Five Minutes With
What inspired you to become an accessories designer?
I am drawn to detail, and I felt that it covered the sliding scale between my fanatical mathematic self and my desire to push boundaries with details. I thought it was an amazing combination to do something creative and mathematical at university — to give an academic slant on an aesthetic.
What’s the inspiration behind your latest collection?
“Vay Kay” is all about the voyage. Think sexy, charming, opulent hotels on the Côte d’Azur, where glamour and relaxation connect. The “eXXXtension” series was in deference to continuing the holiday abandon. In an XXX kinda way.
What inspires your design aesthetic?
I grew up in a Scandinavian family with perfectly executed, creakingly aesthetic objects surrounding me. That hyperconsidered level of design — from the spoons we ate from to the rings on my grandmother’s fingers, had massive effect. That coupled with a deeply African childhood on the beaches of the remote Eastern Cape — textural, brave and wild.
What makes an accessory timeless?
Original, considered, wearable.
Favourite material to work with, and why?
Gold. It has a patina like no other metal. It is subtle yet rich, soft to the eye yet physically robust and works under the tools like solid liquid.
If you could design an accessory for anyone, who would it be and why?
A giant padparadscha ring for my partner Clive, because he is so “extra” and could get away with it.
An accessory you couldn’t live without?
My “obtuse” diamond ring. It has special meaning, has an abstract simplistic form and is so easy to wear.
A quote you live by?
Never take no from someone who isn’t authorised to say yes in the first place.
What is next for your brand?
We’re developing our fine jewellery and diamond collection at the moment — almost in reverence to some of our iconic designs previously only available in silver.