What Inspires...

Its funny, I often get asked the question 'what inspires me?'.

As one would expect, my answer is often different at different times in my life. But really, the answer is anything and everything can potentially inspire me. When I feel like I'm ready to create a new range, I begin to open mself up to the detail of all things around. I might see a beautiful painting or photograph, or a lovely handmade scarf and it'll spark something in me that I wish to explore further.

Its important for my work that the pieces I create have a depth or story behind them. For example with my Shell range, I created pieces that incorporated the shapes of real shells I had collected on my travels through Central America at a time when I was choosing to become a jeweller. And also in my first range, I created pieces based on all these amazings carvings, symbols, motifs and wonderful local people I met as I travelled through Cambodia and Laos.

Most recently I became very inspired when walking along the streets of Paris, as one does. There is just so much to see and experience there. You see the women and the men dressed up so beautifully and with such style. The amazing architecture and historical sites, that make it hard not to be wowed by every building you pass. All the lovely food markets and boutique stores (whether they were selling macaroons or handbags, each item looked most desirable and absolute quality). And, I have to say it was refreshing to see so many boutique stores with all different designers and specialties, and not just the same thing over and over again.

Needless to say I'm in the process of designing my next new range, and of course, with a special Parisian theme in mind this time...so stay tuned!