INTERVIEW
SHARONA HARRIS, F+H JEWELLERY
Forever on the hunt for local Australian creatives to curate and collaborate, MAURIE + EVE is now ranging a hand selection of F+H Jewellery. We chat with F+H Founder and Designer Sharona Harris on music influence and dinner with Grace Jones.
M+E: You define the F+H aesthetic as ‘tough luxe’ – how does this translate through design, the combination of stones and metal, and so on?
SH: The tough-luxe aesthetic that I create is translated through our use of strong minimal design shapes, complimented with gemstones set in claw and prong to deliver edge to each design. I am inspired by minimal concrete architecture and furniture, so these clean and impactful shapes, create the base, and the luxe element is added with beautiful gemstones for a glamorous finish.
M+E: We have also read that your ‘love of music culture from the 70s, 80s and 90s’ infiltrates F+H designs. Who are some of your favourite artists/albums from each era and how do they resonate in your pieces – where can we find their influence?
SH: At the moment I am having a huge 80s moment, I love the excess of this era, and have had a lot of fun with this party aesthetic in my latest collection featuring over-sized cut gemstones and large chains. From my latest collection the Annie earrings and necklace were named after Annie Lenox from the Eurythmics, she is one of my style icons with her short pixie crop and androgynous styling, so cool. Their track ‘Would I Lie to You’ is a favourite for me.
In my teenage years I listened to a lot of late 70s punk music, Iggy Pop and Black Flag and the Ramones, and this was the inspiration behind my previous collection featuring custom-designed, hammered metal link earrings and chains.
When I think of the 90s I can’t go past Madonna and the amazing ‘VOGUE’ film clip, so iconic, and I just had to name an earring after her as a tribute to this.
"The F+H girl is confident and isn’t afraid to make a statement. She values her own uniqueness, and knows that what makes us different is what we need to be proud of. Own it."
M+E: Why are MAURIE + EVE and F+H a match made in heaven?
SH: MAURIE + EVE is an iconic Australian brand, and it is so wonderful to be working together with a team of strong women that I admire so much!
M+E: If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and what F+H piece would you gift them?
SH: Grace Jones, she is my absolute style queen, but beyond that she was a powerful figure for women at a time when we didn’t have many strong role models. Her originality and creativity is so inspiring. I’d love to see Grace wearing the Drama drop earrings, such as perfect pairing!
M+E: The first F+H piece you ever made?
SH: The Debbie femme earrings inspired by Debbie Harry and Studio 54. I just re-released these for International Women’s Day, with proceeds going to the SHIFT project in Byron Bay (to help support homeless women in my community).
M+E: The F+H pieces currently on high rotation for you?
SH: I literally wear the Double Dylan link earrings every day!
M+E: MAURIE + EVE pieces you’re currently loving?
SH: The Nomade Knit Shorts are essential for casual weekend styling!
M+E: You’re a Byron local, tell us your hot spots for eating, drinking, regenerating and indulging?
SH: St Elmos for great Spanish inspired food and cocktails
Sparrow for the best coffee in town
Il Bucco for the most amazing authentic Italian pizza
Barrio is fabulous for a long lunch with friends
Raes on Wategos for drinks at sunset
M+E: What does the future of F+H look like?
SH: We’ve just opened our first concept store in Byron Bay! So that is really exciting, we are also working on developing some new accessories to compliment our jewellery collection, so watch this space 🙂
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