Latest news with #CompletedWorks
Elle
22-05-2025
- Business
- Elle
The Best British Jewellery Brands To Have On Your Radar, From Missoma To Completed Works
Our list of the best British jewellery brands is extensive. Because, in the last decade, thanks to a demi-fine boom, the Brits have really come through with a selection of cool, independent labels creating affordable jewels. Of course, there's a rich history of fine jewellery in the UK. Heritage houses like Garrard, Boodles and De Beers have been kicking around for centuries. But for those who don't have a cool half a mil to drop on diamonds, the British jewellery scene really came into its own In the Noughties. It all started with the likes of Astley Clarke (launched in 2006), Missoma (2007) and Monica Vinader (2008). Then, slowly but surely, a cascade of demi-fine brands starting cropping up with fresh takes on accessorising. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE Best for cool pearls: Completed Works Best for T-bar jewellery: Tilly Sveas Best for forever staples: Monica Vinader Best for choice: Astley Clarke Best for trend-led pieces: Missoma Completed Works totally reinvented the once-twee pearl and Tilly Sveas showed us that a T-bar necklace can transform the simplest of staple wardrobes. Meanwhile, By Pariah convinced us that art is indeed wearable with its smooth, sculptural lines, while Loveness Lee went the opposite way with totally natural organic settings that feel like something unearthed straight from nature. The good news is, while contemporary British jewellery brands provide affordable options with gold-vermeil and lab-grown gemstone, they are still good quality. With proper care (watch out for salt water and sweat), these piece will last you years – an affordable investment great for gifting yourself of a loved one. Completed Works' founder Anna Jewsbury attended Oxford university, which is about as British as it gets. How she got from Mathematics & Philosophy to jewellery design – the brand launched in 2013 – is a head-scratcher at first, but then you see the link between her interest in detail, precision and wider meanings. She also loves interiors (clear to anyone who visits the brand's chic Marylebone studio), which is why she dropped a jewellery-inspired homewares collection in 2021. 'When creating collections, I often think about the connection between a character and their environment,' she told ELLE UK. Asymmetric, sculptural pieces are Completed Works' USP. We can't get enough of the freshwater pearls that are so artfully arranged and twisted, they couldn't look further from twee. SHOP COMPLETED WORKS Monica Vinader was one of the OG demi-fine jewellery brands, alongside Missoma and Astley Clarke. It's shapeshifted plenty since its launch in 2008. Once a well-know favourite of Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales, the brand has welcomed in a younger fan base through content creators in recent years, while still managing to maintain the loyalty its core customers. So, you'll find buzzy beaded necklaces and sparkly ear stacks alongside demure single-drop earrings and engravable lockets. Monica Vinader has also prioritised sustainability, using exclusively use 100% recycled gold and sterling silver, as well as 100% recyclable packaging and reusable pouches. The best thing about the British jewellery brand though? The five-year warranty, lifetime repairs service, and jewellery recycling scheme which feels like such incredible value for your investment. SHOP MONICA VINADER Tilly Sveas was designing jewellery for 15 years, and even had a concession in the iconic #oldTopshop in Oxford Circus, before she launched her eponymous brand in 2016. Fast forward to 2025 and she counts Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Elle Macpherson and Sophie Turner as fans. The British brand is best known for its T-bar necklaces, which in recent seasons Sveas has played with to create a chunkier, more industrial aesthetic. These newgen designs are also customisable, so customers can build on their investments by clipping new pendants to bracelets and necklaces within the collection. SHOP TILLY SVEAS When ELLE UK interviewed Marisa Horden a few years back about the beginning of Missoma, we could have never predicted just how relevant this quote would feel in 2025: 'It was 2008. The days of Matthew Williamson. Sienna Miller had just emerged. Everyone was wearing these flowing boho dresses, but you couldn't find cool jewellery to match – anything that wasn't fine was really cheap quality. That's where we saw the niche in the market.' Missoma is niche no more of course: it's one of the UK's fastest-growing jewellery labels, and during the demi-fine boom it increased its an annual turnover from £1m to £33m in a short five years (as reported by 2022 by Forbes). We cannot get enough of the brand's spiral collection – shell-themed jewels are huge for SS25. SHOP MISSOMA Founded in 2016, Otiumberg is the British jewellery brand built by sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg. The duo kicked things off, sans funding, from their shared London home – fast forward nearly a decade and they've opened their first flagship store in Holland Park, Notting Hill. The Otiumberg aesthetic is understated, off-kilter. The cool girl's answer to the poppier demi-fine brands. The British brand made a name for itself with asymmetric ear stacks, industrial-inspired clip and T-bar necklaces, sculptural drop pendants earrings and made-you-look ear cuffs. The brand also seems to have universal appeal, to woman of all ages – everyone from Aimee Lou-Wood, Iris Law and Daisy Ridley, to Ann Hathaway, Julianne Moore and Keira Knightley has been spotted wearing Otiumberg. SHOP OTIUMBERG Having grown up in China with her architect mother, Loveness Lee felt inspired to forge her own path of creativity. She moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins and it was then she created her first jewellery collection; inspired by, as most of her designs are today, the free-flowing form of nature. There's nothing quite like Loveness Lee pieces – you can spot the brand's molten, organic shapes and clever use of lab-grown gemstones a mile off. