About the Designer

The Tess Martin Collection sales fine jewlery pieces designed by Rodrigo Otazu, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Traveling the world as a model for Calvin Klein, Otazu got so inspired by the city of Sydney, that he created his first necklace with a handful of pearls. This piece was featured in the Australian Vogue, and a star was born.

Inspired by the spectacular talents of Ungaro, Ozbek and Lacroix, Rodrigo traveled to Europe and settled in Amsterdam where he opened his first studio. After a short time Otazu was commissioned by Mart Visser and Frans Molenaar and later Rifat Ozbek to design couture pieces for their shows.

Rodrigo's collections became an instant success with buyers and press. The glamour and dramatic appeal of Otazu's designs attracted support from celebrities including Kelis, Lauren Hill, Aretha Franklin, Destiny's Child, and Lil' Kim. In September 2002, Britney Spears commissioned Rodrigo to design pieces for her 'White Snake' performance at the MTV Awards. The Britney jewelry was so successful Spears requested many further pieces for her 2002 European tour.

Rapidly expanding the Otazu emporium, Rodrigo created the 'prêt à porter' range using his unique designs, which became market leaders in The Netherlands instantly. More and more countries worldwide are discovering the secret of his success; as a result the Otazu product lines are available in over 20 countries worldwide.

In the meantime other prestigious companies are also getting acquainted with the power of Rodrigo's talent. Gassan Diamonds, the well-known Diamond house in Amsterdam, approached Otazu to join forces; the combination of beautiful diamonds and the creative power of Otazu resulted in impressive and highly desirable pieces. As a highlight Rodrigo created a diamond especially for Kylie Minogue. Such success has led Rodrigo to develop already his 3rd exclusive diamond collection. At the beginning of 2005 a 'prêt à porter collection of diamonds and gold will be launched.

Also, the fashion industry is longing for typical Otazu designs; Rodrigo has created exclusive pieces for the esteemed designer Christian Lacroix' s 'Couture' line for the second year running. The cooperation has been so successful, that also in the near future Christian Lacroix will commission Rodrigo to illuminate the catwalks in Paris. The London catwalks, for that matter, are also no strangers to Rodrigo's designs. During London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter'04, the Clements Ribeiro show featured a sparkling array of Otazu fashionable jewelry.

Rodrigo's talent for design not only applies to jewelry, but his creative thoughts were also rewarded when he was given the 'best stand design' at the Bijorhca fair in Paris for the second year.

On a very short term line extensions will be introduced under the Otazu brand name. Later this year the first collection of shoes will be designed by Rodrigo. Apart from that Rodrigo will start working on total interior design and elite pieces for home living. The most recent highlight in Rodrigo's creative drive is to start designing an exclusive range of extraordinary sunglasses.

Despite all Rodrigo's achievements, he is still looking for new challenges. Through his unique autograph, Otazu remains one-step ahead, he describes his concept "Why my jewelry is special? Because they are 'me'. Emotion is the power of my creations that's why my jewelry is a success: they are pure."