Q: Tell us a little about your background - what did you study and what path led you to designing jewellery?

A: I have a bachelor's degree in graphic design but was never interested in practising it. I ran my own clothing label for a couple of years and have always had an interest in fashion. Jewellery came about as a happy medium where I could create objects to wear with none of the constraints and difficulties that apply to clothing.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style? How has this style developed over time?

A: Originality is a key motivation for me. I try to create pieces that are something more than a pendant on a chain. Everything is handcrafted by me and I would find it hard to do it any other way. I love working with fabrics and tactile materials such as rope, and my obsession with macramé has directed my label in an unplanned but exciting way. The way I design is a very organic process - I sit down at my desk and see what happens!

Q:How did the craft and macramé influence in your design come about?

A: I thought macramé was a beautiful technique that had perhaps got an unfashionable name during the 70s. I wanted to bring it into the present day using more contemporary design and materials. I had macramé books from the 70s and taught myself and discovered that I totally loved it and it clicked with my design sensibilities.

Q: Where do you mainly draw inspiration from? How do you keep your designs always fresh and exciting?

A: As I'm not trained in goldsmithing or silversmithing, I have to look at alternative ways of making jewellery. I'm interested in using fabrics and rope, more tactile materials, and I have a lot of old craft books that provide inspiration. I am constantly shopping in second-hand stores and collecting objects which can spark ideas. I also get bored easily with what I'm making, so I always have the urge to move forward and make new things.

Q: Which designers, artists or creative people do you look up to or are you inspired by?

A: I don't really follow fashion to be honest. I look through magazines occasionally but I find they are distracting; however, they are good sometimes for a flash of inspiration. I only watch what other local labels are doing to maintain originality. I have friends here in Melbourne who have fashion labels and run boutiques, and I'm always inspired by them.

Q:Other than playing with knots, what are your hobbies?

A: I love cooking and gardening, which sound very domestic, but I find that they are great creative outlets. I also love road trips and hanging out with my dog, Scout.

Q: Which are your own best and favourite designs so far, and why?

A: I'm really enjoying the rosette rope necklace which is part of my new range. It is an old traditional seaman's knot. I have turned it into a fascinator (headpiece), which also looks quite striking.

Q: What is the price range of your products?

A: My jewellery ranges from AUD30 to AUD150 (US$24.31 to US$121.53).

Q: What are your brand's major sales channels and who are your target customers?

A: My sales channels are retail boutiques in Australia and New Zealand. The shops are mainly young designers' stores and this is where I think my market lies. For example, in Melbourne my jewellery was stocked at the accessories store Order and Progress in the past.

Q: What plans do you have to expand your business? Are you going to expand your reach to the Asian market this year?

A: Since my brand is so young, I'm really focusing on expanding my retail outlets. I want to sell internationally and this year I will be attempting to do this.

Q: Can you tell us about your latest collection? What are the key themes and key designs?

A: My latest collection is called MonosChroma. All designs are made from rope and the colour palette is black and white. I'm using industrial ropes with chunkier designs and have moved away from pure macramé, incorporating other techniques such as wrapping.

Source: Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Review