Tell us the story behind you and your business. How did you become interested in design?
At a young age I started buying jewellery from charity shops and jumble sales and repurposing the beads and bits into new pieces. By fourteen I had my mind fixed on becoming a jewellery designer.
Where did you study and what was the most useful thing you learnt from / best things about your course?
I studied at Middlesex University on a course which sadly has closed. The course was fantastic because it had no limitations, you didn’t study jewellery in the traditional sense but were taught to experiment with materials, narratives and the concept of jewellery, craft and adornment. When I first graduated sometimes I felt like I had to excuse myself for not knowing how to set a diamond or working in gold, but in later years I realised that the true skill that my course taught me was to work broadly, to research thoroughly and to never pigeon hole myself.
What inspired you to start your business?
My graduation collection was picked up by a few people; fashion press and Galerie Marzee. It seemed that it had a life which was carrying on so it seemed only natural to keep rolling.
Give us an insight into your thought process to design your work – where does your inspiration come from?
I put my jewellery tools down about three years ago. I own and run a shop called Luna & Curious in East London and something had to give, which I felt at the time should be my jewellery.
With Luna & Curious, I work with my two business partners Kaoru Parry and Polly George to get products made in the UK. We currently have women’s and kids’ knitwear made in Scotland, ceramics in Stoke-On –Trent and womenswear in London. Our passion is to work with British manufacturers and designer/makers to get as much British product as possible in the shop.
Are there any techniques or materials being used by this year’s OYO’s you’re particularly interested in?
When I used to visit New Designers, I found the quantity of textiles across the whole show really overwhelming, but as I have worked on OYO I have really got to understand the textiles on display and am particularly taken with the print. Designers such as Charlotte Beevor (OYO15) and Sarah Fennell (OYO16) had such bold and vibrant stands, full of life and colour. I’m excited to be working this year with Katy Welsh, Abbey Costello, Bobenna Design, Joana Vanderpuije and Chloe & Annie for my boost of colour.
How do you see the role of design in responding to current social issues? Do you have any interesting examples?
How we consume life in general has become so visual, we can digest images in seconds and make decisions on whether we like what they are saying to us. In this world how can the creative arts not rule? I don’t feel that the arts need to respond to a social issue, I feel that they are the issue. Our arts are being side-lined out of school education, despite unlimited research stating that academic subjects which are taught creatively have better results. If we are not careful we won’t have the students studying at universities and showing at New Designers, becoming practitioners in an industry which has a voice on social and political issues. We will make the arts mute, so shout loudly now.
What piece of advice would you give to this year’s graduates?
I have learnt over the years that talent alone doesn’t always bring success. Establishing your creative business is really difficult, you have to be a jack-of-all-trades so partner up if you can’t do everything. It’s better to recognise what your limitations are rather than let them limit your business. My advice is to be a tortoise, slow and steady wins the race, do what you can really well and grow steadily. Be polite and be generous, these traits will encourage others to support you in your journey. It’s not a competition and you never know where things may lead, a little conversation at One Year On could lead to a big project years down the line.
What are you most looking forward to about New Designers 2017?
The Wednesday. I love walking in early on the Wednesday, when the show opens to judges and press. The chaos of the setup is gone, everything has been hoovered and all the designers are in their good clothes; eager, nervous, anticipating the days ahead and how this is the kick-start to their own businesses. Just a massive achievement.
