SARA LASHAY Q&A

In the fast modern age that we live in, the aim is often to satisfy the demand for perfection and individuality can get lost. Sara Lashay's philosophy and aethos merge ancient traditions into the pool of ever new possibilities and enable the wearer to get lost in the here and now. She focuses at the point where tradition and modernity clash thus producing timeless, unique, bohemian yet classic and chic pieces of jewellery that can be worn together or alone. Her jewellery, handmade by Artisans in India, combines intricate traditional crafts with ambition and colour.

STIL: Could you tell us a little about yourself?

SL: I used to work in Emirates Cabin Crew in Dubai. Obviously there was a lot of travelling which was great as it gave me the opportunity to see many beautiful places in the world. However, I moved to Germany a few years ago and stopped working for Emirates, took some time off and thought about what I really wanted to do. I didn't necissarily imagine that I would become a jewellery designer but I'd always loved the idea of visual creativity so I enrolled in a jewellery design course and studied for two years. Whilst studying, something just clicked in my head and my passion grew for jewellery design. The course allowed me to learn all the important skills and knowledge that I needed to launch my own brand and in 2013 Sara Lashay was created!

STIL: How do you source your materials and where do they come from?

SL: My jewellery is designed by me in Germany, it is then made by Indian Artisans in Jaipur, India. All the materials are sourced in India.

STIL: What is the process of your creations?

SL: For any new collection first I have to create the motive in my mind. Once I have my motive, then, in cooperation with my Artisans we make the first sample and then the rest of the collection will be made according to that first sample.

STIL: Where do you find new inspiration?

SL: Inspiration can come from anywhere. It can be a detail from a painting or from seeing someone in the street mixing styles in an extraordinary way! When I design a collection I always think about what the woman wants from her wardrobe and how sha can complete her look with a unique piece of jewellery. I am also hugely inspired by the colour combination of flowers, butterfly's, Autumn leaves and the under-sea world. There's just so much inspiration everywhere - I try and absorb everything around me and I jot down new ideas in a notebook. You'll never know when these little ideas will turn into stunning pieces of jewellery!

STIL: How do you want a woman to feel when she wears Sara Lashay?

SL: I want that my creations encourage women who wear them to stand out rather than just 'blending in'.

STIL: How would you describe your own personal style?

SL: I think I would call it 'playful style'.

STIL: Do you have a most treasured item in your personal jewellery collection?

SL: I love my white Hathi Elephant necklace. Every single piece of this Elephant necklace is carved by hand with so much love, out of white Agate stone. The Artisan who does this for me is such a talented person, so I really love this piece.

STIL: How does one know how many necklaces to layer?

SL: Normally two-three necklaces toghether is best. If I am wearing a simple white t-shirt or dress then I will wear up to three. If my outfit is not plain then I prefer only one.

STIL: What is the most challenging part of being a jewellery designer?

SL: Being creative all the time - having to create pieces that make you stand out.

STIL: What interests do you have outside of work?

SL: Reading, shopping, laying in the Sun! ( If the Sun is there! )

STIL: A favourite holiday destination?

SL: The Maldives or Asia.

Sara Lashay, with it's exquisite stones and unique modern twist is the prettiest jewellery that I have seen for a long time. Sara uses tradition in a completley modern way. The bohemian-chic aesthetic make for perfect gifting and her pieces can be passed down and treasured. A refreshingly clean and elegant approach to jewellery design, her pieces are a balance of beauty, statement and wearability.