Chances are you've been inspired by influencer Lucy Williams without knowing it. The former fashion editor turned full-time fashion and travel blogger for Fashion Me Now might be responsible for your love of Realisation Par's silk wrap dresses; or maybe your obsessive desire for J.W. Anderson's Pierce bag. As one of Instagram's #MangoGirls, you've probably bought a camel-coloured knit or midi-length skirt you've seen her in.
But apart from being an all-round style muse for many, she's also brought her undeniably chic eye to the world of design, creating an uber-successful collection of jewellery for Missoma a few years ago. Now, after her mini-fang choker and horn pendant have just about become omnipresent in the jewellery boxes of London's most stylish girls, she's launching a new collection, this time inspired by a birthday trip to Rome. We spoke to her about what inspired the collection, plus how to wear jewellery like an influencer.
As an influencer, how do you choose which brands to work with?
For me, it really comes down to aesthetics and freedom to be myself. If it’s a brand I already know and love, or a new brand with a great vision or aesthetic, and they let me put my own spin on something, then that normally amounts to the dream scenario! Most of the time, it comes down to personalities. I like working with friendly, trusting people who want to collaborate rather than dictate. Missoma is all of these things so that probably explains why we’ve ended up working together for so long.
How did your collaboration with Missoma come about?
We had coffee back in 2015 and chatted about doing a collaboration together and it quickly went from there. We were soon drawing pieces over coffee at Marisa’s kitchen table and that’s how we’ve worked ever since. It’s always felt like a really natural process and we’re on WhatsApp the whole time figuring stuff out or asking each other’s opinions.
Jewellery can feel so timeless and seasonless. Why did you feel now was the right time to do a second collection?
The first collection is still going strong but I really wanted something new to get my teeth stuck into. I just felt that itch to design something new that I really wanted to wear and thankfully Missoma allowed me do just that with them.
What inspired your second collection?
My 30th birthday trip to Rome earlier this year. Walking around all the amazing sights, the busts and statues in Villa Borghese and Palazzo Altemps, the patterns and extravagance of the Vatican museums and multiple hotels and restaurants. I came back wanting to wear medallions and pendants based on Roman coins that were still really wearable, the sort of pieces you can wear to the beach or to a dinner equally as well.
How was the process different from the first?
I guess this time we had the advantage of experience and we both felt more confident knowing what we wanted to create. But really, it was very similar in many ways. Missoma and I are very used to working together now so it’s a very honest, open process and still happens over pencil, paper and tea in the office.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
It’s so hard to choose because I honestly love everything, especially all the necklaces. I have to stop myself from overloading on them right now! I’m currently rotating between the Fixed Hinge Coin necklace (I love the new rope chain) and the Rope Coin pendant on the new bobble chain we’ve done. The big circular hoop earrings, both the coin and green malachite ones, are favourites too. I love them with red lipstick and something super simple like a black silk camisole and jeans. That feels very Roman to me too.
Who would you like to see wearing your pieces?
To be honest, I just love seeing friends, peers and random girls out and about wearing it. But dream scenario, I would love to see some of my favourite women wearing it. Emma Stone, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Russell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Natalie Portman, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Susan Sarandon, Helen Mirren… That would be crazy!
Do you think there will be a third collection?
Never say never! If people like what we’re doing and the pieces keep selling, it could happen. It’s definitely the project I’m most proud of to date.
What do you think will be the biggest new jewellery trends in the next year?
I’m a classicist when it comes to jewellery so I’m not sure about trends per se apart from the rise and rise of the statement earring. However, I definitely think jewellery is a much more considered thing for people now. The power of a great necklace or pair of earrings is as great as a pair of boots or a jacket, so I think people see jewellery as a much more pivotal part of their wardrobe now. Gone are the days when we would just wear the same pieces day in, day out. Mixing up your jewellery is the easiest way to change what you’re saying in an instant.
Who do you think wears jewellery well?
I like how lots of my friends wear jewellery; effortlessly and with the ability to add and remove seamlessly and it all works. I always love how stylist Ilona Hamer styles and wears jewellery and Alex Spencer, founder of Realisation Par layers chains and hoops so well. Lots of Aussie girls I follow do jewellery great too like Carmen Grace Hamilton and Yan Yan Chan. They keep it simple while also having the versatility to play with new things and mix it up.
What are your tips for looking after jewellery?
I’m the worst person to ask this because I wear my jewellery in the shower, swimming in the sea, I accidentally let it get tangled and have to spend ages unpicking it… Essentially don’t do what I do! But then again, I think lots of our collection is designed for being worn all the time so a little bit of wear and tear adds a bit of a character to it.
What would you say to a jewellery-phobe about how to get ‘into’ jewellery?
Start simple and small and layer from there. A mid-length small medallion works with literally everything or a simple pair of gold hoop earrings work with so many different aesthetics or styles.
Who are your favourite up-and-coming jewellery designers who we should know?
I love Dinosaur Designs at the moment and I’m planning on investing in some of Sophie Buhai’s simple, contemporary designs ASAP. I also loved seeing Aligheri and Annissa Kermiche on the catwalks of LFW this season - both so talented.
Shop Lucy's Missoma collection from today on Missoma.com
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