Talking style with Anabela Chan The jewellery designer on how to cultivate her unique look

Much like the jewellery pieces she designs for her celebrity-filled client list, Anabela Chan’s wardrobe is bursting with colour, shimmer and sentimental meaning. “I have more sparkles in my wardrobe than I can count – sequins, feathers, beaded and embroidered dresses, tops to blazers to shoes, along with collectable runway pieces from McQueen to vintage pieces from my mother and my travels,” she says. “It’s an ever-evolving mix of both the classic and eclectic.”

Here, Lane Crawford sits down with the whimsical London-based designer to discover more about her approach to fashion.

“My daily outfit has to be practical enough to take me from desk to workshop to boutique to client meetings. Usually skinny leather pants, a black merino wool roll-neck sweater or a trophy top or tee with a fitted blazer, and jewelled flats or white or sparkly sneakers. I always wear my white gold diamond wedding band, and a solitaire heart diamond rose gold pinky ring I made myself when I had my baby daughter Valentine a year ago. I also wear two vintage yellow gold charm bracelets with my daughter and soon-to-be son’s initials, rainbow-colour gemstone ear studs from the Tutti Frutti collection and a colourful cocktail ring from my own collections, which I rotate daily.”

“First, wear something that makes you feel fabulous and confident – that feel-good factor is always key. Secondly, buy pieces that you absolutely love and can stand the test of time – ask yourself, will you still wear it in 10- or 20-years’ time? Don’t be afraid to mix and match, from contemporary styles to vintage or market finds, to create a unique look personal to you. Finally, when travelling, don’t forget to shop for those one-off pieces you will never find again.”

“When it comes to jewellery, break the rules and mix yellow, white and rose gold together. You can also wear your boldest, most dramatic and colourful cocktail rings and chandelier earrings in the daytime, paired with jeans and sneakers for a casual yet luxurious look. Buy pieces that you will have fun wearing and won’t stay hidden in a safe. I love that we have clients from their late teens to their 80s – fun and fabulous jewellery can transcend generations, style and time. Jewellery is empowering, it brings joy, inspires emotions and elevates the spirit like no other. After all, it is the most magical thing you can wear.”

Discover a trunk show of Anabela Chan’s exquisite creations between January 24, 2019, and March 6, 2019, at Lane Crawford ifc mall, and between January 30, 2019, and March 6, 2019, at Lane Crawford Canton Road.