I’d like to introduce you to someone who I think is pretty cool.

Alister Yiap has made quite a splash on the fashion scene since he graduated from Curtin University’s Jewellery Design Course just last year.

His work first caught my eye when I saw a photo of his wearable art, I thought it was very cool. Then, when I was invited to be backstage at the Graduation Fashion Show, I saw his full collection and I was completely blown away!

I was not the only one who was struck by his impressive talent! He’s gained a tidy list of awards, media attention and he was recently named as one of the Emerging Designers at STYLEAID 2008 – one of Perth’s most important annual fashion events.

I had the chance to meet up with Alister, chat over a mug of hot chocolate, and discover that he was even more talented than I suspected.

And he was great to talk to! Lively, confident, intelligent and passionate about his work. He was very modest and very kind. His mix of dedication, professionalism and vision is clearly reflected in the quality of his designs and the styling of his brand.

Jewellery is his main focus at the moment, and the pieces he produces are gorgeous, dark, edgy, confident and sexy. And they encompass the same mood and tone as his “Runway Couture” designs.

Alister’s jewellery come in two categories. The first is his “Fine Jewellery”, highly sought after one-off creations. These are hand-crafted by Alister himself, and there are presently only two pieces left!

The other is his “Malachi Alister Yiap” collection of limited-edition jewellery.

I really like this range. Which is why I’m a proud owner of these Ivira earrings. I love their dark, elegant, sexy mood. I love the black diamond touches and the solid silver. And I love the fact it’s a “limited edition” piece.

I found a mirror and I made Alister “Do The Karen Cheng” with me. He was such a darling.

I was actually trying to capture the whole “dark, elegant and moody” thing, and have some photos that were a bit more sophisticated – especially since we both turned up to the meeting in matching fur-lined jackets.

But when the time came, we spent most of the time laughing ourselves into a blur of pixels.

Thanks Alister, it was wonderful to meet you!

Alister Yiap’s Website – Malachi Alsiter Yiap Collection, Fine Jewellery Collection, Runway Couture.

You can browse and buy his Malachi Alister Yiap range at Shopmoose.

Alister’s Fine Jewellery are exclusively sold online at the Katherine Kalaf Gallery.