Newsflash: Lea Stein’s First 2008 Design is Out!

I really wish there was some kind of official Lea Stein website or mailing list, so that I could be up to date with the new designs all the time. Then again, this lack of marketing and slickness is one of the most charming things about this designer – there’s no fanfare, no announcement, no hype – you’re just idling away one day on eBay, and then bam! You realise that a new design is on the market.

And I’m already a big fan of the latest addition to the Lea Stein stable. It features…

…a fire breathing dragon!

He’s hot (pardon the pun). I don’t know whether he’s got a name, but I’ve seen him in black body/white details, black/red, red/black white/black and gold/black. The only stockist I’ve seen so far is Cattew, but I’m sure Decogirl et al won’t be far behind.

As you’d expect, this fiery fellow is fetching some impressive monies; AU$108 seems to be the going rate, and bidding is only just beginning.

In terms of design, he’s one of those rounder, more flowing types, like the horse head (rather than one of the more angular designs, like the penguin or deco cat). His layered tail is reminiscent of the famous fox.

Something else really interesting is that he has an expressive, seemingly painted eye. Most Stein brooches seem to feature dots or blank almond shapes for eyes (or no eyes at all), so in that respect the dragon is something of a departure.

But trust me, he’s rad and he’ll be snapped up (what is it with me and the puns today?) I’m pretty sure Cattew only posted their stock yesterday.

Go check it out – you can see the new Lea Stein dragon brooch here.

Does anyone have the inside scoop on what the second 2008 design will be? Or whether there’s some kind of Stein mailing list you can get yourself on? Would love to know!