z for Accessorize - Accessorize 30th birthday - Zara Simon
Can you believe Accessorize is 30-years-old? But like a fine wine, (and Gary Barlow!), the high street shop is getting better with age. To celebrate the big 3-0, Accessorize invited GLAMOUR for a fabulous weekend away in Ibiza - we obviously jumped at the chance, like, who would ever say no to a trip to Ibiza to meet Mr Accessorize himself? Not us, that's for sure.
While spending time on board Peter Simon's boat (Mr Accessorize has a boat - but of course) we got to meet the talented British jewellery designer, Zara Simon - one of Peter's daughters.
A jewellery designer with a love of fine jewellery, and a dad who owns Accessorize - it was only a matter of time before the two joined forces to create a gorgeous collection - and they did!
The intricate gold plated jewellery collection - named Z by Accessorize - brings Zara's signature delicate styling with the renowned girly femininity Accessorize is famed for. Think gentle layering and understated contemporary detailing - but for as little as £12!
Bargain!
In between sunning ourselves at the uber stylish Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort pool, partying at Lio, uploading jealousy-inducing Instagram pictures to the GLAMOUR instagram account, and flying home with Alexa Chung (wearing the same dungarees that she's wearing on this month's GLAMOUR, btw), we sat down with the gorgeous Zara to talk about her collection, what it was like to grow up with a "cool" dad, and the celebrity she'd love to see wearing one of her pieces.
Hi Zara, first of all, we love love love the collection. What's your favourite piece?
I love the triangle ring and necklace and the turquoise beaded rosary necklace.
What, who, or where inspired your debut collection for Accessorize?
For my first collection I wanted to include my favourite designs from over the last seven years from my main line and I added some new pieces to complement the range. I was really keen on the pieces being delicate so that they could be layered up and I wanted it to be a summery collection using pale coloured stones. My vision was seeing it all layered up worn on the beach.
Did you go to your dad about the Zara collection, or did he suggest it?
My father and Nikki [Hamwee; Accessorize's Brand Director] suggested it. But I've always been keen to get involved.
Did you ever think about doing it anonymously?
No, I was so excited to put my name to it, but I would have still done it if they suggested I was anonymous.
Had you always wanted to be a jewellery designer?
Yes, since I was 17... Before that I wanted to be an artist - I loved oil painting large canvases.
What was your 'Plan B' career?
Designing bags or belts, or painting.
How invested are you in the Z for Accessorize range? For example, are you in lots of meetings or do you have an office to sketch in?
Yes I'm really involved . I design and have given samples of pieces that I have tried out in my line. I was really keen to make my designs so they are affordable to everyone.
My dad is super cool!
Growing up with Mr Accessorize (aka the coolest dad like, ever) you must have been very fortunate, when did you realise that your dad was a pretty big deal?
It was amazing to have such a creative father growing up, always bringing back exciting materials and bits and pieces for our house from India. But when he took us to Ibiza for the first time when I was 14; that's when I realised my dad is super cool!!
If you could see any celeb in your collection, who would it be?
Kate Moss or Rihanna.
Did you have a particular girl in mind when you designed a certain piece?
I love Rihanna and Lana Del Rey's choice in jewellery, so I was thinking of them.
Any advice for budding jewellery designers?
If you are able to, then study jewellery design or any aspect of jewellery. Sketch like crazy so designs can be interpreted and persevere with a design - if it's not working out, stick at it until you resolve the design.
In your opinion, how much is too much when it comes to fine jewellery?
I think too much jewellery combined with mix & match colourful clothing doesn't work.
Also, either stack up the rings and few bracelets and necklaces or vice versa, not lots of rings necklaces and bracelets - that can be too much.
You're getting married soon, and you've designed the ring, how was that?
It was pretty straight forward I wanted something simple to go with my engagement ring…
After the launch, what's the ultimate dream?
To continue with my Z for Accessorize jewellery line... I would love to design some bags for Accessorize too! Also continue with my own line of solid gold bespoke pieces.
The collection launches in selected top stores and online at accessorize.com from late July - perfect for festivals and your summer holidays. Prices start at £12 for a simple ring to £32 for a crystal tusk necklace.
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