Emilie Costechareyre from Elvis Et Moi: A Conversation

No doubt you've seen her designs - pieces of eclectic individualism, destined to be worn by creatures of the boheme, or, in her words: those in the practice of an unconventional lifestyle. 

1. Tell us about your process behind your handmade jewellery, from inspiration to creation?

Women inspire me. The way they wear their jewellery - sometimes, just by looking at someone’s ear I feel inspired. Normally I draw the designs, but I also buy some beads and charms that I like, then I will put them all in the front of me, and see which ones go well together.

I do look at vintage jewellery also, and try to revive some of the designs. Mainly though, it’s looking at how women wear their jewellery, and how I can improve or personify it.

2. When you design, do you have a specific girl or woman in mind?

Nope, all women! I have an idea of what kind of women I like, then I go from there. I am a Gemini, and have a few different personalities; my jewellery is the same. It can be ultra feminine or tomboyish sometimes.

I listen to a lot of music also, and I’m not sure if it as an influence on it, but it’s definitely something I can’t live without when I design.

3. What are your favourite pieces you've created and why?

Oh la la very hard to choose! It’s like choosing which child I like the most.

The first ring ever that I made what the Keith, a skull ring, that is still available. Then I have the Steven ring that I made from scratch for my ex boyfriend. The Elvis necklace is something that I wear so much, the Follow Your Heart, and the 7 Stars that I did for my little girl’s seventh birthday.

For the earrings, I like the Tova, and a new one with a lot of circles, which is coming up in the new collection. It is very exciting when you create a new collection, because you like them all but you have no idea which one the people are going to connect with the most. When it comes to creating my designs, earrings are my favourite things to make.

4. Tell us about creating jewellery on a small scale - do you find it challenging to compete against fast fashion?

It does frustrate me sometimes when I go to H&M and see how much they sell their jewellery for. Fast fashion is something that I don’t really understand, as I prefer to buy something more expensive and make sure I wear it forever.

Saying that however, we do use a lot of gold-filled in our collection, and it can age quicker than solid gold, which is why we repair and polish for free, to make sure you can cherish your jewels as long as possible.

5. What makes up your personal style when you wear jewellery?

I think it’s owning just a few necklaces or pair of earrings and layering them differently. I like the fact that you can mix earrings up, and not wear both at the same time.

That’s why we sell all our earrings individually, to make sure you can mix to your heart’s content. We also offer the option of clip on earrings, instead of pierced.

See the designs online at Elvis Et Moi.