About W&R
Wear and Resist was started by me, Sarah Day, in early 2017.
Having grown up in both the US and UK, the political events of 2016 affected me strongly. I wanted to find a way to channel my frustration and rage into a creative endeavour that would raise money for charities working to promote women’s equality and protect women’s rights, which I saw being eroded by Trump’s policies and the growing right-wing movement in the UK.
I have always had a love of eye-catching jewellery, but all of a sudden I felt the need to wear something around my neck that made a real statement; something that would speak to other women. Inspired by the jewellery worn by suffragists and suffragettes, I wanted to create pieces that would demonstrate an allegiance to this suddenly urgent feminist cause.
Eliza and I went on a very crowded bus to London.
I had my
first prototype small Resist necklace in my pocket and was already desperate to
get them made. The march and Eliza's passion for the cause removed any doubts I
had that I could 'do this thing'!
Resisting & persisting
The word Resist was
soon joined by Persist – in reference to the derogatory comments made about Elizabeth Warren – ‘Nevertheless she Persisted’ – that then became a feminist rallying cry.
The Irish Referendum
I made Repeal necklaces and raised money for ARC in the lead up to the Irish Referendum on
Abortion, and Feiminí was designed in collaboration with Irish Gaelic speakers
reflecting this growing feminist movement in Ireland.
Power in Collaboration with Mary Beard
I was asked to make jewellery to celebrate the release of both editions of Mary Beard's Women & Power.
Difficult Woman with Helen Lewis
To celebrate the hardback and then the paperback edition of Helen Lewis's book I made a Difficult Woman, and Difficult necklace.
Wear and Resist is still just us
Each item is designed, hand-made and sent out by me in my Oxfordshire studio. My daughter Eliza is my model and inspiration to keep going. She is also an expert chain maker!
You'll find me
... writing in my wonderful oak summerhouse built by my husband. (Any writers in search of a beautiful writing space get in touch!) My books have been longlisted for several major novel prizes. Having always had a deep interest in both writing and art, (I also has an MFA in painting and worked at Sotheby's auction house for many years) I have a passion for the aesthetic appeal of fonts, and the use of text in art.
My ideal art collection ...
(which I am constantly perfecting in my mind) would consist entirely of text-based works and would definitely include the neon piece below by Tracy Emin.
Solar powered! 🌞
Wear and Resist is now running on solar energy as we work towards making our home and workshop self-sustaining.
Let customers speak for us
I adore my new holly earrings - every time I need a boost I have a look at them twinkling away. They are so light and pretty.
Loving these irregularly shaped star earrings. They're positively perfect in every way.
As always an amazing necklace which looks fab in a great range or colours and metals. Also one of my favourite words.
Another awesome piece - I bought it with Halloween in mind but it’s going to get worn a lot! I have the red mirror thunderbolt earring which go beautifully with it too 🥰
I’m very happy with the necklace, it’s good quality and I’ve had a few compliments when wearing it already :)
