WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Simon Barber. Visit designireland.ie/designers/simon-barber-jewellery for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. We have a family-run jewellery shop in Fermoy, Co. Cork that has been in business since 1869. I have grown up around it; always tinkering in the workshop. I studied art and then horology (watchmaking) before returning to the shop. I started developing my pieces in my spare time, and things grew from there. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? My first trade show three years ago when I started supplying other shops.
WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? World domination. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Simple, elegant and different. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? It’s nice to see someone showcasing all the small independent Irish makers who are quietly working away, and if they’re anything like me, not particularly good at self-promotion. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. Walks and canoeing by the river have always been my way of clearing my head, and I often return home with the start of an idea. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? I have always lived where I live, so knowing what is particularly different about being Irish is hard to say, it’s just the way I am. Having said that, there must be some cultural influence that seeps into you. Many people have said that my work is very Irish. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? I never intended to make anything “Irish-y,” but people often say that they see Irish influence in my work. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? Moonshine pendant. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Roast potatoes, Swiss Army knife, and a hat. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Old wool army trousers and a waistcoat, at least that’s what I have been wearing for years now.