Loves of My Life: Tilly Sveaas

The best interviews are often the most personal. In Loves of My Life, we get to know the person behind their craft, asking them the important questions we're desperate to know—the restaurants and date-night spots, what's in their Saved folder on Instagram, the piece of jewellery they're most attached to and what's lurking at the bottom of their handbag. In short, these are the true loves of their life.

Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Her pieces have been worn by Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner and Elle Macpherson, and her latest launch, Moi + Toi, is fronted by the iconic Rosemary Ferguson and her daughter Elfie Reigate.

What’s your #1 restaurant to visit in the whole world? And what would you order?

Da Adolfo on the Amalfi coast, the grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves is the best.

Is there anything in your home that you’re particularly sentimental about?

Some black and white photos of my husband and I, taken on our first ever holiday together in Egypt.

What would we always find lurking in the bottom of your handbag?

Loose Tilly Sveaas T-Bars and poo bags.

Who is the person/who are the people who fill up your cup?

My husband, my sisters and my parents.

If you could only holiday in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

The south of France. The light is beautiful throughout the year and it never gets truly cold. The wine and food are also not too shabby!

Do you have an item of jewellery that holds a lot of meaning?

My wedding ring and an amazing diamond and emerald ring made by the very talented Delaval Knight, who dangerously has an office in the same building!

In your spare time, what do you love to do?

We're building our house in Corfu, Greece. It's going to be a labour of love, which requires patience, but it will be amazing when it's eventually finished!

Do you have a secret date-night spot?

It's not very secret, but my favourite date night happens in our own kitchen. Friday night pasta, the end of the week, a lovely bottle of wine and not a menu in sight.

Which item of clothing would you never ever part with? And why?

My vintage 3-ply cashmere cardigan. They don't make cashmere that thick anymore, and I live in fear of moths!

What’s your most-played on Spotify? An artist, playlist or album?

The Police 'Greatest Hits'; Simon and Garfunkel 'Graceland'.

If we were to look in your saved folder on Instagram now, what would we find?

Too many miniature dachshund videos.

Favourite city for inspiration?

My favourite city is London, as it has all the wonderful museums and archives for classical references and history, yet the different pockets of the city offer varying street style that cannot fail to inspire you.

What is your favourite item to pack when you go on holiday?

Bikinis, a lot of them. I also like to buy a bikini from everywhere I go on holiday… the hot places! And of course, I never go anywhere without my jewellery. I always bring staple pieces such as the T-Bar necklace that can be worn 5 ways. It’s totally versatile and all the wearable options make it look like you've actually packed more than you have! I also never leave home without my chunky silver bracelet stack, which is a nightmare going through airport security!

What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

My first ever job when I was 16 was a Saturday girl at Gucci on Bond Street. My uniform shoes are the comfiest pair of shoes I own. They did so many steps and were worn into perfection.

What’s the beauty product you can’t live without?

Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Something warm that I haven't cooked myself! Normally, in the form of pasta.

What are your 3 favourite movies of all time?

Point Break, The Thomas Crown Affair, An Officer And A Gentleman.

Share a piece of advice that someone you love gave you that always stuck.

My mother always told me to listen to the little voice in my head. This has really helped me as being the founder of a business, you are constantly having to make decisions and prioritise. I have learnt to trust this voice and my hunch rather than always trusting in professional advice.

What’s your favourite scent?

Do Son by Diptyque. It’s fresh and works throughout the year, and I get more compliments on this smell than anything else I have ever worn! I love it, and although people always say you should switch things up, I simply can’t stop wearing it!

Do you collect anything, if so, what?

Candlesticks and antique glasses.

What’s your latest obsession?

Symprove Probiotic Supplements - I am very keen to improve my gut flora!

You can pick 3 fashion brands to wear for the rest of your life, what are they and why?

Levi’s, Gucci loafers and WNU shirts. Like my jewellery, I like classic styles, pieces that will stand the test of time and can be worn for years and styled in different ways. Wardrobe staples rather than fast fashion.

Coffee, tea, wine, cocktail—what’s your ultimate poison?

White wine - very cold and drunk out of a really beautiful thin glass.

Who is your professional hero?

I love what the Olsen twins have done at The Row and how they have still managed to keep such a low profile.

Who are the loves of your life?

Olly, my husband. Mitty, my little miniature black and tan dachshund.

What is the love of your life?

Swimming in clear, diamond blue waters.