24 HOURS WITH… COMPLETEDWORKS
“When customers enter into Completedworks HQ, we want them to feel they’re in a serenely-hued ‘lived-in’ space; somewhere they want to stay, spend time and go on a journey of discovery,” Anna Jewsbury explains. These sentiments encapsulate how the designer’s pieces make you feel about your own surroundings also - at peace, wanting to spend all your time there, exploring every way Completedworks can transform your home landscape.
Since we last caught up with Anna in her Marylebone home, she has been busy expanding her curation, and expertly executing the Completedworks SS24 presentation at LFW earlier this month. As with her previous collections, the next season celebrates imperfections and explores the obsession with an unattainable state of perfection.
We touched base once again to discover what sunrise to sunset looks like at the helm of a perfectly imperfect lifestyle brand in the lead up to London Fashion Week and beyond.
“My morning coffee tastes best in my Bumpity Bump Bump mug.”
“I like to tidy my space before working using our studio’s large Shoji cabinet.”
“What my studio desk looks like most days.”
“How pretty is my jewellery box.”
“I love my ceramic pillows.”
MORNING
What time do you start work and what's the first thing you do when you get in?
I have two young children so I’m usually up early and I’ll be checking my emails while getting them ready for the day. I’ll pick up a coffee from our local coffee shop, Irene, and take this into the studio where I’ll check my schedule and then catch up with the team.
Do you have any morning rituals once you get to work?
I like to tidy my space before I do anything else. I’ve realised I’m at my most creative in a calm environment, but I also need so many things to hand while I’m working, so we have a large shoji cabinet running along the back wall of our studio. It’s perfect for housing our materials and design archive away, but still keeping it all easily accessible.
Where is Completedworks HQ and how long have you been based there?
It’s in Marylebone, London. The space is set over two floors with our studio sitting just above our showroom and atelier. We moved in at the end of 2021 and went through a renovation - with the help of interior designer Hollie Bowden - that was finished at the start of this year.
It was a former pub so it has beautiful original features with an industrial feel, and we’ve built on this with aluminium elements running through. Hollie’s approach to residential spaces was something that really attracted me to working with her and the idea that this sensibility could be translated to our new Completedworks ‘home’.
Favourite thing about the area where you work?
It’s a great little pocket of London – there’s a road of antiques shops nearby, a secondhand bookshop and Lisson Gallery next door.
What does your average work day look like?
Every day is so different. In general though I like to work on creatives in the morning - whether it be image, art direction, research, sketching or making maquettes. Then I will try to keep the afternoon for meetings.
What does the lead up to LFW look like for you?
Very varied and busy! A lot of things come together in the final days leading up to the show - campaign shoot, model casting, styling decisions, set build and finalising the show art direction. It’s all hands on deck and a really nice moment for the team to come together and see the results of everything we’ve been working hard towards.
What’s your favourite moment of Fashion Week?
When the show finally starts and I get to see all the ideas that we’ve been working on come to life. This season [SS24] we presented our collection in a theatre using the show concept to build on some of the themes behind the collection and adding additional context to the Completedworks world through the visual cues and atmosphere that was created. I love trying to push the boundaries of traditional jewellery presentation and storytelling.
What are you most excited about this LFW?
I’m most excited about catching up with all of our collaborators and partners - the editors, stylists and buyers.
“Building the set for our LFW show.”
“Behind-the-scenes at LFW with models Erin Wasson and Cali Rand.”
“Shooting our SS24 campaign.”
DAYTIME
What is your idea of a perfect work day?
A clear schedule and a clear head. That’s when I’ll do my best work!
When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?
There are so many great galleries in London - I love to just spend a day walking through the city.
What did you do on your last day off?
I went to a fashion show (not technically work!), took my kids to an outdoor birthday party in torrential rain and then finished with a trip to the Londoner for a Drip Hydration IV treatment.
What do you need more time for?
Everything!
What was your route into design and how did you begin Completedworks?
I’ve come via a more non-traditional route. I studied maths and philosophy at university and I think there’s this mix of both precision and creativity to both subjects which lends itself somehow to my practice. I was also driven by this desire to create something new - a new visual language, something with a hint of social commentary, and jewellery became the perfect medium or platform for this.
One thing you can’t live without?
I have a favourite ear cuff that I wear every day, even if I’m not seeing anyone or going anywhere. It’s become part of me.
What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What gives you goosebumps?
My kids. My kids. Deja-vu.
“Team dinners in the studio.”
“The evening wind down featuring our Gold-Tone Wall Hooks.”
“Sculpting sessions with my son.”
“The happiest cocktail hours in our showroom.”
EVENING
What’s on your bookshelf?
We have a whole room filled with books that my husband, Hassan Damluji, and I have acquired over the years, including one he wrote – The Responsible Globalist! I’m reading Fatima Mirza’s book, A Place for Us at the moment – I cannot recommend it enough.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Max Richter.
What do you usually do for dinner?
Panic throw together whatever is in the fridge.
What’s your favourite restaurant? And what do you eat/drink there?
I love Trishna on Blandford St in Marylebone. In lockdown we would order from there as a treat and it’s become a hard habit to kick. My favourite is the Saag Paneer.
Do you have any evening rituals?
I like to meditate and moisturise.
What time do you go to bed and what's the last thing you do before you sleep?
I try to be in bed by 10pm if I can and the last thing I do before sleep is turn off my phone.
What do you dream about?
Lately I keep having dreams where I design a really beautiful collection in detail but can’t remember any of it when I wake up - it’s an annoying one!
Words: Sophy Davis Russell
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At Home With… Anna Jewsbury Of Completedworks
Come Dine With Me… Sinéad O’Dwyer
Pieces Of Me… Sophie Bille Brahe