SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD
BY DARIA VALIGURAS
TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
SENIOR EDITOR
JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ CLAUDIA LOMBARDO
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ANNA VOLOS ROBBY WONG JENNIFER CARTER
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear readers,
Welcome to the vibrant and enchanting March issue of QP MAGAZINE ! As we transition from winter's cocoon to the blossoming embrace of spring, our pages come alive with a symphony of colors, patterns, and stories that celebrate the essence of fashion.
Our cover star, SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD, graces our pages with her effervescent spirit. Actress, yoga teacher, and fashion designer, Samantha embodies the epitome of a modern Renaissance woman. In an exclusive interview, she shares insights into her creative journey, the intersection of spirituality and style, and the inspiration behind her latest fashion endeavors.
This issue features five captivating fashion editorials that showcase the season's hottest trends and emerging styles. From daring beachwear to timeless elegance, each editorial is a visual feast that will ignite your passion for fashion.
Discover the genius behind the brands as we sit down with RAT BETTY and BOURBON SUMMER CARTOON CRISIS. From their creative processes to the influences shaping their collections, these interviews provide an intimate glimpse into their minds.
This March, let QP MAGAZINE be your guide through the kaleidoscope of trends and creativity that define the world of fashion. We invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of this issue and embrace the diversity of styles that make our industry so endlessly fascinating.
Much obliged!
JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ Editor-in-Chief QPmag
EDITORIAL: A SIREN´S FANTASY
EDITORIAL: NIGHT
COVER: SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD
ARTICLE: FASHION IN THE METAVERSE
EDITORIAL: SHIZEN NO BI
INTERVIEW: BOURBON SUMMER CARTOON CRISIS
EDITORIAL: TEA PARTY
INTERVIEW: RAT BETTY
EDITORIAL: REVERIE
COVER
TALENT: SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD @samanthalockwood
PHOTOGRAPHER: DARIA VALIGURAS @valiguras
makeup artist: NATALIIA NOSOKAS @nataliiamakeupartist
wardrobre provided by THE CONFESSIONAL SHOWROOM MIAMI
Dress
A SIREN´S FANTASY
PHOTOGRAPHER: DARIA VALIGURAS @vaiiguras
MODEL: FERNANDA NAVE @fernandanave
wardrobe stylist: CRISTINA CELLINI @nobodysugly
makeup artist: BRI SOFFA @brisoffa
hair STYLIST: MARIA MOREIRA @mariasmanes_
Dress PRADA
Jewelry STYLIST’S OWN
Dress ANDREA ALMEIDA
Jewelry STYLIST’S OWN
NIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHER: EVA DISENKO @disenko_photography
MODEL: VIOLETTA SELEZNOVA @violettaseleznova
MAKEUP ARTIST: JULIA MATVEEVA @makeup.matveeva
hair STYLIST: ANASTASIA DUBININA @dubinina_hairstylist
COVER SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD
CELESTIAL SUPERWOMAN
Interview by ROBBY WONG
Welcome to an exclusive interview with the multi-talented Samantha Lockwood, a captivating actress, seasoned yoga teacher, and visionary fashion designer. Samantha, whose father is none other than the iconic actor Gary Lockwood, renowned for his main role in the cult classic film "2001: A Space Odyssey," brings a unique blend of creativity, passion, and heritage to the entertainment industry. Join us as we delve into Samantha's diverse journey, exploring her experiences in the world of acting, the tranquility she finds as a yoga instructor, and her innovative ventures in the realm of fashion design.
TALENT: SAMANTHA LOCKWOOD @samanthalockwood
PHOTOGRAPHER: DARIA VALIGURAS @valiguras
makeup artist: NATALIIA NOSOKAS @nataliiamakeupartist
wardrobre provided by THE CONFESSIONAL SHOWROOM MIAMI
@confessional_showroom_miami
Dress HALEIA Boots CONFESSIONAL SHOWROOM MIAMI
Your father starred in the iconic masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey”. How did his stardom influence your desire to act or your overall childhood growing up? I grew up going to work with him on set. I have so many great memories running lines in the car doing different characters. We always had a blast doing this and still do now. We are always playing, laughing, joking and telling funny stories together. Fame has never been a driving desire or focus. Although it's part of the game and it is necessary for actors, for, as a wise woman once said to me "you can be the most talented person in the world but if you live in a basement no one will ever know". Getting out into the world to share your talents is the duty of the individual no matter what career you have chosen. You've worked in both film and television. Do you have a preference for one over the other, and how do they differ in terms of your acting process?
