We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Frida Hultén ("FH").
Frida Hulten Design started with earrings in 2002 and had since developed and evolved to what it is today. She creates unique costume jewellery for Women, Men and Dogs, bespoke orders for clients and tailor-made Collections for Companies/Designers. Frida’s love of mystery, of the ancient world and for the life force itself that shows in each piece of her hand-made jewellery. Curious and open, she learns from each new environment she explores, allowing rare insights into a myriad of cultures and bringing an infusion of diverse influences to her work.
Frida Hultén Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Frida Hultén.
Frida Hultén Design - Aphrodite Multifunctional Necklace
Frida Hultén Design - Blue Multifunctional Dog Collar
Frida Hultén Design - FiFi Multifunctional Dog Collar
Frida Hultén Design - Theodora Multifunctional Necklace
Designer Interview of Frida Hultén:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
FH : I suppose I have always been creative, but never considered it my occupation until 1998. It started with an Interior Design course in London, it then went on to my own clothing label/shop in Cape Town to finally ending up making jewellery for humans and dogs.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
FH : I enjoy collaborating with other people; creating collections or a bespoke piece. The process of combining my design from a client´s mood board.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
FH : A jewellery Collection for a clothing brand in South Africa called "Hip Hop".
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
FH : I love working with semi precious stones and leather, and combining different metals.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
FH : I feel most creative when I am surrounded by nature.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
FH : How the piece will feel on, not only comfort but weight.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
FH : Contentment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
FH : The feeling you have when you reach the top of a mountain after a long hike, beautiful feeling.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
FH : We all have to do what we can, as a Designer there is the choice of material, or recycle / up-cycle.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
FH : My hope is that we go back to smaller Design studio´s, smaller local factories.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
FH : I was part of "Premium Pet Suppliers" Expo in Hong Kong. Most recently I had an exhibition during "Milan Jewellery Week" 2022.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
FH : My main inspiration comes from the Ancient History of the whole World.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
FH : It has a Byzantine body, an African heart and a Native American Spirit.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
FH : I currently live in Milan, Italy. At the moment it has only been a bonus: I feel more expressive.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
FH : I feel that the most important aspect when it comes to collaborations is how well you understand each other, the connection.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
FH : Ask questions, show interest, get involved, collaborate with others.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
FH : Imagination and courage.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
FH : Working from home is important for me. Don´t have to commute which saves time, I can work without distractions and at any time of the day.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
FH : Can you live on your Creativity?
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
FH : When I get I bespoke order from a client that I know and worked with before. They give me a brief of what they want, then leave it up to me, the trust they have for me is beautiful.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
FH : I am creating a Collection for dogs! Collars and necklaces.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
FH : I design myself.
DI: How can people contact you?
FH : Email: frida@fridahulten.com