Sweet Treats and Biscuits Galore: Interview with Katherine from Belle Pepite

This week we are very excited to be stocking a new brand: Belle Pepite. Created by designer Katherine Hawkins, it's an amazing collection inspired by edible delights, from biscuit medals to pick and mix sweeties (oh, and some cherries, because we must get our five a day!) We love the little vintage touches, such as original vintage chandelier pieces, that are used to give the pieces an even more individual feel.

Online now you'll find the jammie dodger and custard cream necklaces, bourbon medal brooch, cherry earrings and pick and mix sweeties necklaces and earrings. Tuck in!

Being the nosy parkers that we are, we wanted to find out a little more about what makes designer Katherine tick. Here's our interview with her, hope you enjoy it!

How did you become a jewellery designer?

 

I studied a design degree at university and specialised in jewellery. After university and a brief stint as a fashion handbag designer, I set out to establish my own brand of accessories.

 

Tell us about your company, Belle Pépite.

Belle Pépite was founded in 2008 ( then called Crème Nouveau). I would travel up to Portobello market in London to sell my handmade wares every weekend. The 'Oh Crumbs' was one of the first collections and it's been a favourite ever since. It's been with me from the humble market stall to being sold in Selfridges Oxford street. It has been a great journey, having had commissions from super stylish pop stars like Marina and the Diamonds and Gabby Young, to working on collaborative projects with Ford motoring to celebrate their centenary in Britain. We no longer sell at a market but have moved online and met loads of lovely shops and online retailers that now stock our jewels.

 

What inspires you as a designer?

 

Inspirations can come from anything and anywhere. I have a love for vintage and retro styling so I think this unites all the different themes that inspire me.

Do you have any particular favorite pieces from the collection?

 

I love the military biscuits, the colonel custards and the bourbon bombardiers.

 
Have you got any style tips/outfit suggestions for wearing Belle Pépite jewellery? 

 

wear it how ever you like, the more creative the better! stick a bourbon in your hair- why not!

What are your hopes for the future of Belle Pépite?

 

It's an exciting time for Belle Pépite at the moment, we have new designs being created which will bring a real variety of styles to the Belle Pépite brand. the new additions will be on trend gorgeous jewels with a nod to the original vintage inspirations on which the brand is founded.

It seems like you have quite a sweet tooth, with biscuits and sweets being a large part of the collection, what's your favourite sweet treat?

 

Well I love the foamy hearts and eggs, If I have a pack of sweets they are always the first to go!

 

Thanks to Katherine for chatting to us, and making this amazing, mouthwatering collection. We can't wait to see what Belle Pepite will create next!