With a background in architecture and design, London based jewellery designer Dorota Todd utilises her experience and expertise to pursue her real passion in designing and making jewellery. Inspired by geometric forms and modern architecture, her newest collection Loop has a hint of elegant playfulness and fluid femininity that adds character to overall attire, wavy and swirly lines that has endless possibilities of adornment. My favourite collection has to be the Pearl collection, satisfying my current obsession with the merging of classic pearls with contemporary and minimalist designs, creating a sharp contrast between the two yet with strong compatibility. Adorning Dorota Todd jewellery ensures the wearer to feels confident, glamorous and empowered. Here I speak to Dorota about the transition from architecture to jewellery, the story behind her current collection and her future aspirations.
1. What inspired you to become a jewellery
designer? How does your previous background as an architect play into your
decision?
For me, it is all intertwined. I design jewellery
around the human body. It is the same as
designing space and structures around people and human interactions – I design
jewellery in a similar way. The scale, of course, has changed – and on this
level I have more freedom and total control over the product. I’ve always
enjoyed creating things with my hands, and I love the process of physically
working on a new piece to perfect it. I
find this calming and rewarding.
2. Your jewellery is inspired by geometric
forms, what is your personal story regarding this theme?
I grew up in an area surrounded by both industrial
architecture and stunning modernist buildings. Both beautiful and harsh at the
same time. I suspect these have been huge influences in my approach to design.
Yet again, my architectural background plays a big
part in the form of my jewellery. The geometric forms create a clean, simple
structure.
3. What is the inspiration behind your Loop and Pearl collections?
My latest collection – Loop
– was in part inspired by the Roman arch, which I later considerably
deconstructed. While it is still geometrical, I wanted this to be more fluid,
curvy – and feminine.
The Pearl pieces, meanwhile,
are showcasing the natural beauty of pearls with the least intrusion. These are
simple, quiet and strong at the same time.
But the truth is that I find
it hard to single out one source for my inspiration – it comes from everywhere.
4. Describe the creative and technical stages of making your jewellery pieces.
What is the hardest and most enjoyable part of the process?
When I want to capture a
thought or something I see, I start sketching. This is the most difficult part,
deciding on one idea.
From here, I take some metal
and play with it, constructing a piece that I will then keep trying on myself.
When I’m happy with this stage, I start refining the new design.
The moment I most enjoy is
when I look at the finished piece and think, “I cannot wait to wear it!”
5. What is your favourite jewellery piece/s at the moment from your collection.
What do you wear all the time?
My favourite rings are
Double Ring and Love Ring from the Pearl collection, which I like stacking
together. Earrings – Pearl Duo and Long Earrings from Loop.
These are the ones I wear
all the time.
For going out, I love the Loop
Gold Choker and Loop Gold Bangle.
6. If you're not making jewellery what do you do in your spare time?
Having two kids, keeps me
busy. Architecture and design, however, are real passions, so I spend as much
time as I can researching and visiting new buildings and exhibitions.
7. Social media is still relatively a new tool to
promote brand awareness in the jewellery industry. How do you utilise this
platform to your advantage? What is your favourite platform?
My favourite social media at
the moment are Instagram and Pinterest.
8. Describe the person wearing your collection.
They are open-minded,
adventurous, playful – and someone who cares about beautiful objects.
9. Is there a jewellery designer or influential public figure you look up to
the most?
I admire people who push
boundaries and fight for what they believe in, those who shake and shape the
world – social entrepreneurs and activists, such as Leila Janah, who has
developed non-profit businesses that use technology to give work to women and
young people living in poverty.
10. If there is a brand or a person you could
collaborate a new collection with who would it be and why?
Stella McCartney – I would love to collaborate with
her.
11. 5 words to describe your jewellery.
Elegant
Unique
Fun
Minimalistic
Architectural
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I have lots of ideas and
plans for Dorota Todd Jewellery. Gaining a bigger audience is key to progress,
and I’m in the process of expanding my stockists in the UK and overseas.