How to wear our Fibre Collection. Part Two.
This week is part two of our series about how to wear our Fibre Collection, where we photograph and speak to seven inspiring women about why they love what they do and how they balance work with play. Celebrating the versatile and playful nature of our new rope necklaces and bracelets, we explore how different women are wearing our new pieces in their own unique ways.
Valerie von Bechtolsheim. Design Consultant.
Having previously worked with Rolf Sachs, Valerie has just founded her own design and architectural studio, Bechtolsheim, with her brother Felix.
What do you love about what you do?
Mostly it’s working with people. I always enjoy collaborating as you can appreciate the different perspectives that everyone has. You have to listen and question and as a result what comes together is the best end result. I’m really keen in having diversity in the type of projects we work on. Whether it’s a home or a commercial interior, the challenge really is always to create an environment where people feel comfortable and stimulated. Spaces that have soul and character and utilise subtle artistic or local cultural influences. There should be nothing superfluous. Everything should tell a story. We want to create places that create positive associations.
How do you balance work and play? Do you find it hard to balance the two?
I’ve only just started this new company with my brother and so far the boundaries are very blurred. Work feels like very serious play to me as I really love what I do. I’m always looking at things, making mental notes and thinking about why I love certain spaces.
What do you like about AMT?
I’ve known Alice since the beginning. The design approach is honest. It’s driven by process and materials that are real and true. It’s sincere which is how I like my jewellery. They are statement pieces but without the statement actually being shouted at you. It’s timeless and subtle, minimal yet personal. When you wear the pieces you can’t help but play with them and interact with them. They then become emotional objects.
Katie Pix. Foodie.
Brought up with two chefs as parents, Katie was utterly spoilt for great food throughout her childhood. Whilst her friends were complaining of fish fingers for dinner again, Katie and her brother were shown the value of fresh, homegrown eats, prepared from scratch. After graduation, Katie landed a job in social media, specialising in pr relations for a number of wonderful British food brands. Katie was then offered the break of a lifetime to tweet, post and Instagram for Mr Jamie Oliver. As a result of his determination for his proteges to succeed, a throw away comment about Katie’s unfulfilled quest to be the next Nigella started a whirlwind of action, and next thing she knew, she had a YouTube channel, a stage kitchen and a crew prepped for filming. ‘Hellooooo’ Katie Pix.
What do you love about what you do?
I have so many answers to this question. A) The variety - no two days are the same. B) I am Katie Pix. I’m working hard for me. It’s a very personal journey and makes every long day or stolen weekend all the more worth it. C) As a food lover and all-round greedy beggar, it makes me very happy to spend my days eating. But more than this, food has an unrivalled power to bring people together. Being a part of that narrative is the greatest feeling of all.
How do you balance work and play? Do you find it hard to balance the two?
A tricky one to answer for two reasons. When you’re surrounded by people who are just as invested in your happiness and success as you are, you can be blind to how hard you’re working. Noone tells you to stop, or holds a grudge if you reschedule for the umpteenth time because they know how important it is to you and how happy it makes you. So this can sometimes warp the work/play balance. On the other hand, most (if not all of my job) is play. If I’m not on an admin binge, I spend my days with people who inspire me, who teach me and better me. I travel the world, play around in front of the camera and frequently indulge in one off experiences, all under the guise that it’s my ‘job’. I’d say I’m as balanced as I could ever wish to be.
What do you like about AMT?
It’s simple, it’s refined and there's a story in every piece - whether it’s being handmade that makes each item like a unique piece of wearable art or the British brand heritage giving a rich appreciation for craftsmanship. Above all, I instinctively trust Alice’s intentions to create something that will bring happiness to all involved.
Zoe de Pass. Dress Like a Mum.
Zoe has an Instagram and website called Dress Like A Mum which she started to challenge the misconception that mums can't dress. She is also launching a fashion brand called DLAM by Zoë de Pass.
What do you love about what you do?
Definitely the opportunities, brilliant people and brands and working for myself. I absolutely love what I do and feel so grateful and lucky for it all.
How do you balance work and play? Do you find it hard to balance the two?
A lot of my work feels like play so often I can mix the two. But I have 3 kids so there is always a juggle with work, play, kids and downtime. I don't think there is perfect balance all the time so I just try and go with the flow and not get stressed.
What do you like about AMT?
I love the simplicity of the designs and craftsmanship, originality and quality of AMT. I also really like Alice too!
Lucy Payne. MATERIAL.
Lucy graduated from the London College of Fashion where she studied a BA in Textile design and Womenswear. After spending some time interning and working in the industry, she made the decision to leave London for a break and moved back to Herefordshire. It was during this time that she co-founded MATERIAL. The concept was to present a unique selection of design led prints, books and products inspired by talented artists and designers. With a focus on celebrating designers and makers, Lucy works closely with artists, designers and publishers and carefully selects and collaborates with them on a great range of products available to buy both in store and online. MATERIAL began in 2007 as a small independent shop in the market town of Ludlow where Lucy had the time and resource to develop the retail idea.
What do you love about what you do?
The enthusiasm and passion we experience from our customers and artists is one of the most rewarding things about what I do. I also love spending time discovering new artists and curating the space - I could spend hours doing just that!
How do you balance work and play? Do you find it hard to balance the two?
I do find it hard to balance work and play, even when I am not working at the shop or at my desk, I'll have work related thoughts at the back of my mind. My husband helps to enforce an element of play in my life, and it is important to me to see friends.
What do you like about AMT?
I discovered AMT years ago when we had our store in Shoreditch. The brand was attending a Christmas fair nearby and I fell in love with the cufflinks and bought a pair for my husband. The designs are elegant and timeless, with a contemporary twist. Each piece is carefully considered and unique.
You can browse the new Fibre Collection here.
Follow us on Instagram @alicemadethis
