EC One chats with Helene Turbe

Helene Turbe has been with EC One for over a year now – and we love, love, love her! Helene’s jewellery is elegant and wearable: simple silver discs sit alongside tiny seed pearls and sparkling black spinels. Birds and little religious icons feature too, making a collection that would make an 80s Madonna proud. We caught up to find out more about Helene and her jewellery designs…

Helene Turbe jewellery plays with the idea of  religious icons – are there any a particular icons that you have taken inspiration from?
Not really, I don’t have any preferences in religious icon. The reason why is that all of them send me the same message which is peace and the magical spirit ….I’m fascinated by the beauty of these icons, the sparkling and the suspended time when you look at them…

 

Do you hand make your own collections?
Yes, All of them with the help of my little fingers!

 

 

Is there anyone you would you love to see wearing your pieces?
When I start to design my jewellery I think about a woman, a busy mother, modern, active, joyful, full of life who wants to wear timeless jewellery , a piece they’re going to cherish and keep for ever!! I love the idea that my jewellery could be treated as a family heirloom.. Something that a mother can give to her daughter …

 

Yes, in fact a lot of people have your jewellery engraved with names of their loved ones – so spot on! Thinking about Helene Turbe jewellery designs, what’s been your favourite piece to date?
I do love making the crazy collections with all the beading work involved.. It’s a kind of therapy!

 

And what do you love most about being part of EC One?
Their designers choice really! Always chosen with care and not only because it’s fashionable!! The very good balance between classical and fashion jewellery.  When you visit the shops, there is always something for you.

 

Thank you! And – if you can tell us! – what plans do you have for Helen Turbe bijoux in 2011?
I suppose it is to carry on with my collection … Keep the classical line and explore a line a little more exclusive!!

 

Do you have a favourite jewellery or fashion designer?
My taste in jewellery is really eclectic….I quite like the work of Alyssa Norton, she’s a very unique jeweller… And Selim Mouzannar is so brilliant, I just love it! I’m quite fascinated by all sort of work really, by the technical aspect or by just the beauty of it… So it’s difficult for me to choose one or another one…!

 

 

You were raised in France but now live here. What do you love most about London?
Ouuaah! That’s going to be a long answer! I love London for so many reasons. Maybe the main reason is because I’m a foreigner here and it’s quite great to feel that you can still be surprised everyday. However when I think about London, a few words come to mind, tolerance, freedom, nature, humour, eclectic, sparkling…

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise us?
I love smelly cheese!

Quick Fire Questions

Gold or Silver?                            Gold
Clean lines or quirky details?     Clean lines
Favourite clothing designer?     Isabel Marant, Comme des garcons, Sonia Rykiel
Childhood hero/idol?                Kim Wilde
Most treasured possession?        The ring that my grandmother kept on her finger for ever (she passed away 5 years ago) .. Just the fact to imagine her with it, makes me happy and peaceful….That is my treasured possession