Kelly Hoppen – QVC

StyleNest chat to designer, entrepreneur, author and educator, Kelly Hoppen to find out about her exclusive collection for QVC.

Do you have any favourite pieces from your latest QVC jewellery collection?

That’s a tough one, I don’t think I could actually distinguish one favourite from my QVCUK.com collection. Each piece has been designed as part of an interchangeable collection designed to mix and match. Some of the pieces are named after people in my family which makes them very personal and important. I also love the discs with phrases on them, and the hero chains. If I had to pick one, probably the hero chain as I wear them every day and are a big part of my personal style.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from a range of sources – my surroundings, music, loved ones and my team. I’m constantly being inspired by artists, musicians, designers… creativity can be found in so many places. For this jewellery collection with QVCUK.com, I was really inspired by my travels to Capri.

What was the thought process behind designing the collection?

My primary aim was to create an affordable and widely accessible collection of jewellery based on the way that I wear jewellery. I love to layer jewellery, whether it be discs, chains or charms. Therefore much of the collection consists of pieces which complement one another and can be paired together to create daytime as well as night-time looks.

You are famous for your interior design, when did you first become interested in jewellery design?

I’ve always been interested in jewellery. As with fashion, I often buy clothes and alter them to fit my body so with jewellery I do the same alteration process whereby I may buy a little fob chain and add discs, clasps and pearls to it. Having done this throughout my life, the ideas for a jewellery collection came quite naturally.

With Fashion Week emerging. What jewellery trends can we expect to see emerging for AW18?

Expect a lot of enamel, a lot of charms, stacking stones with meanings, and more layering of chains and pieces this season. You will see these prominently throughout my K by Kelly Hoppen for QVCUK.com collection.

Do you have any top tips on how our readers can style your pieces?

When it comes to styling my jewellery pieces I take the same approach as I do when designing a room, it totally depends on mood. Make sure not to put too much together so it takes away the emphasis of something important, however if you wish to layer and experiment simply look in the mirror and see if it works or not.

What are your thoughts/rules on mixing golds? What are the best ways to do it?

I used to be emphatic about never mixing gold and silver but now I believe that anything can work depending on the colours and textures an individual is wearing. For example, navy looks gorgeous with silver and diamonds but if your preference is gold this can work too. Gold is really good against black, it really pops. Much like designing an interior, it’s about seeing what works with complexion and individual style.

Are you able to share with us some exciting insight into any upcoming projects you’re currently working on?

I have recently announced the launch of my latest collaboration with Disney. Teaming up with such an iconic brand has been a truly incredible experience. We’ve just released the first collection of wallpapers and murals, with rugs and bedding to come later this year, and I’m so excited to finally share these products with everyone. We’ve also got the launch of the latest yacht I designed for Pearl Yachts coming up, and some other things I can’t mention just yet!

Do you have any tips for our readers who want to launch their own business?

When it comes to starting up a business, one of the most fundamental aspects is making sure you are selling what people want; having passion and drive is important, yet if no one wants to buy your product or concept it cannot be a success. Planning is crucial when launching a new business, having everything in place will allow business ideas to transform into reality. Finally, it is important not to neglect the positives of competition, it allows you to spot gaps in the market and remain ahead of the curve.

What’s an average day like, if there is one?

No day is ever the same! One constant that I will never skip on is my training – I train every morning with my personal trainers, it really puts me in the best headspace for the rest of the day. Then I will head into the office and look through my schedule for the day, which can typically include client meetings, interviews, TV, and designing interiors projects and new products – design time is absolutely key. When I have a spare evening, I love to spend it with friends, having dinner, or relaxing with family.

Describe your style in a sentence?

East meets west with a contemporary edge.

Who are your favourite designers (jewellery & interiors)?

I love so many, Christian Liaigre and Kerry Wearstler for interiors, Steven Webster and Jessica McCormack for jewellery…

When you’re not busy working what do you do to unwind?

I love to spend time in my home with my friends and my family; a home should be a sanctuary where you can unwind, relax and laugh. However, nothing beats jetting off and leaving for a break to really unwind.

You’re a mum and businesswoman, what has been your ultimate achievement?

I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved in my 40 year career and there are so many highlights. However I would say my ultimate achievement either has to be giving birth to my wonderful daughter. Another huge moment was being awarded an MBE in 2009, it was such an honour.

Where are your favourite places to eat/drink/shop across London?

Matches (the new store on Carlos Place is fantastic), Joseph, Alexa Chung and Net-a-Porter are great. I love shopping online, but when I have the time I love to wander round the markets in Notting Hill in search of vintage pieces, and also take a trip to Balenciaga and Celine. For food, I eat at Graingers, which is a fabulous breakfast spot, 202 for lunch, and for dinner, Chucs or Annabel’s. For a drink I recommend Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood Hotel, it’s beautiful and the cocktails are amazing! Laylow Club is great too.

How do you keep in shape with a busy schedule?

No matter what, I always make sure I allocate myself time to work out and take care of myself. I will try to include cardio, weights into about 25 minutes during a busy day. With the guidance of my daughter Tash, I have realised the hugely positive impact that healthy eating has on my wellbeing, so I try to cut out wheat, dairy, as well as refined and white sugars from my diet.

How would describe your style?

Timeless, chic, practical and elegant.

We don’t know how you do it all and still manage to look so youthful and radiant, what are your beauty secrets?

I am a big fan of collagen wave facials and oxygen facials. I also am very conscious about eating well, drinking lots of water and not drinking a lot of alcohol – I’m a bit like a boxer when it comes to drinking alcohol, I’m all or nothing! I think most importantly, I’m happy and content which always makes you look your best.

What’s Your Motto?

I have a few mottos which I stand by. The first is ‘learn from the past, live in the now and visualise the future’ (which features in my qvcuk.com collection) whilst the second is ‘nothing’s too big but nothing’s ever big enough’ which, at first, may seem big-headed but actually just tells people to strive for more and fulfil potential – everyone is more capable than they think they are.

Click here to shop the collection now www.qvcuk.com

Please comment