Briar Hardy-Hesson from Fruit Bowl Studio. Image supplied.
Briar Hardy-Hesson is the designer and founder of jewellery label Fruit Bowl Studio which she launched in 2019. Wanaka-based Briar is a self-taught maker who loves designing colourful pieces that are creative and unique. Her charming designs are currently stocked in the South Island and online with Fruit Bowl Studio’s debut collection proving a hit with those who love jewellery with pops of vibrant colour.
We caught up with Briar to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection/pieces?
My latest collection is also Fruit Bowl’s very first. It’s all about organic shapes with bright pops of gemstone colour. It is a formative range that was about exploring materials and everyday wear.
I’m currently designing a new collection to be released later this year. It is a lot more intricate than my present work and draws on early 20th century architecture and design as well as patterns.
What made you become a designer?
I think I always have been. I’m naturally creative but it’s always been necessary to me that the outcome of that has some sort of functionality.
My mum was a ceramic artist and art teacher who forced her ways upon my sister and I right from the beginning. She demonstrated to us how to observe fashion and trends but determine your own sense of style in whatever you do. So I’m guessing there was a lot of nurture involved too!
What inspires you?
Colour, patterns and texture. Art, music and fashion. My beautiful home town Wanaka and the surrounding Central Otago, it’s an incredible landscape of extremes. Basically, I’m inspired non-stop on a daily basis (often in the middle of the night too!) so I’m very lucky to have Fruit Bowl as an official outlet for all this creative juice.
Jewellery by Fruit Bowl Studio.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Practical, colourful, a little bit out there but not too fussy. I only produce things I’d want to wear and this directly translates into the Fruit Bowl jewellery. I make bold, bright and sturdy pieces that can be lived in on a daily basis. I’m also a bit earthy so it makes sense that I find metal and gemstones more appealing in their raw state.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I’ve never regretted buying anything that lasts for many a season.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Jewellery of course! I also swear by owning a dress you can throw on to either dress up or down. But mostly you should just invest in clothing you feel fabulous in it.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Rules are made to be broken right? I’m not very good with rules…
Jewellery by Fruit Bowl Studio.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There’s been a lot of ups but I think when I got my first stockists and in turn clients (other than my friends and fam) who wanted to collect Fruit Bowl was a real turning point for me. It’s pretty special and such a buzz to get glimpses of pieces made specifically for someone and for them to look so damn perfect on!
What can’t you live without?
Something to make and time alone. I’m lost without a project and my best ideas come when I have space from the outside world to create.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
White clothing. I’m likely to grub it up immediately no matter how careful I am.
Images supplied.