Sophie launched her eponymous brand in 2010 after first having studied Jewellery Design at Central St Martins, and then accruing the practical experience she needed with fine jeweller, HA Jordan. While her initial focus was on creating fashion jewellery, it soon became clear to Sophie that her passion lay with bespoke pieces, into which she could distil her love for the wearer – as well as her creative interests in the arts, fashion, architecture and in art deco design.
Here she tells us why she’s had to enforce boundaries when it comes to her life online – and reveals where she buys the very best dresses online.
My favourite app...
I just got a hybrid car, so probably Zap-Map at the moment. Locates all the charging points.
My favourite blog...
Angie Smith Style for a curated and sustainable wardrobe. Buy less wear more.
My Internet hero...
I love Elizabeth Day and what she stands for.
My favourite podcast...
I miss the High Low. Probably Table Manners these days.
My most recent buy online...
A dress from Kitri.
Last book you downloaded or read...
Red Notice by Bill Browder. It’s a phenomenal story.
Favourite Instagrammer...
Daily Dress Edit. I own a bunch of dresses from small independent and, quite often, sustainably-led brands thanks to this account.
Favourite tech gadget...
I’m not very techy as such, so probably just my trusty old iPhone… which has consistently got a smashed screen.
The most useful gadget/item on your desk...
My vernier gauge. A tool to measure stones, metal etc.
Most useful digital resource during lockdown...
I spent an awful lot of time on both diamond and coloured stone dealers’ websites over the past year. Lockdown has meant buying stones from afar and not in person, which results in a lot of time on dealers online databases. I quite enjoy it.
Most inspirational digital resource during lockdown...
I mean, what Joe Wicks did for the nation in lockdown was pretty phenomenal.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
My alarm. I try to keep my phone away from the bedroom so that I don't use it whilst in bed.
Last thing you binge-watched...
The Bold Type. I have a penchant for terrible TV.
Favourite brands have you discovered online...
Pink City Prints for the best dresses and Pato Interiors, my friend Kat’s antique sourcing business.
Social media allowed me to meet...
Jean-Noel Soni aka Top Notch Faceting. He is a wizard when it comes to cutting gemstones.
The best digital advice I've been given...
Use wisely and sparingly.
My screensaver is...
The Lyngen Alps. My favourite place I've travelled to.
My pet online hate is...
The ability and need to curate your social media so as to only show a perfect picture.
Do you have any online rules or resolutions?
I don’t actually have emails or Instagram on my personal phone so that when I leave the office, I leave it behind. I am a very reactive person, so I have had to put these boundaries in place.
The Internet. On balance, a force for good or ill?
Good and ill. Social media is powerful but not always for the good. I hope in time that it will become a much safer space with stricter regulations. I credit to growth of my business in part to social media – however, for me personally, I don't love it.
By Nancy Alsop
September 2021
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