Launched in 2014, Eyland is a costume jewellery brand based in the UK. Their pieces are inspired by artists, museums, movements, places, techniques and periods that they love, translated into pieces that we can't get enough of! They're the newest member of the JC family and this week we got to sit down with their founder Victoria, to talk all things jewels!
Behind the Jewels always starts with the same question: What was your first ever significant piece of jewellery and how did you acquire it?
I can't remember the exact piece, but definitely something from my great-grandmother, she used to have a little vintage jewellery and feather boa shop in Portobello in the 60s, so I inherited a lot of pieces from her, especially a lot of Italian costume jewellery. Not sure it was the first, but my favourite piece is this brass Italian filigree collar necklace with grape charms hanging from it.
How would you describe your personal style, and what inspires your fashion choices?
I love really good vintage pieces, from all different eras. It's hard to describe, maybe i'll just see something in a film or a vintage store and just be drawn to it, I spend a lot of time researching, it's a hobby as well as work. I love designer vintage and my long time favourites are Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garcons and Junya Watanabe, 90s Prada, late 80s and 90s Alaia, Kostas Murkudis, Martine Sitbon..... the list goes on. I also love 2000s Nike shox and Y/Project. I'm always getting pieces tailored as i'm obsessed with everything fitting perfectly, and great basics. I guess my style is just taking these and putting them into an outfit I thing is cool and modern. I never do a whole look from one designer or era, it doesn't feel fresh to me.
What’s your star sign and does it describe you well?
Leo, and yes haha!
What inspired you to start your Jewellery brand?
It's in my blood anyway, from my great-grandmother having a jewellery store, and i've always loved jewellery. Also, growing up my father always had his own business, so working for someone in a 9-5 never felt right for me. My degree is actually in Fashion Journalism, as opposed to jewellery design, but I worked for a jewellery brand for a few years, and just thought 'I could do this' so gave it a go. Not to say it wasn't scary at first as I did it with no backing and doing other jobs on the side, but it felt right to be doing it from the start.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love to research; art movements, vintage jewellery, clothing and objects, films, subcultures, ceramics, interior.... and then I'll hone in on what I feel is relevant to now, and just spend days sketching and drawing out ideas. Also, I grew up in Devon by the beach, and I have realised everything seems to subconsciously have a bit of a hippy beach girl spin.
Whats your favourite Design thus far?
The star earrings.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like that there is not a huge divide between work and play for me, I love that work doesn't feel like work. I love travel, vintage shopping and collecting designer archive clothing and accesories, galleries, museums, cinema, reading, yoga, pilates, seeing friends, partying, sailing, surfing (attempting), quading.... bit of everything!
What's in store for you and Eyland in 2024?
I am going to Jaipur next week to visit the small team of makers I work with there, to develop new samples. Very excited for it!
These gorgeous pieces are available to shop on our website very soon!
