemporary with the traditional. ‘I'm not the sort of designer or girl who likes decoration. Rather, I create pieces have a sense of urbanity mixed with adventure.’
Earring Trove €150; and Earring Garner €125.
‘Building Character’ is a progression from previous collections and considers the long-established ways that Scouts are taught varied methods of construction. ‘We have built a bridge between shapes we have already made to create new forms’. As such, the new pieces are focused on an interplay of lines cast in silver or gold plate.
All pieces are made in the studio by a small team working with fair-trade materials and local artisans. ‘They are not made by others but by us because we want them to be timeless. They are meant to last.’
From left, Bracelet Trove, €230; Ring Trove, €130; and Ring Trove, €130
INFORMATION
For more information, visit The Boyscouts website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
All smiles: How a grillz jewellery making class in London became an international hit
What started as a passion project quickly exploded in popularity. We get the story behind the grillz-making workshop at Cockpit London
By Elisa Anniss Published
-
Emerging jewellery designers to get to know
These independent, new and emerging jewellery designers and brands from New York to Paris are firmly on our radar
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal pieces
A host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a moment
We've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Eternity rings for the modern couple
Eternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edge
As the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collect
Today’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
CryptoPunks come to life on Tiffany & Co pendants
Tiffany & Co has partnered with blockchain infrastructure company Chain to create custom pendants and NFTiffs
By Hannah Silver Last updated