For me it’s about being part of a story I love, a character I’m interested in becoming, working with a great team of people, and ideally being on a fun friendly set. I have no major preference in film or television.
Reflecting on your diverse acting roles, which character has been the most challenging to portray and why?
Hollywood. I did a music video in India and look forward to another adventure to work in India. I would love to shoot in Australia and in the UK as well. I just want to keep making really cool projects with talented actors and directors. I have a list of people who I would love to work with and so I suppose those would be my "goals".
How to approach different mediums in the film industry, such as acting, writing, and producing?
My focus is on acting at the moment. I can see myself producing some in the future as well. Looking forward, are there specific types of roles or genres you are eager to explore in your acting career?
Action, drama and dark comedy. I have a very dry witty sense of humor which lends itself to that type of dialogue. For instance if I played opposite someone like Hugh Grant I'd fit right in.
“I see myself working more abroad”
Portraying a "victim" has always been difficult for me.
Did you always see yourself in the film industry growing up? Have you ever considered pursuing another career?
Yes, I have always seen myself working as an actor for a lifetime. I have pursued many other passions and still do. I am an entrepreneur and an artist. I run a successful vase jewelry collection Fleurings.com and I have run hot yoga schools as well. I enjoy investing, love painting and selling my work. I also love doing real estate renovation projects. All of these things run in my blood and in my family.
How do you see the different sectors of your careers evolving in the coming years? Any specific goals or directions?
I see myself working more abroad and in
Are there any upcoming projects or roles you're particularly excited about?
Yes! I am looking forward to filming a really fun action role in “Monkey Grip” directed by Stephen Savage. I had a music video recently release in India titled "Tera Tha Main" and I do think it would be great to go back and shoot a movie there. I love working internationally.
What was your journey like becoming one of the youngest certified Bikram Yoga Teachers? Were there any significant challenges or milestones?
I was just thrown into the fire so to speak at a young age because my mother wanted me to learn the importance of being educated about how life is as much about how well being as it is about career. Yoga has been the biggest gift to my life and to the lives of the people in my family and close circle. I have been to all kinds of classes and studied many different forms of yoga. However, I am very proud to have become an accomplished Bikram teacher since I have been certified in the practice and taught that series for so many years. Teaching is a great gift to the teacher (as well as the student) as it is a great way to funnel your energy directly for the highest good of others. It is a job you do because you love it and because you want to genuinely contribute to humanity.
Outfit THE CONFESSIONAL SHOWROOM MIAMI
Earrings H&M
Have you incorporated any yoga principals into your business and acting practices and vice versa?
Absolutely. I try to practice ahimsa, consciously non-harming myself and others with thought or action. Yoga has taught me to be active, positive and disciplined, not lazy. So I always try to be hardworking and take an active approach to my health and my career. Yoga teaches me to approach everything in life with a sense of levity and non-attachment. Yoga has given me that perspective that no matter what happens outside of me I can smile through all the ups and downs knowing that everything is playing out in a grand motion picture called life. So I guess you can say yoga has helped me heal when I need healing and given me peace from inside out.
Can you share an impactful experience or lesson you’ve had from traveling to many different places to teach?
I suppose the biggest impact has been seeing how people around the world learn differently. I noticed how concentrated and naturally focused Japanese people are in a class. They are raised to have discipline and therefore excel when it comes to concentration, meditation. So, I would say how you are raised from a young age does affect how you learn later in life. This lesson becomes very clear when you teach a large group of people. Teaching in Japan has definitely been a true highlight of my teaching journey.
What have been some of the most rewarding experiences in your multifaceted career so far?
I loved when my Hawaii Five-0 episode aired. I had been trying to get on that show for years so to finally be on it with a really kickass action
role was just a dream come true. I love working on productions in Hawaii.
