I always go by the saying 'life is too short to wear boring jewellery'!
In result, it's safe to say I have a lot of jewellery, but there are only a few pieces that I wear religiously everyday. One of them is my Great Frog snarling wolf head and the other is a ring by Dubini, who is one of my latest favourites and the reason I stumbled accross Layana London, the online destination for unique jewellery designers. After becoming rather obsessed with wanting to buy everything on the site, I thought it was about time I stalked the person behind scouting out all these incredible jewellery brands.
So here we are...
What
do you do and why do you love your job?
I am the founder of Layana London, an online jewellery specialist. The
aspiration for the company is to offer jewellery that is both distinctive and
beautiful and to present it in a simple and uncluttered surrounding.
The amazing thing about Layana London is that I get to work with
fantastically creative people, some of whom will be deservedly famous, and
provide our customers with pieces that are unique and beautiful. It is a great
feeling to see the customers putting the pictures of their new pieces on their
social media or writing back with thanks. Plus I get to wear a lot of jewellery
for work – what’s not to like?
Why
did you decide to start Layana London?
I started Layana London because of my love for jewellery and the creative talents who design it. I
tried my hand at designing as well, and completed a few courses including St
Martins College, but ultimately I decided to focus on the business side.
Where
do you find new talent?
It would be nice to say
that I just come across them while on exotic holidays, but it doesn’t really
work like that. I do a lot of research, visit endless local of galleries across
Europe (and sometimes beyond), and trawl both press and internet. But then some
of the designers came through personal recommendations and I get an increasing
amount of interesting leads, which is nice.
Who
are the emerging jewellery designers to watch at the moment?
In terms of up and coming designers I think Benedetta Dubini is a very
exciting talent. She creates unique pieces combining old with modern
elements. We stock her latest collection
featuring ancient Roman coins. It is beautifully crafted and there is something
humbling in wearing an item that was crafted literally thousands of years ago.
In terms of established designers I am a huge fan of Tomasz Donocik whom
I represent in the UK. I also adore jewellery by Shaun Leane although I did not
get the chance to work with him
– hopefully one day.
Where
do you shop and where do you eat in London?
Online shopping has always been my thing. I was an early fan of
Net-a-Porter and its male sibling/partner, Mr Porter. I also like
Matches and mytheresa.com.
At the same time, there is something unique and romantic about just coming
across a small boutique that has just the perfect pair of shoes or bracelet. My
most recent “discoveries” are Mooi in Kensington and Mouki Mou in Marylebone.
When it comes to food, London is such a great place for eating out! My
favourite neighbourhood places are Abel Lusa’s restaurants on Old Brompton Road.
I have been a happy customer for 12 years so I don’t really need the menu! Another
great place in the area is Il Trillo on Hollywood Road – Roberto and Fabrizio
Bartucelli have truly brought a bit of Tuscany to London with them. And they make great Negroni's!
How
would you define your particular style?
This may not go down very well, but I will take jeans over a cocktail
dress each and every time. There are obviously occasions when I need to dress
up, but normally nice shoes, a great bag and some beautiful jewellery will jazz
up any outfit. I guess plenty of people have said it before, but thank you,
Kate Moss, for blazing the way!
Five
items you can't live without?
My rings, a big dose of sunshine every year, sunglasses, ginger and
lemon tea in the morning. And a cheap and cheerful hairclip my friend got me in
Hong Kong – I still have it, 4 years on.
STALK THE STALKER ON
Nice shoes!! Wonderful xx
ReplyDeletewww.itslilylocket.blogspot.com
Lovely lady and nice interview! I haven't heard about this brand but I like her bracelet and rings!
ReplyDeletesunandsany
great outfit, loved your sandals!
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I have bought amazing jewelry from Layana. Their pieces are one of a kind. Monika has a knack for finding the most unique pieces from a plethora of unique designers. Definitely worth a purchase if you're looking for a statement piece, or for that everyday piece you can't live without!!
ReplyDeleteI have bought amazing jewelry from Layana. Their pieces are one of a kind. Monika has a knack for finding the most unique pieces from a plethora of unique designers. Definitely worth a purchase if you're looking for a statement piece, or for that everyday piece you can't live without!!
ReplyDeleteI like your fashion style. Your blog is really great and your posts are really great.
ReplyDeleteI like your fashion style. Your blog is really great and your posts are really great.
ReplyDelete