Here at Squidge we love hearing about new, exciting things, particularly when those new, exciting things are designers or artists. So it was great when the lovely Samantha from Eliza Clare got in touch with us, to tell us about their label. Eliza Clare creates some of the most weird and wonderful accessories I have encountered, from sculptural jewelry to take-away themed bags, all these items are hand made and exquisitely finished. So we decided to ask them about the world of accessory design and get some insights what makes the brand tick…

Squidge Magazine: What was it that first made you guys strike out, and start making your own line of accessories?

Eliza Clare: We really wanted to create something that was completely different to what was available! We wanted to make accessories that we loved and be able to fulfill our creative urges

SM: Your newest collection is described as ‘tapestry bead sculpture’ what exactly does that mean?

EC: A lot of our work is sculptural in the way it is formed or in the way we put it together. Our new Adornus jewelry line is created from cubes of tapestry and our overall aim was to create “sculptured” pieces of statement jewelry.

SM: Who do you think would want to buy your collection?

EC: Our own research shows us that our products are bought by every “kind” of customer. Female; Male; Old; Young; Conservative; Eccentric; Romantic; Bold. The list is incredibly varied – I think this is because we actually appeal to a wide range of tastes and that most customers can find something within our collections that is “them”. So I guess the answer is everyone

SM: Was it hard to get started, any tips to aspiring designers?

EC: It wasn’t so difficult to get started – a lot of the startup stuff can be achieved on a wing and a prayer! I think that it is hard to keep going and not to get disheartened sometimes – it takes a really long time to build up a presence in the market and  to create a “name” for yourself. It takes a while to be able to earn money from the business too! My advice to aspiring designers is – Just Do It! You don’t have to start big; nor do you have to start with a bang – just get started . Think outside the box and work hard. Trust your designs; trust yourself.

SM: The bags all seem to have their own theme, where do you get your ideas?

EC: Our ideas really come straight from our imaginations! We are inspired daily by the world around us – and we are never short of new design ideas!

SM: How long does it take to make a bag from concept to completion?

EC: Some of the bags may take 80-100 hours from concept to completion – others 40 or 50 hours. They all differ greatly. A lot of how long a bag takes to create is based on how difficult it is to construct and how much “work” there is involved, such as embroidery and beading.

SM: Which person (real or fictional) would you most like or have carrying/wearing Eliza Clare accessories?

EC: An Aussie actor – Cate Blanchett: Nicole Kidman; Naomi Watts – someone with STYLE (or at least a good stylist ) who could put our accessories on the Red Carpet and in the world fashion spotlight! Other than that – everyone!

SM: What designers do you look to, any particular favourites?

EC: We really love OTT designers! Marni, Jamin Puech – there are so many. Our inspiration comes from within, but we love to see what others are creating.

SM: What words would you use to sum up what the eliza clare brand is?

EC: Bijoux. Beautiful. Heirloom. One of a Kind. Timeless. Art. Divine. Personal.

SM: Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

EC: Do I have to choose!? Ummm, Bramble, Bouquet, Bolster?!? Too hard!

Thanks again to Samantha at Eliza Clare for answering our questions! You can find the full collection of accessories on the Eliza Clare website, so get over there and spend some pennies!