How have your parents had an impact on your attitude towards life and pursuing several different ventures?
They were both creative multidimensional actors. My dad had a fabulous acting career but he also owned the first hand gliding company and designed Madonna and Sean Penn's home in Malibu. He loves wood working and architecture. He always has some project he is working on at home. My mom is similar in that she was also an actress and then became an infomercial producer, president of women in film palm springs, and also a very avid Bikram and yoga practicioner in general. We helped one another with our yoga studios.
In terms of your entrepreneurial venture with Fleurings vase jewelry line, how did the thought initially come and how did you decide to go about it?
My grandmother told me to wear a flower to "make better tips" when I was working as a waitress in college. I did try this one day and my tips doubled but my flower wilted in less than an hour. So, I created vase earrings and necklaces that would hold enough water to keep a flower fresh for hours. The line has become quite popular in hawaii! Recently we were in Vogue as one of the top 'gifts that bring joy'. I am so proud of the concept and enjoy seeing how it has grown to this day and looking forward to seeing how it blossoms further in the future.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is trying to balance multiple passions and career paths as you do?
Like... NIKE just do it!!! .. Oh and find the right people to help you.. build your team forward to seeing how it blossoms further in the future.
“Yoga has taught me to be active, positive and disciplined, not lazy”
Dress HALEIA Boots THE CONFESSIONAL SHOWROOM MIAMI
FASHION
FASHION in the METAVERSE
Exploring its Impact on Real-World Trends
By ANNA VOLOS @anika_volos_
Fashion, as a dynamic facet of cultural expression, has continually evolved alongside technological advancements and shifting societal paradigms. In the contemporary digital era, the burgeoning emergence of virtual worlds and online communities has revolutionized the very essence of fashion, blurring the conventional boundaries between tangible reality and immersive digital realms. This comprehensive exploration aims to delve into the profound phenomenon of fashion in the Metaverse, delving into its multifaceted impact on real-world trends and consumer behavior while unraveling the intricate tapestry of digital innovation and self-expression.
The Metaverse, an expansive amalgamation of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and interactive social gaming platforms, has burgeoned into a vibrant crucible for fashion experimentation, individualistic self-expression, and transformative consumption experiences. Within these virtual spheres, denizens are empowered with unprecedented avenues to meticulously craft and personalize their digital avatars, each serving as a canvas for the articulation of unique style and identity. Avatars are adorned with an extensive array of virtual apparel, accessories, and intricately detailed hairstyles, fostering an environment where users can manifest their imaginative visions of self. Furthermore, the advent of virtual fashion designers and avant-garde brands has catalyzed a paradigmatic fusion of artistic ingenuity and digital commerce, propelling the blurring of demarcations between the virtual and physical realms of fashion.
The pervasive influence of fashion within the Metaverse transcends the confines of digital domains, permeating the very fabric of real-world trends and consumption patterns. Spectacular virtual fashion showcases, hosted within immersive gaming platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox, captivate millions of spectators worldwide, serving as veritable workshops for the convergence of digital ingenuity and tangible brand collaborations. These pioneering collaborations frequently culminate in the materialization of exclusive physical merchandise, exemplified by the symbiotic partnerships between luxury fashion houses and virtual gaming platforms. Moreover, the dissemination of trends originating from virtual domains, characterized by futuristic aesthetics or nostalgic design motifs, seamlessly integrates into the mainstream fashion lexicon, thereby accentuating the symbiotic interplay between the digital and physical realms of sartorial expression.
The immersive allure of the Metaverse has precipitated a profound metamorphosis in consumer behavior, particularly among the burgeoning cohorts of digital-native demographics. Innovative virtual try-on functionalities empower users to engage in risk-free experimentation with diverse clothing ensembles and accessories, effectively bridging the chasm between conventional online shopping experiences and tactile fitting rooms. This immersive shopping paradigm not only amplifies consumer engagement but also serves as an invaluable conduit for discerning consumer preferences and nascent trend trajectories. Moreover, the conceptual reconfiguration of ownership dynamics, facilitated by virtual clothing purchases, engenders a novel realm of digital selfexpression devoid of physical encumbrances or ecological footprints. This seismic shift towards digital ownership fundamentally challenges established paradigms of consumption, thereby catalyzing an imperative reevaluation of sustainability imperatives within the fashion industry.
