Bee Aware with Alex Monroe + Alexander McQueen

A hot summer in the UK has been shocked many British people, and the wildlife has largely reacted to it too. Maybe it's because I've been outside more but I have been noticing lots more butterflies and bees. Bees are said to be on the decline in the UK due to disease, mites, poor beekeeping and a poor environment. Unfortunately this decline is very detrimental to us humans, as we rely on bees and other insects to ensure that plants, including fruit and vegetable vegetation are pollinated.

"One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination at a time when a crisis is threatening the world's honey bees." - British Beekeepers Association

Obviously the story is much deeper than my brief description and is actually quite serious so I'd like to pass you on to these lovely people at Friends of the Earth, who know much more about it than I do and will probably explain things a bit more clearly. I've signed their petition to David Cameron put in place an action plan to grow awareness and ultimately help to save the bees. If you'd like to read more about that and then sign up please click here. There is also a lot more information available on the internet, but hopefully that's a good place to start.

The fashion industry has recently been embracing bees as a motif for clothing, jewellery and accessories. My personal favourites being the Alexander McQueen Spring 13 collection and Alex Monroe's Bee necklace.

The McQueen collection is mostly sold out now, but here's the show regardless and keep an eye on ebay for any of the collection!

British jewellery designer, Alex Monroe has gained popularity through his flora and fauna themed
jewellery. Most notably the Bumblebee necklace shown left. I am also lusting after this beautiful Hummingbird Necklace.

Image by Liberty London

His popularity has mean that lots of 'dupes' have been springing up across the high street including these below. I've bee(n) a sucker for Bumblebees as on jewellery for a while and purchased a very cute necklace from Forever 21 a few years ago...unfortunately they no longer stock him but here he is along with some other bee options!