The pure escapism of Louis Mariette’s jewellery is captivating. Conjuring images of fairy-tale princesses, mermaids and unlikely heroines, his bejeweled collection is designed to inspire a woman’s inner lady. Comprising of headbands, tiaras, belts and jewellery, Mariette’s collection had its humble beginnings in his child’s rapt fascination with Diana Ross dressed in glistening gold. Mariette now talks to Dazed Digital about colour, the Ganges and his latest role on the judging panel at Britain’s Next Top Model…

How old are you?
36 years - Virgo.
 
How long have you been designing?
6 years.
 
Where are you based?  
My atelier is based just of Sloane Square, and I’ve been told it’s like walking into a dreamscape.  There’s an all white room with my creations sitting atop various columns and plinths, then there’s an all black room which houses my Bejewelled range. The contrast of the black and the thousands of Swarovski crystals is quite a visual treat!
 
Why couture headpieces?
When a lady makes her entrance into a room wearing a headpiece creation, there is a gasp of delight. Onlookers watch the wearer flitter around the room like an exotic bird of paradise; sometimes being overtly flamboyant or in contrast, elegant, chic and demure. Whatever the outcome, it’s in impeccable taste.
 
What inspires you at the moment?  
Loving the passion of life. Watching the movie Slumdog Millionaire set in the poverty of India reminded me of my former travels in India. A moment that captured my creativity was a trip down the Ganges in Varanasi.  One of the most vibrant and spiritual places on earth were Indians take their loved ones to be cremated. As I stepped off the boat onto the embankment and a masseur got me to lie down on a woven matt. As I watched from the ground, the environment was an explosion of vibrant coloured saris, exotic animals including Holy cows embellished with religious paraphernalia, food hawkers, faces with a thousand expressions, bathers glistening in the water, cardamom scented jossticks. That was a treat to all the senses that will remain with me forever.

How would you describe your style?
Romantic, elegant, escapist, avant-garde, free to express as fully as I wish. I adore experimenting new millinery techniques, getting up early in the morning like a mad scientist mixing formulas together and discovering a new resin or feather contortion.

Were you interested in fashion while growing up?
Fashion wasn’t my top priority. I was born in Malawi, with Mauritian origins, and grew up in Botswana and Swaziland where nature was my playground!  I would spend many an hour exploring endless species of flora and fauna and developed a passion for colour and sparkle. I used to collect semi-precious stones, seedpods, cactus flowers, beads and trimmings from local tribes. I was mesmerised by bird feathers, especially the explosion of iridescent colours from a lilac breasted roller as it darted after prey. I was also fascinated by the incredible palette of colours and textures found in beetles, butterflies and dragonflies – a dazzling assault on his senses!  All these depths of curiosity and inspiration are brought to life through my designs today!

What was your favourite outfit from your youth?
When we got our first TV in Africa, I was inspired by Diana Ross in the film ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ – I remember the ladies being dressed in gold and turned to my mum and said I wanted to dress like them.  Unfortunately I was stuck wearing my brothers’ hand-me-downs, and as a last resort, my sisters’!
 
With all of the press interest in your collection what are your plans now? 
I’ve actually just joined Britain’s Next Top Model as one of the judges, so you’ll be seeing lots more of yours truly on LIVING TV in a couple months.  I have an amazing wardrobe that has been hand-embellished by Chrisanne (they make all the couture costumes for Strictly Come Dancing), and fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy has been cooking up some outfits for me as well.  I’ll certainly be dressed in a kaleidoscope of outfits and sparkling!

Can you ever see yourself having your own label?
I intend my label “Louis Mariette” to branch out into many areas. Of course my passion has always been in hospitality, so an exclusive club, spa, boutique hotel in a far-flung exotic location, homeware, scents, and endless other areas of lifestyle are initial thoughts. I have travelled extensively and been honored to stay at some of the worlds most exclusive locations and private homes, so my style will be very discerning and to a very high level in both design, service and customer satisfaction.
 
What is your dream job?
I had my own party planning business, which I adored. Millinery is fabulous, and I guess managing or being front of house at my own designed boutique hotel would be magical. I would split my lifestyle between many projects so everyday is a goal achieving inspiring moment…. in fact I guess it already is!!!

Can we buy your collection anywhere? If so, where?  
Yes, of course! Bejwelled, my ready-to-wear collection of headpieces, tiaras, belts and jewellery is available directly through the Bewjewelled Boutique on my website: www.louismariette.com, and I am always available to design and create bespoke, couture pieces by appointment.