While the burgeoning domain of fashion within the Metaverse heralds unprecedented opportunities for creative expression and digital engagement, it concurrently begets a myriad of ethical and societal quandaries. The imperative delineation of digital authenticity, the safeguarding of intellectual property rights, and the cultivation of inclusive virtual representations pose formidable challenges necessitating nuanced resolutions to ensure the integrity and inclusivity of virtual communities. Furthermore, the escalating influence of virtual
cultural representation, and environmental stewardship demands collaborative endeavors and proactive initiatives from stakeholders across the fashion continuum.
In conclusion, fashion in the meta-universe is a clear indication of the symbiotic fusion of digital innovation, artistic expression and consumer engagement. As the boundaries of virtual worlds continue to expand and evolve, the profound impact of virtual fashion on real-world trends and consumer behavior will inexorably intensify. By embracing the transformative potentialities of the Metaverse while proactively addressing its attendant challenges, the fashion industry can chart a course towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally integrated future. fashion on real-world consumption patterns underscores the exigent need for conscientious consumption practices and sustainable initiatives within the fashion ecosystem. Navigating these intricate intersections between digital innovation,
SHIZEN NO BI
PHOTOGRAPHER: AREZOO JALALI @arezoojalali_photography
MODEL: ANA TANAKA @anatanaka wardrobe stylist: ANA TANAKA @anatanaka outfits: TANAKA VINTAGE @tanakavintage
BOURBON SUMMER CARTOON CRISIS
Interview by QP STAFF WRITER
Meeting Sam, whose behind Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis in his Dumbo NYC studio was a little like stepping into Alice in Wonderland or a Wes Anderson movie. Nothing made any sense, yet everything fitted perfectly into place. Sam is a master at creating clothing designed for those who edge on the side of quirky, yet traditional. Think of your plainest best quality neutral top, and then build in molded eyes and lips into the chest area … Sam is by far a talent that needs celebrating more and we’re delighted to be chatting with him.
pr agency: THE POP GROUP @thepop.group
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the name "Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis" and how it reflects your brand's identity?
Hello QP Magazine! BOURBON SUMMER
CARTOON CRISIS is the name under which I have been making art since my early teens. I chose this name for the vision it suggests more than for any specific meaning inherent in those words. “BOURBON SUMMER” is meant to evoke those golden amber sunset hours of early summer. My work often juxtaposes the genteel with the chaotic, hence the “CARTOON CRISIS”. So in essence, the name is more about portraying an atmosphere that is consistent with my art.
Sustainability is a hot topic in the fashion industry. How does your brand integrate eco-friendly practices into its design and production processes?
We craft our projects around the availability and best use of sustainable fabrics and yarns. For instance, the life cycle analyses that I have found on Tencel suggest that it can be one of the best fabrics in terms of carbon emissions, eutrophication, and other measures of sustainability. So for our first two seasons, we have chosen to create items that are best suited to Tencel. In the future, we will also be focusing on deadstock fabrics as well as upcycling. I also collect our waste scraps and incorporate them into artworks that are available to view in our studio.
philosophy?
“I aim to portray the world around me in all its chaos, absurdism, and glory”
Your studio is based in the heart of NYC. How does the city influence the creative process and aesthetic of Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis?
New York City is essential to our brand and my art. The grime, texture, chaos, and refinement are all key features of our visual language. New York City is an endless source of inspiration. On any given block you can find the full range of human emotional experience, from the tragic to the comic, all overlapping in a grand superposition.