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece or gift, this is the British jewellery brand to know. SHOP LOVENESS LEE Before the big demi-fine boom, there were only a handful of jewellery brands specialising in this area. Astley Clarke, founded in 2006, actually precedes both Monica Vinader and Missoma, who both debuted direct-to-consumer two years later. You can pretty much find something for everyone at the British jewellery brand - from dainty gold-vermeil layering chains and simple hoops, to celestial crystal-encrusted earrings, deco blue lapis rings, lab-grown diamond pendant and engraved birthstone lockets. Nearly 20 years on, Astley Clark is staying true to its USP of creating affordable jewellery – prices start from £38. SHOP ASTLEY CLARKE If you don't know By Pariah, you'll definitely have seen the brand's cult Sabine hoops – worn by Hailey Bieber and Rosie HW – that inspired a hundred curved, sculptural earrings soon after. By Pariah was founded by Sophie Howard in 2016. It's hard to believe her background was in PR, not jewellery, because within a few years the London-based label had racked up a long list of A-list fans. She's also influenced the demi-fine arena with her use of Sterling silver (now a key trend in SS25), oversized domed shapes, stacked bangles and a polished take on natural stones such as onyx, marble and agate. By Pariah makes both demi- and fine jewellery, with prices ranging from £400 for 14k gold-vermeil earrings to £8,500 for solid gold diamond bracelet stacks. SHOP BY PARIAH Rachel Jackson totally predicted the end of the #cleangirl era. We love how the jeweller has stayed true to those boho/indie Brit roots with a more eclectic and whimsical take on accessorising. From the electric heart gem collection to the tactile birthstone pendants, each piece feels totally unique and instantly recognisable to the brand – not like anything else out their in the demi-fine market. Jackson launched her namesake label back in 2016 from a stall in Spitalfields market. Fast forward nearly a decade and she's garnered quite the A-list following; try Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Jessie Ware and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. SHOP RACHEL JACKSON You might know Lulu Guinness to be a handbag brand, and you would be right, but the British label has just expanded into jewellery and its quaint pieces are flying off virtual shelves. It's no coincidence that the designer launched with a selection of sea-themed pieces – pearls peaking out from beneath silver oyster shells on rings, necklaces, bracelets and studs – which are bang on trend for SS25. These bits sit alongside a core collection featuring the designer's signature lips motif. It also helps that Lulu's new dem-fine jewellery collection is super affordable: starting from £65 for 14k gold vermeil, Sterling silver and real freshwater peaerls. SHOP LULU GUINNESS Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times' Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The 5 stand-out London Fashion Week trends to know
London Fashion Week 2025 concluded last night with a star-studded Burberry show, which was as quintessentially British as you'd expect. The countryside capsule featured check, leather, tartan, suede and knitwear galore. Guests included Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, Lauryn Hill, Kim Cattrall, Anna Wintour and Damien Lewis, while actor Richard Grant, Lesley Manville and Naomi Campbell swapped the front row for the runway. Unexpected celebrity cameos defined this season's shows. Florence Pugh conducted a theatrical monologue at Harris Reed on Thursday evening; Alexa Chung, Bel Powley and Fiona Shaw made an appearance on the Simone Rocha runway; Debi Mazar acted in a QVS-inspired skit at Completed Works; and Drag Race's Tayce and Bimini walked the Sinead Gorey and DiPesta's shows, respectively. Of the four big fashion weeks – Milan, Paris, New York and London – the UK capital was a markedly more muted affair this year. It lacked the influencer and A-Lister roll-call of the other weeks, while big-ticket names like JW Anderson and 16Arlington opted out of the schedule. But what it lost in viral moments, it made up for in unique, standout fashion from the city's best independent designers. Harris Reed's show was elevated and punk-inspired, featuring sculptural sheer pieces and semi-nude models in bird cages and corset gowns, while Sinead Gorey's facetious collection was a glorious walk of shame, with models eating KFC burgers, smoking cigarettes and holding chicken wings (guests even received a 'chicken cheque' in a paper goody bag). Elsewhere, Richard Quinn's winter wonderland paid homage to London, with the snowy scene lit by street lamplights and models wearing Georgian gowns in a profusion of Fifties and Sixties haute couture silhouettes. As always, Simone Rocha's A/W line was a blend of pieces born for both the runway and your wardrobe – think lace slip dresses, faux fur shawls, oversized cable knits and double-denim co-ords adorned with