My Design: Julie Patterson: Collect

Loves fairytales and everything whimsical

What kind of designer are you?

I dabble in all sorts of things, from clothes to furniture, but my main area is jewellery.

How did you begin your career?

At the age of four I started making tinfoil jewellery for my mother who politely wore it. Once I had qualified in jewellery design, various experiences locally and abroad led me to start my own brand, Collect.

What does creativity mean to you?

It means there's a place inside of me that is satisfied by the process of absorbing all that is inspiring and returning my own interpretation of it back to the world in the form of sustainable objects that are equally appreciated by those who purchase them.

Who is your ultimate creative hero?

As a child, I looked up to my mom, who created wedding dresses, and my dad, who built boats from scratch. But, anyone who possesses the ability to successfully materialise a concept that benefits them personally or a world audience is a creative hero.

What inspires you?

Almost everything in life, but I'm particularly intrigued by anything vintage or antique. I love objects that tell stories of a time only our great grandmothers knew. I also love anything whimsical, fairytales, ethereality, Coco Chanel meets Mad Hatter.

What is the most coveted item in your wardrobe?

My wedding dress. A vintage-inspired number designed and made by me and my mom, finished with hand-made silk roses and lace and tulle (and now, red wine and chocolate).

If you could live in any decade, which one would it be and why?

This decade, as technology helps satisfy my fetish for anything vintage. It allows me to get lost in '20s movies, '30s music and '40s fashion.

If you could have your dream client, who would it be?

Lady Gaga, living in the 1930s.

Are you persuaded by packaging, or is it what's inside that counts?

Packaging is incredibly important. Everything in design needs to be considered in context.

What is your favourite medium?

I'm old-school. Design happens in large sketchbooks with chewed pencils, and gets turned into mainly silver pieces.

What's the most extravagant thing you've ever bought?

A ticket to Paris.

What's the next big thing in design?

People are tiring of the inhuman quality of technology and machine or mass-produced objects and are favouring more personal, hand-made items and purchases that have longevity.

What has been your most exciting design-related experience?

While in London, I worked at Erickson Beamon, who designed and made the most over-the-top, visually decadent jewellery. We worked on pieces for fashion shows, celebrities and royalty, and I got a chance to play with Swarovski crystals and precious stones. It taught me to have fun with jewellery.

Which piece are you most proud of?

An Absolut Vodka project I did while studying. I had to build something on the inside of the bottle. It was challenging as it was about problem solving, which is a large aspect of design.

What do you think of the South African design industry: the talent, the opportunities and the consumer?

The industry is a force to be reckoned with. We have the talent and the opportunities are immense. The consumer is slowly catching up in terms of things like online buying, but designers and consumers alike share responsibility for staying in tune with world trends.

• See: www.collectjewellery.co.za