Sam, you are very much the creative force behind the designs at Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis. Can you share some insights into your background and design
I have very little formal art education. I initially wanted to be a physicist but switched to medicine at the end of college. I went to medical school and currently practice medicine as a doctor of Internal Medicine. Despite this background in the sciences, I have always considered art to be an essential component of my character. I am an inveterate doodler, sketching along as my instructors gave lectures. At first, I struggled to reconcile art and science. But as time goes on I realize how complimentary they are. The hospital is a never-ending source of poignancy and the art helps me to cope with what can be a very emotionally challenging profession. This balance is represented in my art, I am not a minimalist. I aim to portray the world around me in all its chaos, absurdism, and glory. In terms of materials, what are some key considerations for your brand, and how do you ensure the use of sustainable fabrics in your collections? When it comes to choosing fabric, I conduct exhaustive research in the form of industry reports and life cycle analyses. Once we have settled on a fabric I look for suppliers who work within a high standard of sustainability and stewardship, particularly concerning the dyes and pigments they use. The industry has changed in the last 10 years and there are plenty of accreditation bodies that will review and rate a supplier’s stewardship. We are lucky to work with companies that have achieved the highest rating in their respective countries. It is very refreshing to have found suppliers and manufacturers who share our ethical principles. More recently we have started to upcycle vintage garments, adorning them with our sculptures to create statement pieces that feel alive. There are so many beautiful garments sitting out there unused. Collecting and refining them uses a fraction of the resources that traditional manufacturing would use. Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis has gained attention for its unique style. How would you describe the brand's signature aesthetic, and what sets it
apart in the competitive fashion market?
Maximalism with some degree of animism. I try to use my art and sculpture to create garments that are alive. From large organic shapes (see our recently released denim jackets with giant silver claws) to the smaller buttons and illustrations on the lining, our clothes are meant to be a vehicle for the art. Minimalism in one form or another has reigned over fashion for decades and is still the default mode. Some great designers are incorporating more decorative elements into their clothes but I believe BOURBON SUMMER CARTOON CRISIS is unique in our ability to breathe life into our creations. Sustainability goes beyond materials. How does your brand approach ethical practices, from labor conditions to fair wages for the artisans involved in production?
So true! This is another essential feature of being located in NYC. We only work with small, local manufacturers who set their own prices. Truly, one of the most rewarding aspects of this company has been getting to know our manufacturers personally. I think that the personal aspect is essential. I know the families that make our clothes well enough to be able to have frank discussions with them about what they need and want out of the relationship. The fashion industry is known for its fastpaced nature. How does Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis navigate trends while staying true to its sustainable ethos?
While we certainly are not a trend-focused brand, we do try to keep abreast of the zeitgeist. Our items are wild enough that we can ignore the trends to some extent however when possible we will always try to be somewhere in the vicinity. Luckily there is a huge interest in vintage looks right now which corresponds with our new commitment to upcycling. We can stay nimble and react to new movements because all of our items are made locally, often
in our DUMBO studio.
Looking back, what has been the most memorable moment in Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis's journey so far, and how does it continue to shape the brand's evolution?
Shooting our second collection was an incredible experience. Preparing for photography is always hectic but seeing the vision realized in full was astounding. But more than anything the creativity and professionalism of everyone on set was such a privilege to witness. From the models to the stylist to the photographer and photography assistant it was just incredible. I think I slept for 24 hours straight afterwards…
I fell in love with the images immediately afterwards and from then on I realized that we must always design each item as it will exist in the broader collection.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming collections or projects that your audience can look forward to?
Yes! We have started to focus more on upcycling. This is a concept that I do not believe has been done at the scale we are trying to achieve. Specifically, I have designed and produced a series of sculptures that we will append to vintage denim jackets. The result will be jackets that, via fairly complex internal mechanisms, can move and cry as if they are alive.
Community engagement is crucial in today's fashion landscape. How does Bourbon Summer Cartoon Crisis connect with its audience, and what role does customer feedback play in shaping the brand's direction?
We are lucky enough to have built a community primarily around the art. Our customers are primarily driven by a fascination with the new and the bold. And our design process really can be a dialogue. We do a lot of custom
“Our customers are primarily driven by a fascination with the new and the bold”
orders which is only possible because we do so much of the work right here in NYC. So a customer may want a certain item but with custom silver buttons or with a giant tentacle sticking out of the chest. Those requests and feedback are essential to what we create.
In the ever-changing world of fashion, what challenges has the brand faced, and how has it overcome them to stay relevant?
We are always struggling to produce compelling imagery and narrative. Social media is such a challenging arena because of the sheer volume of content. However, contrary to the popular narrative, I don't believe that social media success is essential to a brand’s success. Being relevant to a small community in your local, real-world life can be better and more fulfilling. We will always
try to expand our audience but the main focus will be on our local support. What advice would you give aspiring fashion designers looking to start their own brand?
