Juwel
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Juwel is an eclectic range of limited edition leather handbags, clothing and accessories, all meticulously handmade in my studio in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Originally trained at the London College of Fashion in clothing technology, I now find my passion in not just designing and making clothing but also in leather. My inspiration comes from my travels, whether it be overseas or here in Australia. I am like a magnet to colour which shines through in everything I design. My design process often begins with an idea floating in my head. Occasionally I’ll put this idea down on paper, but very often I will jump straight into the pattern making and move on from there. Detail is a top priority for me which is reflected very much so in the leather work, where my bags are highlighted with etchings and cut out designs, often complimented with stud work. You will find a variety of leathers being used in the collection including, kangaroo, cowhide and goatskin. All the clothing is made with natural fibres. |
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How long have you been making your bags?
I began making the handbags about eight years ago. At this point they were just fabric but over the years I have moved from only fabric to a fabric and leather combination and now currently just leather. The clothing is a more recent addition which began approximately two year ago. How did you get started? We used to live in a small town where I’d been designing and making jewellery and wanted to find a new creative outlet that didn’t cross over with anyone locally. Handbags were an area that no-one else was covering and also closely related to my original training in clothing technology, so that was how it all began. What is your greatest inspiration? Travelling. I feel it gives you a new perspective on the way you look at things. What is the greatest challenge to owning and operating your own business? Time management. I find it very hard to be disciplined with my time especially with so many distractions at home. Juggling work time with ‘mum’ time is never easy. What is the best thing about owning your own creative business? Being your own boss, creating whatever you are inspired to do and working from home. Seeing my designs out in the public, meeting like minded people along the way & just being able to do what I love for a living. |
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