Super Fertile’s Hunger collection has a lot of flavor

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As I sit here during Passover, dismissing any oh-so-filling bread and beans in favor of unleavened, not-so-filling alternatives, I am reminded that there is hunger and then there is hunger. Jewelery designer Kali Arulpragasam hits on this point a bit more with her company, Super Fertile’s spring/summer 2009 Hunger collection.

The mostly African-themed beaded necklaces are made from wheat, chickpeas, corn, rice, beans and lentils that are encased in silver and plated with gold. Next, they’re sewn onto cotton and stainless steel mesh.

The pieces are meant to ‘highlight the priceless nature of essential foods taken for granted everyday in many parts of the developed world,’ according to the press release. Arulpragasam, who announced this line on World Food Day in October, also designed collections inspired by tourism and endangered species. Seven percent of the Hunger proceeds go to Oxfam, which works to end poverty.

The mission’s worthy and the necklaces are striking. But will they cause backaches? They’re not as heavy as they might appear; the one in the left photo is 210 grams (7.4 ounces) while the right necklace weights 607 grams (21.4 ounces). The Hunger Look Book lists each jewelry’s weight under ‘Total Food.’

So, um, is it OK to wear grains and legumes during Passover as long as you don’t eat them? C’mon. It’s a mitzvah.

Pieces run from $55 to $2,500 and are available at www.superfertile.com

-- Whitney Friedlander

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