October 28, 2010
jewellery designer elke kramer
Anyone who is truly successful in fashion - or any field, for that matter - creates a look that is distinctly their own. Take Elke Kramer. Her designs are instantly recognisable, and while she doesn't follow fashions, she's always relevant and wearable. It's not surprising that she's stocked by the world's top fashion stores, including Colette in Paris, Liberty of London and Opening Ceremony in LA and New York. Elke is also an illustrator and art director.
Which five words best describe you? Talkative, easily distracted, food lover.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I started my label after having made some necklaces for a friend who had a clothing label at the time. I then just had stores approach me with orders, so I had to find a way to produce them. I have been designing seasonal collections of jewellery ever since.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To remember to keep doing things your own way, and not be overly influenced by other people's opinions.
What’s your proudest career achievement? When I was picked up by Colette and the Opening Ceremony stores.
What’s been your best decision? To recently move studios to a new and bigger space... now I have space to hang some plants.
Who inspires you? Women who have their own individual sense of style and purpose.
What are you passionate about? Cooking! I enjoy the whole process from planning a meal to eating it.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Catherine Baba: I love her! She is an Australian woman working as a stylist in Paris, she had to kookiest style. I'd love to see her wearing some of my jewellery.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To buy a lovely house somewhere where I can grow a vegetable patch and a serious garden!
What are you reading? No one belongs here more than you by Miranda July.
images courtesy of elke kramer