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Interview: Sophie Thatcher Jewellery

Silver lining.

Sophie Thatcher is one up-and-coming jewellery designer we’ve got on 
our radar.

Launching her label earlier this year while undertaking a business and law degree, the Brisbanite balances solid silver with simple geometric shapes.

Think statement necklaces, stunning hoop earrings and fine silver rings, all made in Sophie’s studio. We had a chat to the designer about her journey, art and inspiration.

How did you first get into jewellery design? 

After studying business and law at uni for the past few years, I found I really needed a creative outlet. I wanted to try something new and had always wanted to give silversmithing a go. I looked into it, enrolled in a course and now here I am!

Have you always been creative or was this a new step for you?

I’ve always been creative. My grandmother is an artist and instilled in me a love of painting from a very early age. It was a natural progression for me to expand into the sculptural form of silversmithing – a combination of my loves of solid form, beautiful materials and self-adornment.

There are so many jewellery designers
out there, but many don’t actually study silversmithing or metal work. What was behind the decision to undertake formal training?

I think proper technique and having an understanding of how materials work is essential
in exploring the potential of metal and producing beautiful pieces. Having never tried silversmithing before, I believed doing a course and studying the art would be the best way to launch my passion.

Can you tell us about how your design process works?

I normally start by sketching a whole lot of potential designs and then experiment with the metal, manipulating it into new shapes and forms. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m trying to make and I end up creating something really cool!

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

Art, architecture, photography and people are the main inspirations behind my collections. At the moment I’m really loving French artist Frédéric Forest. His simple line drawings focus heavily on the human form and nature. His work is refined and minimal, but emotive at the same time. He is definitely one of the main influences behind my collection, Forme.

Speaking of Forme, what’s the story 
behind it?

With this collection, my aim was to create pieces that are contemporary and unique, but wearable
at the same time. Most of the designs draw on the circle – it’s amazing how such a basic shape can be so versatile and interesting. Its simplicity allows the silver to speak for itself. I think it’s a really nice combination.

Do you have a favourite piece or is it like picking between your children?

My favourite piece would have to be the Forme earrings (pictured). They were the first earrings I ever designed and I love the way they turned out. I’ve had lots of positive feedback about them from customers!

If you could see anyone wearing Sophie Thatcher jewellery, who would it be?

I would have to say Bella Hadid – I’m obsessed with her at the moment. A couple of pieces from Forme are inspired by her (the Bella earrings and the Bella bangle).

What do you hope the future holds for your label?

I’m really excited for the future. I have so many interesting ideas for my next collection, that will build on new shapes and forms. I’m looking forward to introducing gold and experimenting with new textures. 

View the label at sophiethatcher.com

This article was originally published in Fashion Journal 161. You can read it here.

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