Encounter with a Jewellery Creator

Belgian-born Vanessa Kandiyoti creates jewellery inspired by her Turkish origin with designs based on talismanic symbols of  good fortune. She sells her jewellery internationally and in prestigious stores in London including Liberty, Fenwick, Joseph and the online retailer Net-A-Porter. For her jewellery collections: www.vanessakandiyoti.com.

She has accepted to answer to our four questions and also kindly offered to give a 10% discount on her online shop for any of our readers. You just need to send an email through her website quoting "From My City". This offer is valid until the end of February 2011.

What brought you to London?

I first came to London in 1998 to study law. I remember visiting a friend in London the year before and thinking: I have to be here. Its amazing. Then I left London after my graduation for five years and came back three and a half years ago to launch my jewellery brand.

What is the last exhibition, film  or show that inspired you and why?

Gabriel Orozco at the Tate Modern was my last cultural visit but, to be honest, what inspires me the most is travelling. I am now going to launch a diffusion line for which my inspiration came from a two week dancing trip in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. My pieces are going to be more affordable. A statement jewellery: I would like the woman who wears it to feel more warrior like, just the way I feel like when dancing to the beat of the drums.

If you had to leave London, what would you miss the most?

The love and hate feeling about it in the winter, the buzz that exhausts me and the peace you can get  in a 15 minutes drive. The feeling that everything is on your doorstep  which I feel I don't always appreciate enough.

Could you recommend one or several of your favourite places (shop, restaurant , venue...) in London?

I love to walk around Soho and feel the vibe there. I am fortunate to be able to work next to a wonderful coffee shop on Noel Street which has the most amazing choice of teas, it's called Yumchaa (the toasted ciabatta sandwiches are great there too.)

For shopping, I like to go to Aime on Ledbury road in Notting hill and Net a Porter for convenience.

I love the food from Mediteranneo. Ukai, a japanese restaurant on Portobello Road and Poland street.

Leon for a quick healthy takeaway lunch on Great Malborough street

Last but not least, Hampstead Heath during the weekend for a walk to disconnect totally and admire its beauty.