‘Fun’ and ‘superb jewelry’ should not two ideas that are likely to overlap—particularly with regards to these most storied maisons with a behavior of taking themselves slightly critically. But for many who favor their luxurious jewels of the extra playful, vibrant, and decidedly joy-sparking sort, there’s just one title to know: Roxanne First.
Founded in 2018 by the South Africa-born, London-based designer of the similar title, Roxanne First has introduced a much-needed recent and fun-filled angle to the business—one which’s all about unrestrained individuality, surprising artistic inspirations, and dopamine-inducing items designed for easy on a regular basis put on. Think: bubblegum-style beads, gobstopper gem stones, rainbow color combos, diamond-studded smiley-faces, and a Kensington flagship modelled on a sweet retailer.
Here, the sensible lady behind the model lifts the lid on her vibrant world, and shares a glimpse into her what goes on in her nine-to-five—and past…
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
I can not begin my morning with out… A glass of water (as my finest mate Nina tells me it is good for me) and a espresso, clearly.
My go-to search for work is… Jeans, loafers, and an amazing knit. It’s humorous: I used to essentially embrace color in every little thing, however as I’ve obtained older—and possibly simply busier—I’ve discovered myself leaning right into a extra pared-back, capsule wardrobe. Sometimes, an amazing pair of denims and the proper sneakers is all you want. It’s straightforward, it really works, and it leaves room for the jewelry to do the speaking. I at all times assume of Jonathan Anderson: you’ll at all times see him in blue denims, a jumper, and Solomon trainers—and he’s one of the coolest. Of course, I layer on the jewels. When it involves jewelry, extra is at all times extra.
My in-office necessities are… My bulldog Boicey, who’s in the studio with me from Tuesday to Thursday. He works from residence with my fiancé James the relaxation of the week (versatile hours, clearly). He’s the finest vibe, even when full-time workplace life isn’t actually his factor— too many naps, not sufficient hustle. I’ve obtained just a few crystals on my desk (sure, I’m that individual), and there’s at all times music taking part in. It’s an area with vitality. Oh, and occasional, at all times extra espresso.
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
I normally get residence fairly late, so it by no means looks like I’ve a lot of a night… But if I can carve out a bit of time, I’ll run a sizzling tub and lather myself in Olverum—the scent is divine. I’m additionally a giant fan of a purple mild masks in mattress, simply earlier than the lights exit. Very sci-fi, very soothing. And mint tea, at all times a mint tea.
The ladies round me and the manner they put on their jewelry have at all times been my best inspiration. All I must do is look, and I’ll see one thing that sparks an thought. It’s instinctive. When I’m designing a brand new assortment, it at all times begins with a moodboard—colors, textures, themes, a sense. I deliver these early ideas to the group, and we sit collectively to debate and develop them. Design is rarely only a single second, it’s a course of, an evolution. And my group’s concepts, enter, and sincere opinions are so essential to me. They form the route simply as a lot as I do.
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
My favorite factor about my job? That’s a tricky query. When you’re employed in a small enterprise, all of us must put on so many hats—and I really get pleasure from sporting just a few of them. But if I had to decide on, it might be creating collections and studying extra about the supplies I work with. That’s the place the magic is for me.
There have been so many actual pinch-me moments alongside the manner… Getting an e mail from the Palace; A$AP Rocky buying three items in a London division retailer for Rihanna’s birthday; my outdated headmistress strolling previous our retailer on Walton Street, coming in and letting me understand how proud she was—and the way proud I needs to be of myself. But actually, the finest moments are seeing folks I don’t know strolling down the road or by way of an airport sporting RF. They’ve chosen to put on one thing I designed—and which means the world to me.
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
My largest achievement? Starting and constructing RF over the previous eight years, and attending to the place we at the moment are. Starting your individual factor is extremely robust, and I believe it’s usually glamourised on social media. The highs are sensible, of course, however the lows might be simply as intense. Working with superb retail companions like MyTheresa and Liberty London has been a privilege, and assembly such artistic, gifted folks alongside the manner has lifted me throughout moments I’ve wanted it most. But sure, for me, it’s merely nonetheless being right here. Still constructing. Still doing it.
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
Every day is a faculty day while you run your individual enterprise. But the largest classes I’ve learnt are, first: at all times be on prime of your steadiness sheet. It’s straightforward to get swept up in the artistic or the momentum, however the numbers inform the actual story—they decide the well being of your small business. Second: folks. I’ve discovered a lot about how folks behave beneath strain, in development, and in uncertainty. Someone as soon as stated to me, “Products don’t build businesses—people do,” and I actually imagine that. You’re solely pretty much as good as the group round you. Not everybody shall be proper for each stage, and that’s one of the hardest, however most essential, classes to study.
My model has developed as I’ve… At its core, it has at all times been an extension of me and the way I interpret superb jewelry for ladies right now. This 12 months, we sat down as a group and actually requested ourselves: why can we exist? How can we serve our shoppers? All roads led again to them—which is why we launched our new model ethos: You, First. Forever. We proceed to create, experimenting with new supplies, stones.
(Image credit score: Roxanne First)
If you cease dreaming, it is sort of recreation over. Fundamentally, I imagine that for a model to dwell on, it has to evolve. Roxanne First began from a ardour I had, and a dream—and I’ve simply stored dreaming.
Currently, I’m engaged on… Super cool collections for 2026 in addition to some potential collaborations. Watch this area!
I’d like to share what’s in the pipeline, however I can not simply but… We’ve obtained some massive plans for subsequent 12 months, and some thrilling adjustments in the works. See you in 2026.