Meet the Maker: Custom Made
We asked Anna of Custom Made a few questions about how she developed her beautiful accessory brand and what led her to success. Custom Made create simple and contemporary jewellery to make a daytime outfit feel special or to glitz up in the evening. We love it and we know you will too!
LOCATION: OXFORD
Can you summarise your journey to becoming a designer in five steps:
My Mum teaching me to sew as a child.
Designing and making clothes for my barbies.
Drawing, creating & making from childhood to adulthood.
Education in fashion, finishing with a degree in fashion.
Starting my first job as a menswear designer.
What inspires your work:
My work is inspired by all sorts of things from lovely stationery to fancy fonts, bold pattern, space and science fiction novels, vintage photos of glamorous ladies. I’m a huge fan of the 70s and 80s and shows like Dallas and Dynasty. Looking at photos from that era, and of glamorous ladies from those shows influence my design.
Lightning Studs £13.50
What is a typical work day for you:
Every day is different in the studio but I usually start with emails and planning for the day. I then sort online shop and wholesale orders ready to pack in the afternoon. The rest of the day can be anything and everything that goes into running a small business, which includes design, promotion, social media, production, customer service, range planning, paperwork and everything else I might have missed!
Circle Triangle Necklace £25.50
Who is your favourite designer/maker:
I really like the Spanish brand Apres Ski. They make beautiful bead necklaces. Their use of colour is fantastic.
What is your most treasured item of homeware:
This is very boring and not design led at all but I have one of those Nutri Bullet blenders for smoothies and juicing and I use it everyday without fail.
Which of your own designs are you most proud of and why:
The new Mizar necklaces. I had wanted to do something with cord instead of chain for sometime but it was all about finding the right components and design. I was a little unsure of the necklace at first but they are selling so well, I’m happy.
Mizar Necklace £17
Thanks Anna! Its great to have some insight into a designers mind. You can find a collection of Custom Made items both online and in store at Home byKirsty.