The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

bitejewellery hallmarked in line with legislation. I also think that both the brand and product story play a huge part in making a piece of jewellery special.”  Alison’s accomplishments include being shortlisted for an intermediate level jewellery award at City Lit. “This was such a huge achievement for me and something I was incredibly proud of, especially as I had a great experience attending the part-time jewellery courses.” Her designs have also been seen in British Vogue and as mentioned earlier, on Alesha Dixon whilst she filmed Britain’s Got Talent.  She takes inspiration more from all aspects of life than from other jewellery designers, although there are a couple that she admires. Hence her influences usually come from non-jewellery revelations. “This allows me to feel that I am creating something fresh and new. Design- ers such as Louise Seijen Ten Hoorn and Hannah Martin, who I studied with, are fantastic and incredibly talented designers.” She is a massive fan of FKA Twigs who she would love to have wear her jewellery. “I get inspired by her genre-bending style of music, which reflects in my own designs.”  The designer’s favourite colours to work with are black, white, yellow, gold, and silver. “My natural aesthetic is dark and moody but with a pop of bright colour. I’m inspired by this juxtaposition, so I always want to see contrasts in my work. This will be seen more in the evo- lution of my claw and talon collection. I am now adding coloured gemstones; I’m very excited by this develop- ment as I’ve not used gemstone whilst working with silver in the past.”  Metal is the main ingredient in her work as “it can feel very strong and unforgiving, and then in the next moment, it will bend and melt. I love the sensuality of leather, but I’ve not explored it with my current work as of yet.” She also uses wax which she said is great fun to work with. “It’s incredibly malleable. You can carve it, melt it, shape it. I feel as if I’m in my own private playground!”  When she’s not working, Alison relaxes by wandering around new neighbourhoods, snapping pictures, and taking inspiration from her surroundings. She also loves discovering new shops and marketplaces, sitting outside for a meal with friends and visiting galleries, which she finds relaxing and how she likes to spend her time.  The designer says the preparation of a fashion shoot depends on whether she is acting as a stylist or crea- tive director. However, regardless of this, each piece of jewellery is meticulously polished to perfection. “I ensure the POS (Point of Sale), boxes, and packaging is all clearly labelled. The background being used for the shoot is checked and rechecked. I’ll make sure the make-up artist is also happy to do hair and nails, the outfits are chosen, and of course, I have a lengthy conversation with the photographer as to the aesthetic of the shoot.”  Alison revealed that sketching has always been a passion of hers, and it allows her to have complete freedom of her imagination. “Construction brings reality and often amendments - with the amount of model making and sampling, it can be a long process. I always need to see how the design looks against the body, so sometimes I’ll create a metal sample so I can consider the weight of the final pieces.”  Her main goal is to own a profitable and successful jew- ellery brand. “At the core of the vision, is Veiled Rebel celebrating individuality, always reflecting creativity, and acting with integrity.” She strives to ensure her cus- tomers know they can be themselves; they can express themselves, and they can make their own rules with Veiled Rebel. “I want to be the go-to brand for unapolo- getic unisex styling. Ultimately, I see Veiled Rebel as a lifestyle brand where fluidity and freedom are at its heart.”  When asked what advice she would give to aspiring jewellery designers, Alison prefers to call it ‘sharing my experiences’. “I’d say remain open to being inspired in whatever form that may take. I believe if we design to our inspirations, what’s in our core, what we feel passion- ate about, then we’ll produce work which is individual to us.”  We can expect more from Veiled Rebel, thanks to the evolution of her Venom collection which now features coloured gemstones. Like many businesses and individ- uals, Alison’s plans were cancelled due to Covid-19 and her shared workshop space closed. “I am committed to continuing to develop a quality product, and next year, I plan to change my production methods so I may ensure the long-term health of my brand.”  Veiled Rebel jewellery pieces can be viewed and pur- chased at Work Contemporary Jewellery in Pimlico, London.  https://veiledrebel.com