Melbourne label Sacreflux creates jewellery inspired by goddesses and witches
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NADEEMY BETROS FOR SACREFLUX
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Treasures from the underground.”
Georgia Sacre’s experimental label, Sacreflux, pays homage to her nana’s collection of antique jewellery. After moving from New Zealand to Melbourne, it was the “boxes and boxes of beautiful chaos” that inspired Georgia to create her first collection of handmade rings, necklaces and stone-encrusted pearl earrings.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
Six years on from Sacreflux’s initial Fitzroy launch party, Georgia’s style of romantic, softly-shapen jewellery has become increasingly distinctive. Her recent folklore-inspired collection is a delicate “cacophony of light and dark”, a balance of organic metals and candy-coloured gemstones. Below, Georgia shares her journey in carving out her own creative space.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion/jewellery background?
View this post on Instagram
I grew up in New Zealand with my mum and sister. My sister was always the creative one in art and photography, so naturally, I pulled away from those areas. Although I loved clothes, I just couldn’t appreciate them yet. I grew up with a mum who had been in fashion for most of her life, working for designers like Galliano. She had (and still has) a very distinct style. She would always have a silk scarf tied in a bow in her hair; she wore cropped bodices and peasant-style skirts.
My nana had a keen eye for jewellery. She would go to estate auctions to buy and sell antique jewellery, so I felt like it was something I had in my blood. When I was young, I remember going over to my nana’s house and looking through boxes and boxes of beautiful chaos. I’d sort things out and then watch as she fixed and polished. After living in London and studying to be a chef, it wasn’t until I moved to Melbourne that I decided I wanted to make jewellery.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
View this post on Instagram
After doing a full-time six-week course at Melbourne Polytechnic, I started playing around with a basic first collection. I played with textures and shapes, just experimenting and having fun. I’d never done anything like that before and had no clue what to do. Once my first collection came together, I decided to host an official launch for Sacreflux.
I did a photoshoot, hired a space on Brunswick Street, got a florist to do an installation, hired DJs and set up a bar for the night. Sacreflux was launched with a bang. It was a huge celebration and some of us had sore heads the next day. I didn’t make any sales on the night, but I guess that was all part of it.
Instagram has been a huge part of my journey. Connecting with people, doing photoshoots and finding stores to stock in were all great fun. I feel like Instagram has changed a lot since then and it would be harder these days to start and build a new label.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
When I first started, I just wanted to have fun and learn about myself through creative healing and self-expression. I had no clue where it was going or what I wanted it to be. Every step seemed to happen organically and although I was trying hard and learning quickly, it felt effortless.
View this post on Instagram
Don’t get me wrong – I did spend a lot of time making jewellery, comparing myself to others and feeling stressed out by my fear of failure. I think things have evolved naturally. I’ve always been a romantic and into myths, folklore, goddesses and witches… that comes out in the jewellery I make. As long as I’m passionate about creating and love the work I make, I’ll continue to keep pushing myself.
How would you describe Sacreflux to someone who’s never seen it before?
I’d describe Sacreflux as a playful cacophony of light and dark. Rough textures mixed with lustrous, glossy and sparkly gemstones. My jewellery plays with recognisable icons (like angels and snakes) and natural forms. Sacreflux pieces are treasures from the underground.
Where did the name come from?
Sacre is my surname (a French word meaning ‘saint’ or ‘holy’) and flux is something that jewellers use while soldering. To me, flux is more the process of flowing. To be ‘in flux’ is to follow the tides, to be in constant change.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
View this post on Instagram
I’m most proud of the fact that I’m still here. I’m proud of how I’ve grown over the last six years. I’m so proud to have made lifelong friends through Sacreflux… I’ve worked with lovely humans and also created a healing space for me to meditate and work through personal trauma while creating and continuing to grow.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
It would’ve been great to have had more understanding of social media and marketing. Also, I would’ve loved more knowledge about running a business, GST and invoicing, and making lookbooks and style codes. But in saying that, there are so many ‘shoulds’ when it comes to running a business. If you wait for all your ducks to be in a row, you could be holding out forever. At the end of the day, I’m glad I launched it [when I did].
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
In some ways, the doors of Australian fashion are being forced open by young creatives, activists, people of colour and humans who are just passionate about being seen and making a difference. It feels like opportunities are opening up and people are realizing there’s room for everyone. I love seeing people push the boundaries.
What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?
View this post on Instagram
In the same breath, I do think there’s still plenty more change that needs to happen in terms of representation, particularly for Indigenous people in fashion. I’m hoping we’ll get there one day.
Dream Australian collaborators?
I just love working with all kinds of people! But in particular, I’d love to collab with Hello Sisi and make a super cute bag. Also my lovely friend Hilary Green – we often talk about collabing but life gets in the way.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
I love fashion! Lately, I’ve been wearing my Clothing the Gaps rugby jumper and my fave pants from Coreprêt. I’m also always wearing Be Right Back. And I’ve been drooling over Lucinda Babi!
How can we buy one of your pieces?
View this post on Instagram
You can find Sacreflux online at my website or DM me on Insta. You can also find Sacreflux IRL at these stores around Australia: Commune Gallery, Sucker, So Familia and Twenty Seven. Oh, and there’s Bizarre Bazaar in the motherland (New Zealand).
Anything else to add?
Support small businesses, and buy local where possible.
Shop the Sacreflux collection here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
