TOHM TALKS

A Conversation With Sophie Bille Brahe

What first drew you to the world of fine jewellery?

Since I was a young girl, I have always liked to use my hands, and I think that over time, I naturally started to use my hands as a way to express myself. When I was in the 7th grade, there was a teacher who saw that I enjoyed working with fibre and glass, so she made me a little workshop where I could go to create things.

How has your Danish heritage influenced your design philosophy?

It has never been my intention to design jewellery so that it has a Scandinavian aesthetic, but I feel that this is a part of my heritage that often naturally translates to my design. Copenhagen and Denmark in general have a colour palette that is unlike anywhere else in the world — a special tone of blue and grey. I guess it’s this palette that gives me such a feeling of cleanness and simplicity that is most influential on my designs.

What’s your go-to everyday jewellery look?

I really like to feel comfortable. I work in craft, I have a small dog and two children, so I need to be able to get around. It’s a very Copenhagen feeling — we like to dress in a way that reflects the way we live. I love pairing a simple T-shirt with a pair of dangling earrings like the Promenade de Coeur or a Collier de Tennis. My jewellery is made to be worn every day.

How do you balance timeless design with modern minimalism?

For me, it’s much more about taking things away than adding. I always think: how simple and clean can you show a pearl or a diamond? All the focus is on the material. That way the design becomes both minimalist and timeless.

What inspires your collections?

When I look at the collections I’ve created, it’s like all the big moments of my life — I can read it like a story. I’m inspired by my surroundings, my family, my friends, and how I feel in a precise moment. An everlasting source of inspiration is also the night sky and the ocean. The special point on the horizon where the ocean meets the sky creates a beautiful curve. That wave is very present in my designs; I often come back to it.

Is there one styling tip you swear by for layering pieces?

I love layering rings on one hand. Sometimes, I wear the S, B, B rings all on one hand. It adds to any look, and I love the street vibe it gives.

What piece from your collection do you find yourself wearing on repeat?

I am always wearing a Collier de Tennis Royal. I love it with a worn-out T-shirt. I also wear my letter rings almost daily.

Can you share a glimpse into your creative process — from idea to finished piece?

My creative process always starts with a feeling, an emotion I have at a certain time, and I try to work around the feeling. I usually start imagining my design when I am very relaxed — after a dip in the ocean or just before falling asleep. Then I draw a lot, until it’s perfect.

What has been the most defining moment for your brand so far?

Last year, we opened a boutique on 1000 Madison Avenue in New York. It was such a huge milestone for the company — a dream realised.

How do you want women to feel when they wear Sophie Bille Brahe jewellery?

“I want my jewellery to tell the story of the women who wear it.”

Where do you see the evolution of fine jewellery heading in the next decade?

I think women want to be presented with a new way of wearing fine jewellery — less like a statement, more like an extension of who they are. But no matter how much the business changes, my values remain the same: to work with the highest quality materials and create jewellery that feels new and interesting.

Diamonds or pearls?

Diamonds!

A Collier de Tennis is all you need.

Xxx