A HUDDERSFIELD designer is off to London as the capital has become the main market for her niche jewellery.
Maria Lau, who established her own accessories label in 2008, says her distinctive brand of statement jewellery is better known in the South of England and that’s why she has to move her workshop to London.
Maria’s unusual jewellery, constructed from materials such as hosiery, shock-cord elastic and semi-precious stones, is strikingly different.
Her collections have more than a whiff about them of contemporary art. In her own words, they are “luxury jewellery with a twist.’’
Because of their unconventional designs and materials, Maria’s pieces cater for a niche market and have a premium price tag. Her top-end eponymous label Maria Lau has items from £50 to £800.
Maria, who graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2003 with a masters degree in mixed media textiles and lives in Edgerton, sees herself first and foremost as an artist. While she has designed more commercially-minded jewellery for her M Label, she says this is not what she wants to focus on.
“I decided that I needed to be creative in a certain way and built up my jewellery label to do something to be recognised by the industry,’’ she explained.
“It’s been challenging to grow my business being based here especially since being made redundant from the university as a part-time lecturer. Since the recession I’ve had to push other areas of my work which have very little to do with my real passion.’’
Maria,32, who is currently based in Bates Mill Artspace, found that most of her customers were in London where her brand has been recognised by buyers, the fashion press and stores such as Harrods and Selfridge’s.
And so she has finally made the decision to move her workshop to London.
But she will not be severing ties with Huddersfield as her husband Johnny Chan – an engineer and Tae Kwon-Do champion – is staying here.
Maria feels that if she doesn’t take up the opportunities offered by the capital now she never will. “Johnny’s passion is tae kwon-do and he has been competing for England and going to Oxford for training so we haven’t been spending much time together anyway,’’ said Maria.
“I have been feeling quite isolated up here as all the contacts I’ve built up are in London and I need to network to get to know more.’’
Maria plans to stay with a friend in London and as well as developing her brand will be working in collaboration with her cousin Philip Li, originally from Brighouse but now based in the capital.
l Before she heads off Maria will be hosting jewellery workshops for enthusiasts who want to learn the basics or improve their skills. For details check out www.marialau.co.uk