Start small and local. You must produce some products and get feedback before you make anything at scale. Tap your friends and family and get them to wear your stuff for a few days then hound them for honest feedback. There are so many people and companies out there who will tell you that you have made the perfect tee shirt and they will make you an overnight sensation for a monthly fee. You have to build up to that level. If you start producing locally then you can manage the small details and in the end, fashion is really about balancing the big movements with the small details.
“We are always struggling to produce compelling imagery and narrative”
TEA PARTY
PHOTOGRAPHER: AREZOO JALALI @arezoojalali_photography MODELS: RYLEE SPINKS @rylee.spinks & BATH-SHEBA ARLANA MCMAHON @sheba.mc
FASHION DESIGNER: BY LOZZEE @lozzeecollection
RAT BETTY
Interview by QP STAFF WRITER
This month we’ve ventured overseas to the seaside town of Brighton to meet Millie, the designer behind Britain’s cult jewelry brand Rat Betty, favored by Billie Eilish, Halsey, Ashnikko and Camila Cabello. Recognized for creating statement designs out of recycled silver and Fairmined eco gold, Rat Betty have fast become a brand that not only has its finger on the pulse of fashion but for creating sentimental time sake designs you can pass down.
pr agency: THE POP GROUP @thepop.group
Millie, as the designer behind Rat Betty, can you share the inspiration and personal journey that led to the creation of your brand?
Of course!! I was sick of sloggin’ it in London’s corporate world, my years in the rat race as a project manager served me well. I'd met amazing people, had fun and traveled with work. I would spend my evenings alone with music drawing or painting and thought it was an impossible dream to be doing something like this full time with my life. Even though I was 24, I was sure I’d somehow missed the boat and joined a path I couldn't get off. I found an evening jewelry course in London and something clicked after the first hour where I thought, I just love this. I'd always loved wearing jewelry and had bags of ideas of things I'd wanted to wear but not been able to find. Rat Betty grew over the next few years, I quit my job and moved to Vancouver where I got an entry level job at a jewelers. I leant more techniques and improved my wax carving. Dan, my partner and co-founder spent this time working in advertising - so it was the perfect combo of skills to launch a business.
The name "Rat Betty" is intriguing. What's the story behind the name, and how does it encapsulate the essence of your jewelry designs?
my skills in carving wax to achieve the level of detail I want. If you're unfamiliar, lost wax carving is a jewelry method whereby an exact version of the ring / pendant is carved in wax ahead of being cast.
Rat Betty's pieces are known for their distinctive style. How would you describe the brand's signature aesthetic, and how do you keep evolving while staying true to your unique design language?
The look of Rat Betty is chunky, clean lines, graphic and contrasting, it can be humorous and quirky. I try not to think too hard about evolving, I'll just be in a creative headspace for designing or won't - if I'm not I do something else. We don't ever do collections that drop at fixed times of the year, it's just as and when it works.
It seems like you have made sustainability a vital component of the company ethos from its inception. How do you integrate that into your designs, and why is that so important for you?
“BETTY was the name of one of my rats”
When I was 13 I was allowed a pet, I went to the pet shop thinking I would come out with a hamster and instead left with 2 rats. I quite like choosing unconventional weird things. If you're a child that owns a pet rat you're going to have to explain yourself - if you own a hamster there’s no questions asked. Betty was the name of one of my ratsshe was kind and funny so I immortalized her for eternity in our brand. Rat Betty rings can sometimes require some explaining so I felt like it was a good name.
Could you walk us through the creative process of designing jewelry? What challenges and opportunities does this approach present in your artistic vision?
I love drawing and graphic design so all designs begin life as illustrations. The inspiration comes from all kinds of places, tv, film, fashion etc. Often it's easy enough to translate the ideas to work as jewelry but I’ve had to improve
A perfect example of this for us is that we don’t do gold plating. Gold plating rubs off and starts to look a bit rubbish after a while, it encourages throw away culture and fast fashion. It puts the onus on the customer to maintain a product that over the years is quite hard to maintain. It also involves nasty chemicals. Similarly we wanted to work with gemstones - despite what you may read online there is no governing body that certifies the ethical origin of gemstones. We now buy semiprecious stones second-hand at thrift markets and have them cut to our specifications by a local stone cutter. This costs about 5x as much as it would if we bought from a supplier who claims to sell ‘ethical gems’, when pushed on this term, suppliers are not able to provide evidence of an ethical supply chain.
