Raised along side the picturesque beaches of Port Macquarie on Australia’s East Coast, jewellery designer Samantha Wills moved to Sydney in 2004. The same year she unveiled her debut collection at Australian Fashion Week to rave reviews. Entirely self-taught, design came as second nature to Wills who began hand-crafting pieces for her friends and family while she was still at school.
In 2011,Wills was hailed the ‘Break Out Star’ By THE NEW YORK TIMES. Often referred to as ‘SW’ by colleagues & fans alike, Wills has been tipped by fashion writer Inez Mendoza to be ‘Australia’s biggest export since Vegemite’, if her mass following & early success are anything to go by, the future is bright for this glamorous brand & its young namesake.
Wedded Wonderland sat down and discussed her new bridal range ‘After Dusk’ and what inspired the collection.
Tell us a little about your new ‘After Dusk’ bridal collection and what inspired it.
Thank you! The ‘After Dusk’ collection has been a really exciting process. My inspiration for this collection was the bohemian-luxe bride, saying her vows in a chic setting, where the wild things grow. A unique mixture of a Kate Moss bride meets Margarita Missoni bride.
The collection features coloured stones and crystals. Is colour a trend you predict brides embracing much more when it comes to bridal?
Each bridal collection, I always include ‘something blue’, in a more modern way. With turquoise being one of our signature stones, there is always a blue palette which I think is beautiful to have as a secondary in your accessories. I think brides are feeling more comfortable stepping away from a nude palette, which is really exciting from a designing perspective. Although I design with a bride in mind, I also focus a lot of energy around the bridal party and colour is always hugely popular for bridesmaids.
Describe the perfect bride in 3 words
Elegant. Radiant. Herself.
What advice would you give brides searching for the perfect wedding day accessories?
My best advice would be to not stray too far from your style, your wedding day is not the day to try out a new look! If you are usually quite minimalistic, opt for a sparkly stud, or if you frequently feature statement necklaces, tie it back with your gown to make it seamless.
They say less is more. Is it a no no to to wear a statement necklace AND statement earrings?
I know it’s cliché, but I definitely think less is more when it comes to bridal accessories. But your accessories are where you can really reflect your own, personal style. If you’re not a traditional bride and a statement necklace and earrings together is really you, then you can definitely make it work. Bridal style shouldn’t be defined by so many rules.
The headpiece has made a comeback, which style is your favourite and why?
The headpieces are definitely on their way in, they are hard to ignore! I’m crazy for the Midnight Garden Bun Cover. Although less of a statement it adds a beautiful, understated bohemian feel to any bride – my pick is the antique gold!
Your jewellery tells a story through the meaningful quotes engraved within them. What inspired this?
Although I was engaging in this kind of story telling through jewellery in our costume range, it has become a signature throughout SAMANTHA WILLS Fine collections, Beautiful Mantras, Minerals and Personals. It was really important for me to create something that our customer could connect with on a personal level.
What is the best part of your job?
Everyday I get to do what I love. Even through the long hours and crazy travel schedules, the passion I have for my work and our customer helps to keep me motivated! Up to my neck in tools, pieces of jewellery and design sheets, it’s such a thrill to see the piece come to life and appear on my Instagram feed!
Three things I can’t live without are…
Family & friends, ocean swims, Nutella (As I typed Nutella, I just remembered I have a spare Nutella&Go stashed in the cupboard!!!!!)
My most prized possession is…
My most prized material possession is my monogrammed Louis Vuitton tote. My most prized life possession is my friendships with my best friends.
@samanthawillsbridal
http://www.samanthawills.com/sw-bridal/
