I shot the Spring/Summer 2009 jewelry campaign for Ombre Claire with friend and photographer, Seth Karecha. Aside from getting attacked by monster mosquitoes, it was a pretty successful shoot and something I think Aude really enjoyed.
Aude Durou, the Parisian designer behind the bijoux accessoires, Ombre Claire, was awarded 2nd place prize at the Ethical Fashion Show 2007 in Paris. Aude lives-works with the West African peoples of Niger, who have a strong history of carving beautiful silver accessories which they adorn on their heads and bodies. Aude grew up as a young girl in the deserts of Niger, traveling on the heels of her landscape photographer-father. She spent most of her time with the Tuareg peoples, a pastoralist nomadic tribe, which call themselves, Kel Tamasheq (“Speakers of Tamasheq”). Through her love for the Tuareg peoples, their high quality craftmanship, and her commercial savvy, she has created the Ombre Claire fair trade jewelry line. Ombre Claire employs 50 artisans, with the meticulous creation of the jewlery line as their sole source of income. Check out the beautiful, delicate pieces and the rich history behind the silver talismans.
Tags: africa, Aude Durou, Niger, Nigerian jewelry, Ombre Claire, Parisian jewelry, Summer Rayne, Summer Rayne Oakes