Hand embroidered, Galia’s jewels create a poetic and delicate universe through themes such as imaginary trips, fauna, flora and costumes.
Let’s meet Justine, a meticulous and patient designer, passionate about her work.
Could you please introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Justine, I am 29. I am the designer of Galia, embroidered jewels, the mother of a 11 months girl named Gabrielle and expatriated to Mauritius for two years. I share my time between Mauritius and France.
How would you define your universe?
Feminine, soft and poetic.
When and how have you decided to launch your brand?
After one year and a half in a fashion school where I was not flourishing, I decided to launch my own brand to do what I wanted to do, without restriction. It was in 2010.
What have been your background before this launch?
I have always been good with my hands. When I was younger, I enjoyed drawing and making small objects. However, I intended to become a teacher so I obtained a bachelor’s degree in History and Georgraphy. Then, I wanted to try something else, to give me a chance to find a job I could really like. I entered a fashion school where I learned rigour and requirement. I have learned things about myself. For example, I realized I didn’t like to design clothes so much, I prefer meticulous work such as embroidery.
How did your passion for jewelry start?
By accident. Because I like to embroider, I wanted to be able to wear these embroideries. So, I started to imagine embroidered jewels.
When have you created your first jewel and which kind of jewel was it ? How was it ? How did you feel?
It took me weeks to design my first jewel! I have done again and again dozens of tests. I need to find a way to convert a embroidery into a jewel. The work of thread itself didn’t suit me, I wanted to add other materials to my pieces, such as metal sequin and crystal rhinestone. My first really accomplished piece was a necklace, entirely embroidered with sequins. I was happy and proud of myself.
How do you organize your creation process ?
I feed off thousands of images every day, including on Pinterest and Instagram. Travels, colours, nature, The Art Deco movement and beautiful images inpire me. Then, I start to draw, to look for combinations of shapes, to find the appropriate balance and the right mix of materials I use. I create a pattern and I start to embroider but the process to create a jewel is extremely long. Especially since I am very demanding. I can embroider the same piece different times before being satisfied…or not!
Where do you find your inspiration ?
I am a fan of pinterest and instagram, I spend a lot of time on these social medias.
Photos : © Galia Bijoux. Photographies fournies par Justine Paul et publiées avec son autorisation.
