EC One Chats with Rue Belle

Now that Rue Belle’s new collection has arrived online, we wanted to find out a little bit more about the designer behind these delicate and colourful little pieces… So, we found a quiet moment for a quick catch up with Bella Resta, one half of husband-and-wife team behind Rue Belle Designs.

So, Bella, how would you describe yourself?
My name has much to do with who I am… Bella Rosa Jungle Bird Flower Resta

Of all your jewellery creations, do you have a favourite?
A pair of  Giant Phalaenopsis Orchid Earrings

What do you find yourself wearing constantly?
My daughter Coco Valentina, a Plumaria in my hair and monochrome stripes.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The Hawaiian Islands are an endless source of inspiration to me… The natural forms and colours are breath-taking. My work is a harmonious blend of Hawaiian beauty and Parisian urban chic.

Love it! And does music inspire you? What have you been listening to recently?
Paulo Conte (an Italian singer – think Mediterannean Jazz and wistful lyrics), indie-rock band Beirut, and Ladytron are three of my current favourites.

Do you have a favourite place to shop?
The Makawo Honwangi Mission rummage sale in Hawaii. I buy lots of vintage Kimono and Obi from Japanese grandmothers…

Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?
Absolutely anyone? Serge Gainsbourg and Lili’uokalani would be joint first on my list… We’ve been lucky enough to have celebs like Catherine Zeta Jones and Aiko as customers already though, which is pretty good!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I was born in the jungle!

Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?
The centre of an orchid…

What would you never be caught dead wearing?
A Rue Belle copy!