Below I added just a some of my favourite pieces from Zoe's collection. Sometime ago I asked her to answer some questions for me so that we could know more about her as a designer and her collection. I always love to share designers that don't get enough attention for their creativity and talent.
Interview with Zoe Duthie:
Q1. What made you want to pursue a career in jewellery design?
My career in jewellery design was almost unplanned! When I applied to Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee I wanted to become an artist or illustrator but during my first year I broadened my horizons and opted to explore jewellery design during a two week 'taster block.' I really loved it and from there I decided to specialise in the subject for the remainder of my studies. When I graduated in 2009 I began to receive interest from customers and stockists who had seen my degree show work and from there I decided there was a market for my designs and I took the plunge into setting up my jewellery career.
Q2. Where do you see yourself as a designer in the future?
I find this a difficult question as it is one which I ask myself a lot and to be honest I’m still not entirely sure! The majority of my work comes from uniquely personalized commissions and so I feel that this is an area I can really see growing and becoming what I am known for. So I would say I see myself with a strong reputation for high quality, contemporary personalized jewellery in the future.
Q3. What inspired your latest collection?
For the most recent collection I was influenced by the glamour of vintage/antique jewellery. I wanted to tap into that but in my own, modern style. My ‘pearl scroll ring’ was the first piece I created for the collection and it almost set the style for the remainder of the designs.
Q4. What did you want accomplish with your current collection?
I had been making jewellery using photos and vintage postcards for a while and so with this new collection I wanted to create something new and exciting to offer to my customers and hopefully catch the attention of a new audience at the same time.
Q5. Which boutiques are selling in and which boutique do you wish to sell in?
At the moment I only have one stockist which is ’Brazen Studios’ in Glasgow, along with a collection in my own shop in Forfar. I had a little shake up of my stockists at the beginning of this year and had old work returned to me so I can restock and change things about. My shop in Forfar has been keeping me busy but I do have plans to start stocking more boutiques in the very near future — mainly ‘Black Box’ in Edinburgh as well as a few others within the UK.
Q6. What modern day designers do you look up to?
I have a list of designers whose work I am constantly amazed by — Grianne Morton, Bettina Speckner, Polly Wales, Zoe Arnold and Jessica de Lotz are the ones who instantly spring to mind.
Q7. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a number of commissions for private customers — including a really special white gold engagement ring for a proposal next month! I love working on jobs like this — they are definitely more nerve wracking but also more rewarding and enjoyable than any other commission I get asked to do.
Q8. What was the first thing you ever designed?
Our first project as jewellery students was to make a silver ring. My ring was a big chunky silver ring with copper details on it — it’s funny thinking about it now and how far my work has come since then!
Q9. How would you define the style your work exemplifies?
I would define the style as vintage but with a contemporary twist and a few quirky touches along the way!
Q10. How would you define your personal style?
I love a timeless look — quite simple and laid back but with little elements which make a statement. There is a shop in my hometown of Forfar called ‘Gladrags’ which specialises in vintage clothing and I love popping in there to pick up bits and pieces. I would love to look super polished and groomed all the time but in truth I’m a little lazy so I make more of an effort for special occassions or nights out!
Q11. Are you going to be part of any exhibitions or projects in the near future that we should know about?
I will be taking part in a pop up shopping event in St Andrews this November called ‘Treat’ organized by Fife Contemporary Arts & Crafts and Craft Scotland. I am really pleased to have been selected for this event as it is a totally new outlet and area for displaying my work. Fingers crossed that the Christmas shoppers will be looking for something a little be different this year!
Zoe Duthie's website — www.zoeduthie.com
Photographer: Angie Bell — www.frillyfocal.com