Brisbane designer Christie Nicolaides sparkling her way into the international jewellery industry

Christie Nicolaides admits you will rarely see her without bright lipstick and bold earrings, even if she’s just going to the shops.

Christie Nicolaides. Pic Annette Dew

Christie Nicolaides admits you will rarely see her without bright lipstick and bold earrings, even if she’s just going to the shops. The Brisbane-based jewellery designer has A-listers wearing her elegant designs and other women feeling like celebrities. Nicolaides has launched her latest collection, inspired by her European travels, and says less is definitely not more.

Tell us about your new collection and projects for the year?

I have just launched my new collection La Fontelina, which was inspired by summers spent in Europe. I wanted this collection to transport the wearer back to the Amalfi Coastline in the ’70s and ’80s; a time when bold and excessiveness was celebrated. I’ll be launching a finer collection at the opening of my first store at 41 Edward St in Brisbane’s CBD in August this year.

Where is the most surprising place you’ve spotted your jewellery?

The likes of Paris Jackson, Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland are among many famous faces to have supported my brand. It has also been featured in TV shows like the Canadian drama, Reign and other short films. I have sent jewels from Kuwait to Hong Kong to Paris to New York, to London and I’m amazed to think that there are ladies all around the world wearing my jewels. It is such a thrill.

Is there such a thing as too many accessories at once?
More is more. But it’s important to create balance and symmetry when dressing.

What would you typically wear a) on a night out; and b) just down the road to the shops?

I take great pride in the way I dress because to me, it’s an art form. I dress for the occasion but dare I say the outfit I wear to Coles to pick up
some groceries may well be the same outfit I wear to a function that night.
I might just add a few more jewels, swap my day bag for something more elegant and add a beautiful pair of stilettos.

Your grandmother is one of your style icons. What has been her impact on you as a designer?

I have very fond memories of my summer holidays at Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta, where my grandmother would go to the beach wearing a bikini, matching sarong and tote, high-heeled wedges, bold sunglasses and fabulous earrings. I often think back to the excitement and joy I felt going through her drawers of costume jewellery and accessories and dreaming of the day when I could one day wear them.

You’re Brisbane-based but internationally acclaimed. Have you considered moving away from Queensland to expand?

Of course it would be much easier to be based down south but Brisbane is my home and my family are here. The brand will grow organically and in time, I hope it will expand nationally and internationally. It’s currently stocked in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and America, so I do travel extensively. I’ve spent a lot of my days dreaming about sharing my time between Brisbane and a little store in Via Margutta, Rome.