The Making of Sculptural

Mel’s musings and inspirations in creating the collection of the season – a refined approach to the design trends of SS’23. With the intention to learn more about the new line of effortlessly sleek pieces, we sat down with designer and founder Melanie Auld for an inside look behind the design. 

 

 

What was the initial inspiration in creating the Sculptural Summer collection? 

 

I have always been inspired by travel, fashion, architecture and interior design. Right now, we are seeing voluminous and curvy shapes everywhere, from couches to fashion runways, but our customer loves a dainty piece, so I was inspired to create a collection of easy to wear yet beautifully sculpted jewelry.   

We know picking favourites is hard however.... is there a piece that you’re most excited about?  

 

I am excited about the entire collection but if I absolutely had to pick favorites they would be:  The Zaha Hoops for their versatility. I love that you can wear them two ways and get completely different looks. Pave in the front or back – it's up to you!  

 

Another favorite earring is the Cesca Hoop, the shape of it is just so sculptural and unique, it makes me think of the Danica Kaspar ceramic pieces featured in the Vancouver boutique. An instant modern update to your summer jewelry.  

 

Last but not least, I’ve been really into mixing metals and stacking our Palladio and Serra rings, the stacked, organic wavy textures look very ‘fashion editor in the know’! 

Designing for the community in mind is fundamental to what you do! How do you envision these pieces showing up IRL?  

 

I imagine them effortlessly elevating our customer's personal style. With a bathing suit and linen wrap for day and with sun kissed glowing skin and a silk slip dress in the evening. I think this collection refines a casual outfit while simultaneously taking the stuffiness out of a more dressed up look by adding a cool factor. 

Can you share more about your creative process in bringing these pieces from conception to collection? 

 

I like to use a lot of visuals and really break down what is drawing my eye in the most! So, printing out imagery that is really speaking to me and feels current and fresh, and creating a mood board to design from.  

I save a lot of images from magazines or snap pictures when I am out and exploring. I was in Paris in late January and walked away with so much inspiration from all over the city; from vintage furniture stores to the architecture in the Louvre! 

Once I have my starting point, I then like to think about what is happening in fashion at the moment, how our customer likes to dress and what she wants from her jewelry. I sketch from there and the designs start to come alive! There is also a lot of technical back and forth with our factory partners before the finished samples arrive.

To wrap things up, how would you describe Sculptural Summer 2023 in three words? 

 

Billowy, sinuous and modern. 

Explore the 2023 Sculptural Summer Collection here.