THIS SPRING, THE HIS & HERS TEAM HAS BEEN TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT CARTER GORE’S INTRICATELY DETAILED SUGAR SKULL COLLECTION, WHICH WE’RE EXPECTING TO SEE A LOT OF THIS FRIDAY AS WE CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO.
North West businessman, Gary Carter, made a name for himself as a talent within the interior design industry and as one of the founders of ChloBo, the brand that made stacking our jewellery a thing. This year, he’s been making waves across the North West after launching his own jewellery brand with an edge, Carter Gore, featuring a best-selling Sugar Skull collection.
Gary has created his Sugar Skull collection to appeal to all ages, with larger and smaller versions of the pieces, making them perfect for stylish parents or teenagers wanting to give their outfit an instant edge. In the lead-up to the Cinco De Mayo celebrations, Gary shared the inspiration behind the Sugar Skull range.
Your collection includes several iconic Sugar Skull pieces. How did the inspiration to embrace a Cinco De Mayo theme come about?
Sugar skulls are so iconic when it comes to tattoo culture. This was the inspiration behind my first pieces and will always remain a strong influence. The whole idea of celebrating life after death is just so super cool. With Cinco De Mayo being all about celebrating Mexican culture (and the Mexican army beating the French, of course) it’s great to see the sugar skull being celebrated as such an emblem of Mexican culture.
Carter Gore is synonymous with refined style with an edge. Do you enjoy the creative challenge of taking emblems like sugar skulls which are seen everywhere, especially at this time of year, and giving them a distinctive Carter Gore edge?
I enjoy the pure creative process the most, from the research through to holding the finished first sample in my hand. I always make these pieces myself, as it gives me a real feel for what I am creating and allows me to alter them as we go to get them right. I am a perfectionist and for me it’s all about being true to tattoo culture, while giving the piece that Carter Gore, edgy twist.
Are you looking forward to spotting people wearing your pieces during the Cinco De Mayo celebrations on 5th May?
It’s always amazing to see people enjoying my creations – that’s what it’s all about, but May 5th is very close to my heart and this year I will be out in the Far East so it will be interesting to see if the Mexican sugar skull culture has made an impact out there.
The intricate sugar skulls which have been worked into several of your pieces alongside hearts and crosses are amongst your best-sellers. Are there any plans to expand upon your Sugar Skull collection?
I actually have quite a lot of other sugar skull designs in the bag, but I don’t want Carter Gore to be purely known as sugar skull company. However I can say that the original inspiration was sugar skulls. There’s just something about them! At some stage I will be introducing more sugar skulls to the range – it’s just a matter of timing.
From skulls to tattoos to carnival culture, you’re never afraid to take a walk on the wild side to find your creative inspiration. Do you think Carter Gore customers are people who like their accessories to have a bit of edge?
Yes definitely. Our customers certainly have that little bit of edge and attitude as well!
If readers were looking for just one Cinco De Mayo themed piece to give as a gift, which piece would you recommend?
A classic sugar skull… We have two, one with heart eyes and one with flower eyes. They are both perfect. Personally I like the smaller 16″ choker length, with the heart eyes. For me, it was the first piece I designed and therefore iconically Carter Gore.
Can you give us any hints on what to expect from upcoming Carter Gore collections?
I am working on a new idea for a collection, due for launch early next year, and funnily enough I am going out to Bangkok next week on a research trip. All very exciting! All I can say is ‘think Buddha.’
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