For Julie Impens it was not her life journey which gave inspiration behind her jewellery and scarf collections but the historical narratives describing her culture. Combining her love for fine art and jewellery Julie transported her art work onto a range of printed silk scarfs and jewellery detailing. Thus, the birth of the eponymous brand.

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Julie moved from France to England ten years ago, to study jewellery design at Central Saint Martin’s where the designer realised her passion can be turned into a business. After graduating in 2010, she started to expand her knowledge and passion for art by exploring the fine art industry. “I have done many fine art exhibitions around the world from Moscow to New York. After that I wanted to get back into jewellery so decided to combine the two by mixing what I have learnt from Central Saint Martins with my experience in fine art,” she explains.

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 “When I was a child I wanted to be a painter, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. But my parents told me it would be easier to find a field which I could find work in. So, I decided to become a jeweller and I fell in love with it.”

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Coming from a French and Belgian background Julie is fascinated by the history her roots hold. Visible through her work, each detailing and skill used to make her accessories tells a story. As well as finding inspiration from the past and the present, Julie finds muse through her surroundings, from people she has encountered to conversations she has had and the history she was taught. 

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Her first collection was based on the 17th century French Baroque. The array of necklaces, earrings and bracelets showcase three dimensional structures, layering and proportions. “I always like to have dimensions and layers in my work showing depth to each individual piece,” Julie explains.

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The latest collection, ’The Garden of Eden’, focuses on beaded florals using a range of delicate gem stones. These designs represent the story behind the works of Julie’s local French parish back in Paris. “The new collection uses a technique which was used in very poor parishes in France as the churches didn’t have enough money to buy fresh flowers every week. So, the women of the parish would bead flowers using sea beads,” she says.

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However, adding her own craftwork to the beaded items the designer replaces sea beads for gem stones. She uses a range of precious stones, from amethyst to peridot, connoting the femininity behind the accessories. The bright colours paired with the delicate materials allows the pieces be the centre of attention on any outfit.

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Her silk scarf collection goes one step further, delving deeper into the archive of Julie’s fine art by reprinting her patterns onto the scarfs. “I decided to make scarfs as I have always loved them. But I use them to creates a multi-purpose accessory wearing them on bags, clothes, hair and as the standard neckerchief,” says Julie. Offering a range of shapes and sizes, the baroque inspired material can add colour and pattern to a simpler outfit.

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Currently available online within the UK (www.julieimpens.com) the designer is set to start selling her items internationally, along with fulfilling her dream of opening a store in Notting Hill. But her proudest moment so far? “It would have to be my one of a kind commission work. From engagement rings to a 30-year anniversary present its rewarding to know people want my design for such a valued  gift” Julie concludes.