Creeps and Violets is a Dunedin-based jewellery label that embodies fun and frivolity. Amy Parsons-King catches up with the designer behind the brand, Steph Miller, to talk about her passion for jewellery and what we can expect to see in her latest collection, ''Still Beauty''.
When did you discover you wanted to become a jewellery designer?
I have always had a thing for jewellery. I used to get crafty and make earrings to sell at markets during high school, so when the opportunity came up to do a jewellery course while I was at fashion school, I signed up and fell in love!
Where and what did you study?
I studied at the Otago Polytechnic School of Fashion from 2008 to 2010. Apart from the jewellery courses I took during this time and a wee bit of work experience, I am self-taught in the jewellery field. Creeps and Violets is stocked at fashion stores around the country, so going through fashion school helped me to sell to this market.
When did you launch Creeps and Violets, and why did you want to start your own brand?
I launched Creeps and Violets at the start of 2013 and didn't think twice about diving in. I have the best job! I am creative every day and there's so much variety: one month I'm designing and the next I'm in production. It's an ever-changing process.
How would you describe your brand? Who is it aimed at?
I see Creeps and Violets as a young and fun brand that makes contemporary pieces that will last a lifetime. It is ultimately aimed at younger women who don't take life too seriously. Creeps and Violets jewellery is all designed and handmade here in Dunedin. I focus on creating pieces that can be worn every day.
How did you come up with the name? What is the meaning?
In my jewellery I love to combine harsh elements such as spikes and teeth alongside feminine elements like flowers and pearls, so it was important to reflect these opposites in the name. I didn't overthink it. It just felt right.
Tell us about your latest collection. What's the inspiration behind it?
Summer 15-16 ''Still Beauty'' was inspired by a visit to Paris in the summer: long warm nights, beautiful architecture, amazing art! This collection is light and playful. It includes fruit, gems and an array of flowers that have been immortalised in silver with pops of colour coming from rubies, topaz and a rainbow of sapphires.
What's it like being a jeweller in Dunedin?
There's such a supportive creative community here in Dunedin, which I think is so important, especially when starting out. It has made it a bit easier and less scary to start up a business.
Where can we buy your brand?
Creeps and Violets is available online at www.creepsandviolets.com and in Otago at Slick Willy's, 47 Frocks and Angel Divine.
