Thomas Bliven
Model Art
Jewellery maker
Queens, NY, USA
Recommended by American Craft Council
Metal on the runway
- Thomas creates modern metal jewellery and accessories
- His work is seen on red carpets and runways
- He specialises in polishing, mould making and casting processes
Thomas Bliven is a metalsmith and jewellery maker based in the Long Island City neighbourhood of New York City. He creates one-of-a-kind metal accessories for leading fashion designers and global runway presentations. Since 2012, Thomas has created handcrafted pieces worn at events such as New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala and the Academy Awards, collaborating with labels including Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and The Row. "I work from concept to completion," he says. Beginning with research and vintage references, he develops designs through detailed drawings before crafting and refining each piece by hand. Thomas' work bridges sculpture and fashion, translating ideas into striking wearable forms.
INTERVIEW
I develop and engineer sample accessories and jewellery pieces for fashion companies. I work with clients on developing their designs into finished samples.
I begin with technical drawings, 3D renderings and 3D printing for model building. From there, I work with metal casting, metalworking, polishing, plating and assembly. I also apply specialised finishing work such as resin casting and leather working.
I enjoy working with jewellery bench tooling in creating my pieces, specifically focusing on polishing, mould making and casting processes.
A major turning point in my career was collaborating with high-fashion brands in NYC. This ultimately led to having my work on the runway and seen on red carpets.
