Written by Bobby Harrington
on 15 October, 2018

Clancy in ‘Rose Blumes’ – made in Fitzroy by Little Fear

Inspired by a deep, abiding love story with colour and hue, and a passion for the riotously gentle strength of feminine design, Little Fear is jewellery for fierce people, mythical creatures, femmes and feminists.
Today we chat with Artist and Jeweller Bobby Harrington about how she magically weaves texture, colour and inspiration from nature into romantic, handmade necklaces and earrings.

Catch Bobby and her unique handmade jewellery in Melbourne from 12pm Friday 19th October, where almost 200 stalls are taking over The Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton The festival fun continues all weekend!  

Tell us more about the story behind Little Fear? 

I feel like the story of Little Fear probably started with a book of beautiful fairy illustrations by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite my grandma gave me when I was a kid. I remember being completed enchanted with the soft colours, beautiful translucent wings and the mysteriously powerful and seductive way femininity and nature would intersect.

Many years later an art and photography practice that included small intricate sculptures with translucent wings would lead to a jewellery practice full of unapologetic soft pinks, romance, shimmer and a bit of a nod to the idea of fairies! I launched Little Fear in April this year, debuted at Finders Keepers in July, decided this was something I could love doing for a long time and moved into a studio in August.

I design and make all the Little Fear pieces and then I’ve been working with some of my incredibly talented artist, writer, model and designer friends to make some really lovely and interesting marketing and branding. For me these collaborations have been such a special part of the Little Fear story.

Bobby’s grandma, Pauline in ‘Sirens 1’ earrings

Rose Blumes – made in Fitzroy by Little Fear

Tell us about your new collection Blume. What was the inspiration behind it?

Blume, the current collection created in the depths of a Melbourne Winter is probably some kind of subconscious siren call to spring – a willingness for the sun and all the colour it brings. It’s about flowers, and the romance of colour in nature. I’m always inspired by the interplay of colour and light and I make earrings that I like to think dance with light, catching gold sparkles as they move, like a sunset or reflections on water.

Lily Blumes – made in Fitzroy by Little Fear

Blake in Lily Blumes – image is a collaboration with Jessie Ngaio

Lily Blumes – made in Fitzroy by Little Fear

After your Finders Keepers debut in Melbourne AW18, what motivated you to participate in our entire SS18 season of markets? Any advice for first timers?

Finders Keepers was amazing. Even though I’m a very shy person the incredibly generous interactions with the market crowd were heartwarming. When one beautiful lady said my earrings reminded her of dreams my heart did a little skip!

I got tons of useful feedback and I’m so excited to take what I learnt into the summer season of Finders Keepers, along with new some new Blume designs and the first pieces of a brand new collection.

Advice for first timers! Have a variation in price range. This really worked for me. If it’s your first ever market, like it was mine, bring someone to help! This was my wonderful boyfriend who took payments and boxed up products and an amazing friend who came and helped on the busiest day. She was so much better at selling my earrings than I was and it gave me some time to have a look at the market. There are so many beautiful stalls, it’s very inspiring and humbling to see all the wonderful talent surrounding you!

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Laney in Rose Blumes – image is a collaboration with Jessie Ngaio