Welcome to 'Hot Crosses', where we talk to killer collaborators, slashies, and other people who manage to be many things at once, brought to you by Hyundai. See our first interview, with Rankin, second with Ruby Rose, third with Tony Hawk, fourth with Pip Edwards, fifth interview with Michelle Jank and sixth with Tom Green.
Jordan Askill is one of Australia's most successful young designers, and for good reason. He's hard-working, extremely clever, highly talented, and probably one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people that you're likely to run in to.
In case you've been living under a rock and haven't heard of him, he worked at Ksubi in Sydney then Dior Homme in Paris for three years before setting up his own ready to wear label and moving to London.
His finely crafted sculptures and considered, timeless jewellery have won him fans in high places, including the British Fashion Council, and because of those connections he's established himself as a London Fashion Week regular.
I shot him a few questions to find out a little more about him and his label.
So, what are you working on at the moment?
Some fun projects... I just finished my SS12 collection with GEMFIELDS with ethical stones. We got to work with amethyst, which was really exciting!
Can you tell us about some of the advances that your label has made in the last year?
Working with Gemfields Ethical stones and ethical mining companies and marring this with my first complete installation of sculpture and jewellery strongly supported by NewGen Topshop, the BFC and all on the panel.
Also, I'm excited about future projects with TopShop and Swarovski.
In what ways do you think your aesthetic is evolving?
I'm starting to be able to create little sculptural pieces with more of an accessible nature in collaboration with other companies.
How would you sum up your aesthetic or approach to design using a song or film title?
Moments of pleasure / Never Ending Story
Tell us about your decision to use ethical materials for SS12. Why was this so important to you?
We always wanted a way that the brand could closely connect with an ethical understanding, a way to give back some how.
Working with Gemfields was a perfect way to begin this connection
What's something that most people don't know about where the materials for their jewellery are sourced?
[People don't understand] where the stones and metals in jewellery are coming from and how this mining impacts the surrounding environment and communities. And that there are ways we can step by step have a better understanding of this.
Do you have a favourite piece from the collection? Can you share the story behind it, such as when inspiration struck?
The hand carved Swallow pendant diving out of the facetted heart. I feel it's important as it brings together modern and classical techniques, such as the dualities in 3D scanning a dead swallow, giving it new life. Hand carving this 3D manipulated swallow is a more traditional technique. All with a stone that is ethically sourced.
It is this juxtaposition and then the uniting of the old and the new that creates a new life for the brand.
What was the highlight of 2011 for you?
Being nominated with a British Fashion Award. The brand was nominated for a BFA, which is such lovely support.
Can you share an anecdote from LFW? Any dramas or near-misses?
I was on crutches!
What's something about being a designer that not many people might realize?
The importance of a business structure.
What have been a couple of the formative moments in your career, and how have they made you into the person you are today?
Developing the heart ring as a piece that can passed on as a from of friendship acknowledgment and having such support. Creating a brand has made me aware of all the aspects involved with developing something one maybe passionate about.
If you were able to travel through time and talk to yourself ten years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
Just relax.
What is your favourite place to shop in London?
A car boot sale at 5.30 am in the cold using torches to shine on antiques is pretty fun!