The Abandoned Princess - rhinestone and crystal handcrafted cuffs

In our first interview, Bizzom chats with Belinda Jayne of Dolly Rockers. Belinda opens up about creating her first men’s collection , the inspiration behind Dolly Rockers and future projects.

Belinda-Jayne is the proud owner of the custom handmade jewelery line Dolly Rockers. All of Belinda’s pieces are attached to a particular theme-with a story a tell. With Belinda’s creative skill combined with the usage of luscious rhinestones, crystals-things are looking bright for the Queensland-based designer.

Dolly Rockers was nominated at the Australian-owned event: the Fashion Palette Excellence Awards. Belinda’s Midnight Opulence necklace earned her the runner up spot for Best Accessory Desgin .

Bizzom:Who or What made you want to start creating a line of jewelery?

BJ: It all came about quite by accident so much so that I can’t even remember the exact reason but I have always been a creative soul so it was a very easy progression. I do remember I decided to make it an official business when I sold my first necklace (that I was wearing at the time) to a total stranger for AUD$200.00.

Bizzom: What inspired you to name the line Dolly Rockers?
I was toying around with all these fancy sounding names but I could not find one I truly connected with. One night I literally woke up and thought ‘Dolly Rockers’. It sounded a good representation of pop culture including rock music and fashion. I knew that was edgy without being cliché. There was a band in the 70’s/ 80’s called Dolly Rockers and there were very much like the New York Dolls band which I thought was pretty cool.

Bizzom:What do you find most challenging: coming up with theme for the collection or creating the actual pieces?

BJ: When I worked as a fashion accessory buyer I loved researching upcoming trends and finding a theme for a new collection and this has not changed. It is still by far my favorite part of the job. Inspiration is everywhere and to have the freedom to translate that to a necklace or a bracelet is wonderful.

The Abandoned Princess Collection- hain and gem necklaces

Bizzom:Do you remember selling your first piece of jewelery?
Yes, first sale was to my mum for $50.00 (earrings!). Next official sale was to a women who came into the retail store I was working at and asked where I got my necklace. When I said that I made it she offered to buy it from me for $250.00! I could not believe it so I lowered the cost to $200 and sold it right then and there! Later she came back and bought other pieces from me.

Bizzom:Earlier I touched on themes, how does that come about?

BJ: Dolly Rockers is deeply influenced by fashion, but not trends, we are ahead of the trends. I start to research a new collection by looking at the latest fashion shows from Paris, Milan etc..it is usually the Couture shows that I am most influenced by. For Dolly Rockers latest collection, “Midnight Opulence”, Christian Lacroix’s 2008 couture show in Paris had my mind racing with ideas. Mixed with other inspirations such as Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, gothic culture and images of Paris (the city) at night, I dreamt up a theme of opulence, decadence and refinery.

Bizzom:A handful of your charms and necklaces are very detailed-oriented. What’s the time-length?

The Abandoned Princess - emerald green and brass necklace Vintage rhinestone cuff

BJ: Necklaces that have a very detailed amount of work can take a couple of days – I like to walk away from a design and come back the next day with a fresh outlook. Other pieces such as earrings and rings can take up to 5 hrs on average.

Bizzom: I’m sure you have many, but what is your proudest collection from the line thus far?

BJ: Last year I did a collection called “Carnival” based on the images a friend sent me of her trip to Venice Carnival. The costumes, colors and fantasy themes were so strong I had to translate it into charm bracelets, necklaces etc..the collection was filled with colors and semi precious gemstones. It makes me happy to look at that collection again.

Bizzom: What does the pricing for your line start at?
BJ: On average AUD$60 or US$45

Bizzom: Has there ever been a time where you’re in a bit of a rut? If so, what motivates you to keep pressing forward?

BJ: I think any person who works in a creatively challenging role can get into a rut at one time or another. For me, if time allows it I will go and do something totally different. It could be as easy as a walk or visiting a friend. What usually gets me out of a rut immediately is seeing the latest international magazine like Paris Vogue – every page is an inspiration that before I know it I am back creating, drawing etc..

Vintage Military Pen for Men

Bizzom: Have you ever consider creating a Jewelery line for Men?

Vintage Military Pen by Dolly Rockers

BJ: Yes I have. Because one of Dolly Rockers main design bases is music I would love to do chunky, heavy metal chains for men.

Bizzom: Are there any upcoming projects for Dolly Rockers?
BJ: Dolly Rockers next collection is ready to be created. I have done all the prep work and I am very exited to start designing the jewelery.

Bizzom: You won runner up for best jewelery design at the Fashion Palette Excellence Awards, you have to be proud of yourself.

BJ: I was very happy to have been even acknowledged as a contender. Midnight Opulence – the necklace took me a long time to design. To be recognized for all the effort I put into it was greatly appreciated.

Bizzom: What advice would you give to those who aspire to run their own line someday?

BJ:Just go for it. I used to think that there was so much competition in the market but if you find a niche that you can be true to you’ll make a success of the business. The market today place is so accepting of new up and coming designers that it can be a possibility to get your work noticed as long as you are willing to put the hard yards in and believe in yourself and your designs.

Happen to like any handcrafted pieces? Well, you can get your hands on them personally by heading over to Dolly Rockers official website: DollyRockers.com/au While you’re there check out the entire Abandoned Princess and For The Boys collections, it’s worth the look!

Images: Dolly Rockers

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