pearls. Roksanda – loved by The Princess of Wales – showcased its signature bold and offbeat colouring and draped, sculptural gowns, with added scarf detailing and cinched-in waists. Sinead O'Dwyer continues to be dedicated to a more inclusive image of fashion, sending a cast of women with various body types and disabilities down the runway in mini skirts, ripped tights and stomping boots. The London Fashion Week season has forecasted the trends we'll be shopping in autumn and winter (think Eighties-style tailoring and power dressing, tweed, polka dot and leather outerwear). But they're just as wearable this spring. To help curate your transitional wardrobe, these are the five trends to buy into now. Eighties-inspired power dressing The Eighties came calling this season, putting padded shoulders, exaggerated blazers, structured shirting and oversized trousers on the map for autumn/winter. Power dressing was seen all over the runways, from flowing white shirts and cinched-in blazers at Toga to Florence Pugh imploring us to 'be brave' and 'unapologetically you' in a Maleficent -esque gown at Harris Reed. Richard Quinn's take on occasionwear featured hourglass silhouettes with gigantic sleeves. Paul Costelloe made a case for strong shapes with elegant details by balancing broad shoulders with mini hemlines. The myriad of faux fur coats across the shows felt very Eighties too – Toga's boasted massive collars while Helen Anthony's were shaggy and maxi-length. To shop the trend now, try Aligne's viral Daphne blazer (£175, which boasts a fitted silhouette. For something more affordable, Zara's luxury-looking double-breasted style (£49.99, is perfectly oversized and androgynous. We'd recommend styling with H&M's bargain bootleg-style trousers (£24.99, Cos's pleated trousers (£118, or & Other Stories tailored trousers (£77, As for shirting, let this sub-£20 Oxford shirt form (£19.99, be the base of your outfits. Leather Leather in brown, burgundy and black appeared in nearly every form – from Noon by Noor's leather power skirt suit, Simone Rocha's oversized jackets and Burberry's trench coats. At Sinead Gorey, leather bustier dresses and halter neck unitards brought unapologetic party energy while Sinead O'Dwyer had a punk flavour, making a case for leather kilts and ripped tights. Elsewhere, a butter yellow leather trench from the SS Daley show is sure to be replicated across the high street, as is a pair of his burgundy leather slacks. For replicating Simone Rocha's runway looks, M&S's leather bomber (£225, or laidback jacket (£69, are both perfect. While River Island's leather A-line midi skirt (£42, is a nice take for the office. Kitri's vinyl coat (£220, is already doing the rounds on Instagram and would make a great alternative to Burberry's hero burgundy leather trench. Print Quiet luxury has been replaced by prints a gogo this season, with designers injecting a playful energy into their autumn/winter collections. Bora Aksu took inspiration from Empress Elisabeth of Austria for his gothic romantic show and put threaded polka dots, floral motifs and pinstripe through his characteristically delicate, fanciful collection. Meanwhile, Sinead Gorey's show was gloriously garish – pink check, lipstick motifs and tartan patterns were sent down the runway to house music. Though Burberry kept it classic with herringbone and tartan, Daniel Lee did inject colourful florals into his outerwear collection to brighten up the catwalk. For an easy and endlessly wearable take on the trend for spring, turn to Massimo Dutti's flowing check midi skirt (£119, or Zara's floaty tartan design (£59.99, Where polka dot is concerned, Ganni's maxi skirt (£345, will take you from your desk to dinner, but M&S's ruched maxi dress (£35, is quite possibly the best polka dot dress we've seen on the high street this season. Lace Whether layered at Bora Aksu, cut out at Simone Richa or draped at Jawara Alleyne, lace is set to return to our wardrobes come autumn. Richard Quinn used the romantic fabric in sheer, head-turning gowns while Simone Rocha featured lace panelling in her signature silky, slip dresses. Kate Moss's favourite vintage supplier Annie's Ibiza plumped for Renaissance-inspired lace sleeves and necklines, while Sinead Gorey took it back to basics with lace lingerie under a dramatic cape. It couldn't be easier to inject lace into your current capsule wardrobe. Bimba Y Lola's panelled lace maxi skirt (£80, wouldn't look out of place on the Simone Rocha mood board while Miista's lace maxi dress (£108, can be thrown over black lingerie or a slip dress for a Richard Quinn-esque evening look. Meanwhile, Susamusa's black lace shirt (£90, and Free People's white lace long-sleeve style are stellar layering pieces (£32, Textures From the dominance of faux fur coats and shaggy outerwear at the likes of Toga, Helen Anthony and Sinead Gorey to suede at Burberry and ELV Denim, London Fashion Week is your sign to add texture to your wardrobe. Chunky knits are also on the agenda, thanks to SS Daley (the 'Stay FaithFul to Marrianne' style – a homage to the late Marianne Faithfull – is sure to be a bestseller) and Simone Rocha, while fabric spikes at Harris Reed and studded leather at Sinead Gorey were anything but boring. H&M's textured shirt (£22.99, is an elevated high street take on the trend while Cos's fringed jumper (£135, and M&S textured crew neck jumper (£35, are transitional hero pieces you'll turn to all year round. When it comes to injecting faux-furt into your outerwear collection, you can't go wrong with this Zara faux fur coat (£135, or River Island's oversized Mongolian coat (£50,
