You were childhood friends that reconnected after both working for famed jewelry houses. How did you know it was time to work together?
We both had the dream to create our own maison one day. We were discussing regularly about our envy, what we loved and what we would do if we had our own jewelry maison up until we felt we had to make it happen! I don't believe something in particular triggered us, it was rather an organic and natural feeling for both of us.
Can you tell us a little more about your process of designing together?
Again, the process is quite organic. It's a lot of discussion between the two of us. When we travel and when we have our head out of the operational storm that we are in when we are in Paris, it’s our time to relax, watch movies or go to an exhibition. It often starts with one idea that we grow like a seed, with sketches, references and a moodboard. Then Iris will sketch some options that we will edit together until we make the first selected options in prototypes. We love to receive the prototype in actual gold and diamond to have a real feeling of the piece. Then we edit, adjust and modify the prototype until we receive the correct one!
What are the benefits of working as a team and what are the challenges?
The benefit is that you never feel alone which can sometimes happen when one is on the road of entrepreneurship on its own. It is amazing to have someone with whom you can share these victories. It can be challenging to compose with one another, it's a bit like a couple in a sense. It requires good listening, respect and a lot of love!
How would you describe each other in three words?
Thomas: Iris is solar, joyful and creative.
Iris: Thomas is loyal, a perfectionist and patient.
Among your offerings at Broken English, which are some of your favorite pieces and why?
Iris: I love the Clique Twist hoops and the Edge hoops earrings as my everyday earrings.
Thomas: I love the Edge large cuff in gold, I find it impossibly chic!
