Designer Abby Melton from Lover Lover. Image supplied.
Abby Melton is the designer and founder of gorgeous earrings brand Lover Lover which she launched in October 2020. The brand is a beautiful reflection of Abby’s love of colour and bold design offering a range of stunning styles in a rainbow of hues. Each Lover Lover piece is designed and handcrafted in Abby’s Oamaru studio with customers able to purchase online and at selected stockists including Trelise Cooper boutiques. Abby wants each wearer to feel empowered and confident wearing Lover Lover and she loves seeing how customers style her vibrant designs.
We caught up with Abby to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
As we are relatively new our collection is continually growing – ‘Love is in the ear’ is quite a mix of elegance, a little rockstar and glam. We have classic rich tones of black, gold and silver and lively bright bold colours of spring. The contrast between high gloss, matte and mirror finishes most certainly catch your eye! I wanted the earrings to have size and punch but still be light and comfortable on your ears.
What made you become a designer?
I have a very creative mind and from a young girl designed my own clothes with the help of my seamstress Mother. I would have a vision in my head of what I wanted the outfit to be and would spend the entire day moving around Auckland’s shopping haunts to find what I was looking for. I would bring things home and get my mother to alter them for me. Failing that I would design something she would then construct and sew for me. Earrings/accessories are always a big part of my outfit planning and I have had a love for bold earrings for a long time, so I decided to have a play with some designs and Lover Lover was born.
What inspires you?
I am a very visual creative so I am inspired by many things in everyday life. Colour palettes and shapes from interior design/architecture, fashion runway, editorial and red carpet looks. I have a very active mind which is always imagining and visualising.
Earrings by Lover Lover.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I have always worn what I love and what works for my body rather than following certain trends as such. I love to dress up in vibrant print dresses, bold colour and anything flowy! I have a love for the 70’s and I believe in wearing what makes you feel fabulous! I feel so good when I dress up so I think why save it for special occasions only. All of my designs are to be enjoyed and worn day or night, casual or dressy whichever way make you feel great!
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My engagement ring – I designed it myself and I am absolutely thrilled with how it all came together. It has a chunky yellow gold band with a large pale pink Morganite stone which is set into rose gold which really highlights the pink tones. Every time I look at it I get that euphoric feeling. It is not a traditional style ring at all but I feel I will love it forever. Clothing wise I couldn’t choose, I have long love affairs with my garments and tend to wear them for years to come.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Just something that makes them feel absolutely fabulous! Whatever that may be… Just do it! Buy it! Enjoy it!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Never dull yourself for anyone, If you want to shine… Shine! There are no rules in fashion, you be you and wear it with pride!
Earrings by Lover Lover.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have had a few different careers with different highlights but a few that stand out are working on one of the world’s most famous sailing/super yachts called the Maltese Falcon. I did massage, makeup and beauty therapy onboard and have worked on some very highly regarded people, partied at the Monaco Grand Prix, sailed the Hudson River and took part in a trans-Atlantic race from Newport, Rhode Island to Falmouth, UK. Since turning my hand to design and starting Lover Lover in October 2020 my biggest highlight for sure has been meeting Trelise Cooper and her team who I adore and who inspire me – they are loving wearing Lover Lover and have taken on my earrings to sell in the TC flagship stores in New Zealand and Australia.
What can’t you live without?
The glorious sound of my 2 year old Marlo giggling. A water bottle, sunglasses – I have super sensitive eyes! Love a red lippy too!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
I normally have and open mind but… Crocs!!! I just cant! hahaha.
Images supplied.