Bangles of Art
By Romina Tobias

Oscar Wilde once said, “One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art." In this case, wear art on the wrist. With Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads, bangles have become synonymous with accessories that are undoubtedly comparable to art pieces.

Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads nicknamed as BBB, started in 2005 as a partnership between friends namely, Venny Santos, Paoling Yiu and  Joyce Tan. Venny, whose passion in life is to paint, used to work for an art gallery where he tinkered with beads and Swarovski crystals to create gifts for his girlfriend. Venny then looked for other materials to work with. He discovered wooden bangles and with cool fabric patterns as his inspiration, alongside his accessory-enthusiasts Pao and Joyce, they came up with these specially crafted  bangles that are essentially works of art –unique and one of a kind. Since then Venny has been in charge of production and design while Pao and Joyce handle marketing and finance of this growing business.

Unlike the usual plain wooden bangles we see in  the market, Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads makes use of such materials as blank canvases to be painted on and creating masterpieces out of them. With designs such as cutesy swirls and ethnic prints, dainty flowers to custom-made Superman bangles, there is a BBB bangle to suit anyone’s taste.

This artsy venture had its humble beginnings by just selling to friends and occupying bazaar booths around the metro during the holiday season. As the demand for their bangles increased, they then proceeded to find a web host conveniently structured for online selling. To date,  Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads have officially become an online fashion accessory shop recognized by popular fashion blogs such as Flair in the city, popular magazines such as Chalk and Candy, and even lifestyle programs such as Unang Hirit and The Sweet life.

Their loyal following can also attest to fact that these fashionable accessories not only spice up their wardrobe but create effective conversation pieces. The packaging alone speaks for itself.  A purchased bangle is wrapped in colorful Japanese paper that is nestled inside a Buri Box –something every fashionista would love to receive. And while wearing it, one should be prepared for endless complements.

BBB is now expanding their line to include hand painted earrings, pendants, necklaces, shoes and bags to suit the needs of accessory-crazed fashionistas. Now moms, tweens, and foreigners alike will never run out of wearable art.

Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads has indeed turned fashion ensembles into galleries of art –showcasing unique artistry that adds that essential personal touch to what could have been just an ordinary piece of wood. BBB definitely remains to be in the forefront of the inescapable synergy between fashion and art.