This week at Kinga HQ we’ve trapped some sun rays from outside - and we’re keeping them going in our outlook, our thoughts, our mood. It sets a great scene for us to talk to Madeleine Joy Relph, a designer and model who has been styling our latest collection in the height of the Italian summer. We ask her about gold, about artists and about bella Italia.
In your magazine appearances of late, you’ve been appointed a “professional gypsy” and a “flower child” - can we ask what your job is now? (No real answers).
Professional house potter. When I am not travelling I want nothing more than to pot/nest around home and make it cozy.
Does your experience as a model influence the choices you make as a jewellery designer? Have there been moments where you felt inspired towards new career decisions by what you were wearing?
I think being in the industry has given myself an insight into the creative campaign aspect. This is my favourite part, creating a story and beautiful imagery to match.
How do you amplify a little hint of gold in an outfit? Are there tricks to styling gold?
For myself less is more, little glimmers of gold to a super casual outfit is my favourite look but there are no tricks, jewellery should be worn to the freedom of the wearer, this should be your self expression.
It seems like you are always jetsetting to fun destinations - where do you feel the most welcome as a returning visitor?
I don’t usually like to stay long in one place (the Sagittarius in me) but now having a base and returning to Bali for over 6 years this does feel like home. I think the sense of freedom, warmth, yummy food and happy faces keeps me here.
Tell us about your work with John Kaye. What made you choose this artist as a collaborator? How was the experience?
Well John has been a friend of ours for some time, in a not so previous life I renovated and opened a tattoo shop (of all things, from a girl with no tattoos..) with my last partner. John came to bali and painted a huge beautiful Geisha mural, and we have stayed in touch since. Always loving his self expression and messages he shows through his work, something I also enjoy doing through jewellery.
I can’t go to Italy right now but I want to feel like I’m there, just for one sneaky afternoon in Sydney, in the middle of a working week. What can I do?
Well that’s not too hard to achieve :) grab a companion, some wine/Aperols, pasta and pizza with some Luciano Pavarotti blasting. If you want to go the extra mile pair this with a head scarf and some fancy sunnies.
