As International Women's Day approaches, Fanfare Label Muse takes centre stage in celebrating women who embody passion, skill, and love for life while advocating for responsible design and entrepreneurship.
In this special feature, we shine the spotlight on Jessica De Lotz, the brilliant mind behind a unique jewellery brand, as she answers questions and joins us in an IWD giveaway. Together, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of ethical fashion and sustainable choices, turning our Muses into powerful voices for change.
Jessica is wearing High Waisted organic & Recycled Floral Trim Blue Jeans
Q&A with Jessica De Lotz:
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am a storytelling jeweller. By that, I mean that I create pieces for my customers or ‘Storytellers’ as I call them, that represent tales of love, loss, memories or symbolism.
I have two small children so life is always fun, busy and to be honest, I never really stop!
2. TALK US THROUGH YOUR CAREER JOURNEY SO FAR
I graduated from Central St Martins in 2008 and launched my jewellery brand almost immediately after in 2009 so this year marks 15 years of JdL Jewellery.
From the outset, my work has always been very tribute-led. My degree collection was based on a found photograph, for which I re-staged and made lots of the items in the photograph and somehow interacted with jewellery within the featured objects - everything from light switch rings to a hair brush ring! There was one wax seal piece that sparked interest in a few London shops that had visited my show and before I knew it, my personalised and hand-stamped wax seal piece became my signature bestseller! I stamp everything from people’s initials, to family crests to portraits of cats and dogs into my wax seals.
Fresh out of art school, my 1st exhibition was at Sotheby’s and then my 1st collaboration was with Smythson. The brand has grown steadily since but I have always wanted to stay very much engaged with my customers. I really feel like I have my ‘jewellery family’ consisting of what feels like my ‘lifelong’ loyal customers. Being a jeweller has more of a personal role in their lives than you would think and I love that. You really get to know one another well!
I have a gorgeous shop in Kentish Town where all my pieces are handcrafted by myself or my small team of very skilled jewellers. In the last couple of years, I have made more pieces for film and TV which is always exciting. From TV such as Killing Eve to films such as Little Women and most recently I have launched a licensed collection for HBO’s House of the Dragon, called ‘Fire & Wax.’
3. CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN 3 WORDS?
Playful, eclectic, happy!
4. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FEMALE LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS?
There are so many huge ups and downs to running your own business, sometimes I feel that week to week! But stay focused and have the self-belief that you are bringing something new to the world that everyone will want to see. Always be kind to those you work with and something that isn’t always so easy, but be kind to yourself too. It’s hard when you start out and just want to work every waking minute that you can - I still sometimes struggle to switch off!
5. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Coming from a big family myself, I am most proud of the family that Nathan and I have created. It’s certainly not always easy as any parent can vouch for but we’re doing our best and the children are happy little souls.
6. HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR FANFARE LABEL PIECES, AND WHY DO YOU LIKE THE BRAND?
Oh, I like wearing them with a crisp white Victorian lace blouse or even a little 1920s maribou, blue and white top to compliment the colours in the jeans and usually a pair of loafers or brogues.
I’m currently going for a slightly more modern look (for me anyway) and wearing them with a cropped neon polo neck and some leather pink & white ABO brogues.
I wear quite a lot of vintage clothing so I really value the sustainability of Fanfare and giving clothing a 2nd or 3rd lease of life by recycling them.
7. DO YOU HAVE A TOP TIP FOR BEING MORE SUSTAINABLE?
More vintage and buy and sell on Vinted. I’m quite frankly, obsessed with it!
Now, let's dive into the significance of International Women's Day:
What Is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day is a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It serves as a platform to promote gender equality and raise awareness about issues affecting women worldwide.
Why Is International Women's Day On the 8th?
March 8th was chosen to commemorate the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. The date honours the Women's Rights Movement and acknowledges the ongoing fight for gender equality.
What Is The Theme For International Women's Day?
The theme for International Women's Day varies each year, highlighting different aspects of women's rights and gender equality. It serves as a focal point for discussions, events, and initiatives surrounding women's issues.
For more information and to participate in the giveaway, visit Jessica De Lotz's x Fanfare Label page and explore the world of Fanfare Label Muses here.
To learn more about International Women's Day, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/. Together, let's celebrate, empower, and advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
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