There are many people in the world of business, politics and entertainment whom you might be surprised to discover are self-confessed introverts: The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama – the list goes on. And yet, there’s still a misconception that introverts are doomed to be unsuccessful. As the famous saying goes, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”, so if you can’t think of anything worse than schmoozing at parties and networking events, it’s impossible to make those connections that will further your career, right? Wrong! Sophia McLean is one example of a self-dubbed introverted designer who has crafted a successful brand and reputation in spite of introversion.
House of Vintro offers hand-made luxury jewellery with an emphasis on slow-fashion. Stocked in Renascence designer outlet in Chelsea, as well as online, House of Vintro catches the eye of consumers who are looking for unique pieces with a sustainable edge.
Here, Sophia tells us about her journey into jewellery design, how she uses 2D and 3D technology to create her pieces, and how she expects to maintain quality and dedication to craftsmanship as her brand grows.
You’re an alumni of the London College of Fashion – what did you study and how did that lead to a career in jewellery design?
I graduated from one of the most recognised fashion schools in the world, London College of Fashion. I studied BA Hons Fashion Jewellery Design where my love and talent for working with my hands and creating chunky and unique jewellery pieces sparked and blossomed into what I design in House of Vintro still today. I have always been a lover of fashion and individuality, and it all started from studying fashion and clothing design at college! It wasn’t until my final project that I fell in love with adorning the body with bold 3D pieces, that jewellery design was the route I was going to take. I knew from the very young age of 12 that I was going to create my own fashion brand someday.
How did you find your style as a designer?
I’ve always had quite a unique and edgy style in my look and outfits as an individual so this always translated into my style as a designer. I have always been naturally drawn to designing big, bold and eye-catching pieces with elegance intertwined, creating a high-end feel. Even from studying at London College of Fashion I noticed that the jewellery pieces I would design and create were always larger statement pieces compared to the smaller dainty pieces I was surrounded by. With some inspiration of geometric and unusual shape, and manipulating it to create something new, fresh and original, I quickly discovered this was my own distinct style.
What has been the biggest turning point in your career?
The biggest turning point in my career I would have to say is stepping out of my comfort zone as an introverted designer and believing in what makes myself and House of Vintro so unique and exclusive. Embracing this is what makes me stand out as an individual and brand. Another big turning point for my career is contacting and collaborating with retail stores and boutiques. It has opened up doors for my brand by being introduced to, and recognised by a wider audience that discover, admire and appreciate my unusual designs and craftsmanship. My brand House of Vintro will be showcased in Somerset House (home of London Fashion Week), where you can purchase my exclusive handmade luxury designs in collaboration with My Runway Group Summer residency from 4th August to 29th September 2024.
How do you use 2D design and 3D software to produce your creations?
When I started designing my first House of Vintro collection using 3D software, I was self-taught. I only knew the minimal basics which I learnt from university at the time but I learned to play around with the software to build my skills. I designed my collection first from what you would usually do – by sketching each design by hand. This only gave me a flat visual of what my designs would look like and this is where 3D software comes into play! I love what 3D software can do because not only does it give me a visual representation of what my statement pieces would look like in all angles, it also gives me the creative ability to manipulate and create such unusual designs through technology that hand drawing is limited to. That’s why I love it! Although some of my statement jewellery pieces are designed through technology, I craft every piece of jewellery by hand in my small studio workshop in Buckinghamshire.
What are your thoughts on AI being a part of the jewellery industry?
I think it is great! We live in a world where things and technology are ever changing so we need to embrace the change and move with it. I think it could be a great benefit to the jewellery industry but I think we have also seen drastic changes in the use of technology for jewellery for many years now.
What are your preferred materials and why?
I mainly work with Brass, Perspex and Sterling Silver. I have always used brass as it is quite easy to work with and I can create some exquisite pieces from it. It is the type of material that many high-end designers and well-known fashion brands use in the industry whilst still remaining cost effective. Every gold piece of HOV statement jewellery is 24k gold plated, giving a beautiful high-end and luxury touch. I love working with Perspex because of the versatility. I use Perspex in the HOV collection and the finished look comes out beautifully, that gives my handmade statement pieces the illusion that the materials I use are glass or a precious gemstone or crystal, however they are much more lightweight to wear and the colours are eye-catching.
Where do you look for inspiration when creating new designs?
The one thing I have always said when I speak to people about House of Vintro, is that I never follow trends, and this is why I stand out for originality as a brand. I get a lot of my inspiration from architecture because the use of shape, form and unusuality is endless. I also love the use of geometric and abstract shape, which you can see throughout every collection of House of Vintro. I would say that I am naturally drawn to things that are not of the norm and are opposite to what the trends are.
You craft all of your jewellery by hand in your own workshop – is mass production something you want to avoid as your brand continues to grow?
Because I take so much pride in my craftsmanship and the jewellery making process, I feel this is what gives my brand the recognition and appreciation for my jewellery and brand. I think as my brand continues to grow, I would love to build a team of designers whether that be experienced crafters or individuals that want to learn and develop the craft, giving the opportunity to grow within my brand so that it continues to provide that same level of exclusivity and in-house craft to House of Vintro. I want House of Vintro to be known and recognised for its uniqueness, style, quality and craftsmanship.
What can we expect to see in your future collections?
I am currently designing a new collection, which is something a little different to my other jewellery collections that I will be launching soon. I would say that this collection gives more of a futuristic style and look that will be completely made from 24k Gold plated brass. The jewellery pieces I am looking to include in this new collection will be a selection of earrings, bracelet cuffs and necklaces.
All HOV collections and unique handmade statement jewellery pieces can be found and purchased via the House of Vintro official website at www.houseofvintro.com
