sisters behind Schwarzie(tm), a jewellery and stationary brand known for its delicately patterned, colourful aesthetic. While Astrid is the graphic designer and Karen the jeweller, they conceptualise and work on their designs together from their home-based studio in Harfield Village, Cape Town.
What is your design mission?
Simply put, we design because we love it. Even if it were just for ourselves we would still do it, but now it's about sharing that love and spreading the happiness.
When did you realise you wanted a career in design?
Both art and music played a role in our education growing up, which matured into a career option. Living and studying together simply became us working together; it was the natural next step for both of us. It happened organically.
Which designers' work do you admire?
Karen: I have several, but my top two that I always get excited to see are the fine jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany's. They're storytellers too, and their words are their jewellery - I love that.
Astrid: Sir Alan Fletcher sits at the top of my list. His approach to design, which lingered greatly on play, I find refreshingly honest. Also designers such as Christoph Niemann and DJ Stout, who I've had the great pleasure of meeting in person.
Do you have a favourite design? If so, which one and why?
Oh dear! Both of us find it quite impossible to choose one favourite. It's a bit like having to choose a favourite colour! May we go for a flavour of the day instead? But in all seriousness, each design that we create entails a journey. Some may be rather amusing, which may then show itself in a greeting card that will make you giggle, while others entail a great deal of emotion and growth.
Can you tell us a little about how Schwarzie …
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