Our interview with Jen was such fun and this is how it went:
PH: How exciting that you have launched your new website! It looks fabulous! We are so lucky to be able to ask you a few questions about the development of and inspiration behind your collections and are very excited to talk to you about your relationship with Lotty and Mustique too!
Why Mustique? What originally drew you to visit the island? What brings you back?
JW: I first came to Mustique in 2012 with my boyfriend and married him 4 days later at Toucan Hill one of the most magical Villas in Mustique, the love affair remains to this day with both.
PH: How did you and Lotty meet?
JW: When I initially came to Mustique one of the first places I went to was The Pink House. Wow! I remember thinking what an amazing Boutique , it was filled with the most magical pieces and treasures I had seen and then I met the lady behind the vision and this was Lotty and we have been friends ever since. Lotty is a truly exceptional artist and designer.
PH: We have some fabulous photographs of you wearing Lotty B - can you tell us how these photoshoots came about?
JW: The first photoshoot was back in 2015 and I was staying in Mustique over a 3 month period and towards the end Lotty asked if I would model some of her pieces. I was honoured and of course said yes and then every time I visited we did another shoot.
One of the shoots was with the legendary Bryan Adams, that was so much fun and an honour to spend some time with him.
Photo credit: Bryan Adams
The last time was probably my favourite earlier this year as I got to share the photo shoot with Diamond ( the puppy ) and the villa Zahara we stayed in was fabulous, not to mention being photographed by the very talented photographer Jamie Lucas.
Photo credit: Jamie Lucas
PH: We love your nickname "Fish"! We wonder, was it from Wanda?
JW: Actually, I have been swimming all my life and when John saw me in the pool for the first time the “Fish" nickname was born and now people actually call me Fish instead of Jen. I love the nickname it’s so cute, sometimes I get called Naughty Fish or Little Fish.
PH: Thinking of your gorgeous jewellery designs, we're eager to find out more....When did your passion for jewellery emerge?
JW: The first piece of jewellery I received was a charm bracelet from Tiffany & Co from my Dad and I fell in love with the design and simplicity of the piece.
PH: What was your first piece?
JW: The first piece was the Catch a falling Star pendant.
PH: More broadly, your collections are inspired by nature. Is there a particular location or event that sparked this?
JW: I grew up abroad and living in places like South Africa, New Zealand, and Spain and the amazing landscapes, terrain and wildlife filled me with inspiration.
PH: You are obviously an animal lover. Is this from childhood?
JW: 100 percent! I was five when I first held a lion cub and from then I was never without a cat or dog in my life or four, I love animals so much, it’s an absolute love affair. That’s why I am an ambassador for The Tusk Trust who work tirelessly for the protection of Africa’s endangered wildlife.
PH: Can you tell us a little about your beautiful Maine Coon called Teddy Bear who was the inspiration behind your Pause for Pets collection?
JW: Teddy Bear was my best friend and my special boy, he really was an incredible cat, he looked like he came out of a cartoon. He was sensitive, regal and beautiful, I still miss him every day and when he died that’s when I thought up the Pause for Pets Collection, basing the Pause for Pets pendant on Teddy Bear's Paw. Click here for the full story.
PH: What has inspired you recently?
JW: I just got back from Marrakesh, the colours, the heat, the textures and the place I stayed were incredible. Travel always inspires me.
PH: Finally, is there something in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
I am excited to announce that as of 6th November, Jennifer Wade Jewellery has launched at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyde Park. The Jennifer Wade Collection can be viewed in the hotel.
PH: Thank you so much for your time Jen, we know that this will be so interesting for our subscribers to read. We do hope that we will be seeing you on Mustique again soon? We know that you have a very busy life, so holiday time must be extremely precious!
You can find Jennifer’s jewellery online at: www.jenniferwade.com.
Jennifer Wade Jewellery has designed an exclusive range available at Cotton House Mustique and Jennifer is also a guest designer at Mozafarian Jewellers at Harvey Nichols.
Photo credit: Jamie Lucas
