We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Cabbage White England at IndependentBoutique.com. Established in 2005 by Kelly Smithson Cabbage White England is a quintessentially British brand. Inspired by nature, fashion, long walks and Alice in Wonderland Cabbage White England offers unique, affordable jewellery thats wonderfully eccentric. We chat to Kelly about Cabbage White England’s success and plans for the future.
How do you describe to people what you do and your design style?
At Cabbage White England we create handmade silver and gold jewellery with a strong focus on unique British inspired pieces
What sort of comments do you get about your designs?
A lot of people comment about how they love the mix of gold and silver that we use and that our designs have a natural finish to them and a solid weight, they love the references to nature and our surroundings.
What is your background?
I originally studied fine art painting then worked as a producer for small independent companies before moving onto Sky, I moved into jewellery design after the birth of my children and trained as a silversmith from there.
Which designers do you rate highly and why?
I admire anyone who is creating pieces by themselves and keeping their brand within England, I love Alexis Dove, Emma Bridgewater, Tatty Devine.
Tell us about your design process from concept, production and to the shelves…
I like to be quite organic when planning my range, ideas can come from all kinds of places. Our most recent range has all been inspired by Alice in Wonderland, often I will use the surrounding nature as a starting point for inspiration – I love to cast pieces from something that I have found – be it shells, acorns or tiny pieces from a child’s tea-set.
How do you think your brand has developed?
My brand has developed over the past few years into having a clear identity and image, I originally started out making jewellery from beads about 7years ago and I have grown the brand from there. Now we only make pieces from casting and beads don’t feature at all but it was a good place to start and I wouldn’t have got the brand to where it is now without doing that.
What do you hate most about your job?
I am not very tidy so keeping the studio and workbenches clear is my worst thing.
What are your main achievements and what do you aim to achieve now? Past present and future
My main achievements to date have been building Cabbage White England to the brand it now is – the aims for the future are to develop this and expand into more retailers / press and become a bigger brand whilst maintaining our company ethos.
What advice would you have for anyone starting out in (your field)?
Take your time developing your skills, only make pieces that you would want to wear yourself – if you don’t love what you make then no-one else will either.
Why do you think British design stands out on the global stage?
British designers are proud of their heritage and they are not afraid, also because of the amazing history that we have in England there is such a huge back catalogue of inspiration always to hand for inspired ideas.
Shop the Cabbage White England collection here.