F7 Jewellery: Katie Rowland: New Jewellery Designer of the Year Interview

Katie is currently exhibiting at Summerset house during London Fashion Week showing her new collection “Salome” which is both influential and sexy, inspired by the book of the same name by Oscar Wilde, and the women, the Daughter of Herodias, an icon of dangerous female seductiveness.

After being awarded UK New Jewellery Designer of the Year, and the launch of her new collection, she looks set to take over the world.

We conducted a short interview about her, her work and the year so far.

Congratulations on winning New Designer of the year, how does it feel to be held in such high esteem?

It’s fantastic to be named UK New Jewellery Designer of the Year and to be recognised for the hard work this past year. It was completely unexpected and I was so surprised at being called at the ceremony. I was actually busy chatting to the people on my table when my name was called out. I didn’t even realise! My neighbour had to tap me on the shoulder and tell me that I’d just won, and that I was being called up to the stage!

What’s been your favourite piece or collection so far?

My favourite piece is the smoky quartz St. Tropez knuckleduster – it’s the piece I am most known for and I wear it all the time. It looks great with your day outfit, in fact it really gives a glamorous edge to any outfit.

How do you start your design process?

I am a bit of a voyeur and am often inspired by the people I see. I love being in Paris sitting drinking coffee, watching beautiful people pass by. I will sketch and write down my thoughts. Mostly, I am inspired by women in history and myth, such women feature heavily in my designs.

Have you ever come across someone wearing your jewellery who you didn’t know? If so, how did it feel?

Yes! It was weird, yet wonderful! There is nothing quite like seeing people wearing your jewellery.

What has been your highlight of the year so far?

Apart from being awarded UK New Jewellery Designer of the Year, my next biggest highlight is coming up – exhibiting my new SS12 collection ‘Salome’ at Somerset House for London Fashion Week. I am very excited at being involved in this seasons LFW and it is perfect to show the new collection. Salome is based on Wilde’s erotic version of the biblical tale, combined with Beardsley’s accompanying illustrations. Expect intricate designs, exquisite use of precious stones and metals, combined with dangerous female seductiveness.

Who is your biggest inspiration/hero?

Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld are two people who I most admire in the fashion world. I would love to be like Lagerfeld – minus the sunnies – he is simply amazing.

If you only had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ha! I like my food, so this is a tricky one! I’m a pretty healthy eater usually and I am a massive sea food fan. Although this week I have been munching non-stop on wasabi peas. They are quite addictive. However, if I could eat chocolate tart non stop with no consequences – well I would!