Kathleen kedwell
Australian jewellery lover and designer, Kathleen Kedwell embraces her love for dramatic, unique and timeless pieces in her collections.
Her designs combine both silver and gold to create pieces that are versatile, fashion conscious and identifiable. With the help of her master craftsman, Kathleen brings her designs to fruition, using superior materials and techniques to create her collections.
Describe yourself and designs to us?
Most days I feel like I’m running my own race and I’m not entirely sure where I ‘fit’. I don’t tend to adhere to trends too much and try to do, wear and create what makes me feel joyous and fulfilled. I adore pieces that make a statement and feel unique and exciting to wear.
What inspires and drives you?
My inspiration and drive most definitely comes in waves. Some days my designs come to me in abundance and it can be hard to sketch everything while it is so vivid and real.
It seems like my inspiration can be triggered by the funniest things like a memory, a feeling, a beautiful frock, an illustration or a song. Design to me feels very emotionally and sensory driven, and has perhaps become an outlet.
How did it all begin for Kathleen Kedwell Jewels?
The desire to design and create is something I believe I have always possessed. As a little girl I was always creating something… A dance solo, a sketch of my dream house or sewing an outfit.
For sometime however, I buried those desires in pursuit of other career goals and it wasn’t until I worked with my mother-in-law and incredibly talented jewellery designer, Margot McKinney that I believed I too could pursue my deepest desires to create beautiful jewellery.
What is one of your best experiences in shaping your brand?
LAUNCHING! It is such a privilege to be able to be able to share something so personal with a wider community and I feel so lucky to have been so well received.
what do you find most challenging about being a designer?
The largest challenge I face is creating a viable business out of designing jewellery. I feel like I have so much I want to achieve and therefore I have to ensure I build my business and brand with authenticity and good practice.
What are you working on right now that has you very excited?
I am excited to be creating a new collection incorporating gems and natural materials. Up until now, I have created pieces that have been exclusively gold or silver, so it will be fabulous to build on this.
Who are you collaborating with right now?
I have been collaborating with a lot of stylists, photographers, celebrities and fellow designers. Professionals including uber talented Margaret Zhang; stylists Sarah Birchley, Annabel Falco and Jessinta Jones; and singing sisters Amy and Emma Shepperd.
What do you love to do when you're not working?
There are lot of things I love to do but nothing is better than being with my little loves… my two year old son, Clancy, and a three month old daughter, Lillian and husband, Cameron.
What advice to you have for emerging designers?
Learn to let go a little... Sometimes the translation from head to hand can be a little challenging.