This interview is part of a series. As an art-curator-turned-sommelier, it brings me great pleasure to share with you artists and designers who are inspired by Italian wine, food, and culture. Other featured artists have included Jennifer Wilkin Penick, Diva Piyari, James Pouliot and Rob Cox.
I first became acquainted with Lori Steenhoek, designer behind Love Lori Michelle, through a mutual friend who got an incredible group of women together for one of my Oaxaca Mezcal + Culture Tours. On that tour, I helped Lori find a local photographer to take photos of fellow travelers modeling her pieces that made for a fun activity. Fast forward, I am now a life-long fan of her and her jewelry! Get to know what’s behind her elegant yet structured pieces (that you never want to take off) below.
Q: Lori, how would you describe your jewelry design practice?
My jewelry is all about simple beauty and thoughtful design. I like to think in silhouettes instead of intricate details, so the overall aesthetic of my work is driven by form.
I design all of my pieces in my London studio using 3D software, and then I work with casters to fabricate the pieces in silver and gold. Everything is made in small batches, as sustainably as possible. I’m focused on creating pieces that feel unique but wearable, statement jewelry but with an easy, minimalist feel to it.
Q: What are the major inspirations for your pieces?
I’m influenced by my design background in architecture, as well as inspiration that I draw from my worldwide travels, city life, found objects, shapes in nature, and playful geometries. I like to think of jewelry as little sculptural objects for the body, and to design for the way that our soft bodies interact with the hard edges of metal worn against the skin.
Q: What qualities do you wish your pieces to imbue?
Jewelry that makes you feel good when you wear it, pieces that you’ll wear and want to keep forever. I think that jewelry tells a story, and it should tell the world who you are when you wear it. Jewelry carries symbolism and meaning, and I wish for my pieces to have that quality about them.
Q: What materials do you use to make your pieces?
My jewelry is made in sterling silver and gold vermeil (sterling silver with a thick layer of 14k gold over top) so that pieces last. I also create custom design work in solid 14k gold. I work primarily with a CAD software for my designs, so it’s a somewhat similar process to my former work in architectural design. I choose materials with a long lifespan so that you can use and wear your pieces daily. My pieces have a luxurious weight to them. Not in that they’re heavy to wear, but that they have a sturdy proportion and scale. I’m not interested in creating overly trendy, disposable things that feel too precious or fragile.
Q: What has surprised or inspired you about your travels in Italy?
Italy was the first country I visited outside of the US, during the summer of 2004 for a study abroad program in architecture. It opened a whole new appreciation within me for history and a love of antiquities. It was hard for me to wrap my head around just how old some things are while exploring Florence, Rome, and Venice on that trip. And of course, the great food and wine. It ignited the travel bug for me, which has never left me since then.
One of my latest designs, the Nodini Knot stud earrings, was inspired by my very favorite food from the Puglia Tour that I did with you! The little knots of cheese really stuck with me, not only in taste (obviously!) but in the way you can tell they are made by hand, and they each have their own little shape and structure to them. I love using a travel memory to create my pieces. In fact, I think we brainstormed this together on the spot during one of the accompanying wine tastings! I wanted to make a piece of jewelry as a nod to that. I plan to eventually release a Nodini necklace pendant and larger hoop earring in the future too.
Yes, I remember! What can we say? Nodini are little pieces of edible perfection. I love that you made a piece inspired by them!
Q: What are you currently working on/ what’s coming up next for you?
I’m working on a new Portals collection, which will launch this fall. It’s been a design that has gone through a lot of evolutions over nearly 6 months, but I’m proud of where it ended up and I can’t wait to officially launch it online. Separately, I’m working on a collaborative pop-up in London in November, where I’ll partner with some emerging designers in fashion, accessories, shoes, and ceramics, to host a weeklong retail experience based on what I’m calling “considered objects”. I like working with small businesses that share my affinity for sustainability, good design, ethics in production, and so on.
Time for some quick questions:
Favorite Wine?
Lambrusco
What about your favorite region of Italy?
Ooooooh, how can I pick just one? I’ll say Puglia.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Exploring more of Scandinavia.
Is there someone or something for which you are grateful?
The little things. Simple moments of beauty in everyday life, like finding a small treasure on the ground, seeing someone I know on the street, sharing an inside joke, or when my kids laugh at the memes I’m always saving to show them.
How can people find you/ follow you?
My web shop is online at www.lovelorimichelle.com, I’m also active on Instagram @lovelorimichelle and writing when I can on Substack.
Grazie Mille, bella!
PS: Just for La Dolce Vigna friends: Get a 15% discount on your Love Lori Michelle order when you use the code dolce at checkout!
Nodding earrings in gold by Love Lori Michelle
