Lara Bohinc is a British costume jewelry designer. Born in Slovenia in 1972, she launched her own brand in 1997 and has served as a jewelry design consultant for Cartier since 2000. Last year, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her achievements as a designer. We spoke to her about her creative and business endeavors during her visit to Japan.

--First, please tell us about your new collection.

I did rhythmic gymnastics in my student days, and Nadia Comaneci was one of my favorite gymnasts. I always dreamed of becoming like her. The "Nadia" series embodies this feeling. For example, the designs are inspired by the twirling ribbons of rhythmic gymnasts and her somersaults through the air.

--The pieces are three-dimensional yet skillfully express beautiful and graceful movements.

The design, which resembles two balls colliding, was inspired by the movie "Solaris." The ball parts are dynamic and hollow, making them very light despite their appearance.

--Your collections often feature voluminous pieces using gold and silver, which make women feel luxurious when they wear them. But they're not heavy, which is nice.

The laser-cut "Tiana" series has been around since the brand's early days. It also uses metal, but it's light, and the unique cut makes it flat, so it doesn't get caught on clothing or get in the way. It's voluminous yet flat and light, and very comfortable to wear. I personally like to wear pieces like that, and I think all women do, right?

--Your designs, which are feminine and artistic, are also appealing.

Thank you. Design ideas come to me naturally. I don't stick to a set style, and I like a variety of styles. However, (the materials are mainly metal) and I don't use diamonds or emeralds. I think everyone simply enjoys design.

--You have a background in industrial design, so you have a thorough understanding of jewelry-making techniques. Is that the secret to creating work that sets you apart from other designers?

That's certainly true. When I create a piece, I first look at the material, examine its characteristics to see what it can do, and then consider the production method, such as laser cutting or etching, before incorporating it into the design. This is the opposite process from regular jewelry design.

--Do you want to design jewelry?

Honestly, since I'm a "designer," it doesn't have to be jewelry. I can design anything, like tables, chairs, tapestries, or clothes, and I want to do so. Jewelry is small, so it's easier to make than other things. That's why I started with jewelry.

--Isn't jewelry production different from fabric or other products?

When you design, you start by drawing on flat paper either way (laughs). In fact, for the first two years after entering the design industry, I studied and worked as a graphic designer. After that, I started on the path to becoming an industrial designer, but it feels like I gradually specialized in my field.

--So, will we be able to see a house designed by you in the near future?

I'm not sure when I'll be designing a house (laughs), but I would like to try my hand at interior design, and in fact, I've decided to release cups, saucers, and other items soon.

Continued on 2/2. Scheduled to be released tomorrow, August 9th.