Running a business always involves overcoming obstacles. What are some challenges Rat Betty has faced, and how have you navigated them to grow the brand?
Certainly sustainability challenges like the ones above - but in the end they direct you to a place you may never have found was it not for trying to solve a problem other brands don't try to solve. Finding amazing suppliers can be hard but so worth it once you have the
relationship.
Unisex jewelry challenges traditional gender norms in fashion. How does Rat Betty contribute to breaking stereotypes, and what role does inclusivity play in your design philosophy?
In the 7 or so years I’ve been making Rat Betty pieces nothing has ever been gendered - I find it funny when people DM asking if the rings are for men or women. We don't divide the website this way and although some pieces may seem to fall into what some may call a feminine style that is by no means an indicator of who it should be worn by! The majority of the rings can be made in any size at all so we aim to be inclusive in this respect also.
Millie, can you share some insights into your design background and how your personal experiences influence the aesthetic of Rat Betty?
I’m naturally drawn to odd funny things. My Mum is very artistic and always takes time to notice small quirky details in things. My design background is pretty much figuring out how to draw by doing it over and over and over again. I didn't study art, my degree is in business. I think I am good at putting ideas together because I'll just try things until I think they work. Personal experience comes in where I sometimes feel that I want to reject the expected and do something unseen before.
The jewelry-making process can be fascinating. What materials and techniques do you prioritize in creating Rat Betty pieces, and how do they contribute to the brand's identity?
I love wax carving, it can be hard to imagine how a wax ring becomes silver (YouTube if you're interested!). The casting process is fascinating. I think carving is a peaceful intricate process with so much variation. The amazing thing about it is you need very few tools. I carved so much when I started and cast none of it because
I couldn't afford the silver. It can be a great place to start when you are strapped for cash! What sets Rat Betty apart, and how do you see the brand making its mark on the global jewelry scene?
I think it comes down to how well-made the pieces are, it's something customers comment a lot on - the pieces are chunky and generous. Everything is made start to finish in the UK. I think the combination of something being well-made, sustainable and quirky makes us unique.
Looking ahead, what future plans or exciting projects can Rat Betty enthusiasts anticipate from the brand? Any exclusive collaborations or collections on the horizon?
We are working on so many new pieces at the moment! Today we launched our Boot Sale Pearls - vintage pearls I found at a boot sale - this is quite a British thing I believe, think of a garage sale but done out the back of a load of parked car’s trunks! I have repurposed the pearls into a ring and pendant design. We have a very fun collaboration in the works with a clothing brand. We are hoping to release something other than jewelry this year provided we can do so sustainably too!
In your opinion, how does Rat Betty contribute to the broader conversation on fashion's role in society today?
Rat Betty designs, be it the ‘Unlucky’ horseshoe, the ‘Engaged’ or ‘Single’ ring or even the ‘Fruit cake’ necklace lend themselves very obviously as a means of self-expression. The idea of someone connecting with someone else based on their interesting jewelry makes me so happy. I hope we speak enough about sustainability to convince smaller fashion brands that it is still profitable to do things the right way and to encourage customers to expect more from brands.
“We are hoping to release something other than jewelry this year, provided we can do so sustainably too!”
Lastly, what message or impact do you hope Rat Betty leaves on its wearers and the fashion industry as a whole?
I hope wearing Rat Betty gives someone confidence, comfort, conversation, and memories. I hope they feel like they have found a weird little trinket that speaks to their inner freak. I hope in 80 years they
enjoy the moment they can pass a solid sterling silver RAT ring down to their greatgrandchildren. Hopefully, our impact on the fashion industry is that you can make a kind brand with designs you like.
“I hope Rat Betty gives someone confidence, comfort, conversation, and memories”
ANA TANAKA
BY AREZOO JALALI