SOCIAL

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Feed Email

Aligned | Balanced | Ola Jewelry Interview

Monday, 5 October 2015



3D printing is still a relatively new phenomena in the jewellery world, coming into mainstream prominence only a year ago and currently changing the future of jewellery design. Ina Suffeleers of OLA Jewelry became fascinated with this innovative technology whilst having a passion for creating jewellery, and OLA is a combination of both; 3D printing and design. 

Upon discovering OLA Jewelry it threw me into a eye-wide geometric stupor haze. The Balanced and Aligned collection stands for everything I seek for in jewellery design; geometric, minimalist, contemporary and conceptual, you could stay it ticks all the right boxes for me. It also helps that the Aligned collection is inspired by the influential and visionary Bauhaus movement. 

Here I speak to Ina in more depth about her fascination with 3D printing, newest collection Aligned and the creation of her pieces.

1. What inspired you to become a jewellery designer? 

For as long as I can remember I have been creatively active; I’ve always loved making stuff. I knit my first sweater at the age of 10, loved crocheting and more recently I made jewelry as a hobby. But I am not a (jewelry) designer by education so I was never able to make my own designs. I created pieces with different, existing supplies that I found on the market. I worked in the technology industry and had always been following innovative new technologies so when I heard about 3d printing I was amazed at what the technology could do and realized this technology would allow me to design and create my own jewelry collections. The first OLA collection was launched at the end of 2013. A whole new world opened up for me and I started my second professional career which has in the meantime become my full time job.


2. Ola Jewelry is a combination of 3D printing and design. What fascinates you about this innovative technology? How do you implement it with design? 


Every day I am still blown away by the technology and its opportunities. And it evolves so quickly! The materials, the print process, the possibilities… When I designed my first collection, I focused on the technical aspect of how the technology could be used to create jewelry and especially what would be possible in printing which wouldn’t be by the traditional way of jewelry making. After that the collections evolved and I really focused more on the design rather than the production aspect.




3. What is the inspiration behind your new Aligned Collection?


I like rounded and especially oval shapes and the two previous collections were dominated by these. The Aligned Collection is inspired by Bauhaus design which I am a huge fan of. The lines are minimal and pure, even more so than the previous collections. The Aligned Collection is again available in nylon (black and blue) and steel (gold- and silver plated). All jewelry pieces -in both materials- are printed directly. I love the printed steel. It has a very specific texture from the print process which adds more character to the pieces. The element of surprise certainly is something that returns in each collection. Most OLA pieces look different when looking at them from different angles. It makes the design unique, different and maybe at times a little fun too.


4. Describe the creative and technical stages of making your jewellery collection. What is the hardest and most enjoyable part of the process?


In general there are 5 different steps involved in the process. First, I design my collections on paper. I draw sketches, change, expand, fine-tune, go back to the original ideas,… it’s a process which can take anywhere from one week up to several months. Once I feel the pieces are 70% final, the sketches are turned into 3d computer files. These are needed to start the 3d printing process. Third step is the actual printing in the different materials. Designs, dimensions, just the general look and feel can differ a lot between materials so it is always exciting to see the result after a few weeks. I outsource all printing to professional 3d printing companies so my patience is often tested while waiting for the jewelry to be delivered. When the printing is to perfection, the finishing can start. The nylon is colored black and blue and the steel is plated with gold and silver. Finally the different parts have to be assembled such as the earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The post enjoyable steps are without a doubt the first and last, the design and make part. Although the ‘make part’ of my jewelry is limited, I just love seeing how everything comes together. The part I like less is the production. I’m a control freak so it’s very frustrating sometimes to see the quality is not up to my standards so then the process of printing and/or finishing has to start all over…



5. Do you have a piece/s from your collection you wear all the time?


I have to admit I hardly wear any jewelry myself. I mainly stick to rings and my absolute favorite is the Balanced Ring II in black and now from the new collection the Aligned Ring III in gold. 


6. You previously worked in marketing within the technology industry. How does this help you as a jewellery designer?


My experience as a marketing professional doesn’t help me much as a designer but it does as a business woman. You can create jewelry but of course, you need to find your market, buyers and try to sell as best and broad as you can. When I worked as a marketing consultant I used to advise a lot of tech startup companies. Now I have my own little startup to manage, so I am very glad I have this business experience which I am putting to good use every single day. When it comes to the designs, I just follow my own taste and likes. I could never launch or sell a piece I didn’t love myself…



7.  What is your favourite social media platform? How do you utilize it to your advantage?


I am still experimenting with social media and trying to figure out which is more valuable in terms of getting my brand out there, to the right audience. Each is very different, and so are the users. Personally I like Instagram, just to get a general feel of the fashion and accessories market. I absolutely love Pinterest and can spend way too much time discovering and just looking at beautiful photos and designs…


8. Describe the person wearing your collection.


That’s a tough one. The demographic of the OLA jewelry fans is very broad. OLA sells in a lot of museum shops – typically contemporary art musea – and the jewelry sells well there so people must have a love for art. Women buy OLA because it is different from other jewelry. Both from a design as well as from a material perspective. People that love minimalist and pure design…





9. Is there a jewellery designer or influential public figure you look up to the most? 


As said, I am a huge Bauhaus fan. If you look at their architecture and product designs going back as early as 1920-1930 it is clear these architects and designers were true visionaries of their times. Everything is timeless. Which is also an element I love in fashion design. 


10. Is there is brand or person you would love to collaborate with?


One day I would love to collaborate with a clothing brand or designer. There are many great clothing brands in Belgium, AF Vandevorst is one of my favorite so if they were to call one day to ask me to design a jewelry line for them, I wouldn’t need much time to think it over.


11. 5 words to describe your jewellery.


Pure, simple, different, surprising, timeless



No comments:

Post a Comment

 

Blog Design by Nudge Media Design | Powered by Blogger