Reflections | Sara Sidari

Sara Sidari is the artist and Designer behind Sara Sidari & Sidari Atelier. She is also the Founder of Orro + Co together with Basalt & Stone. Having pursued her passion for all things design, she has artfully created a number of brands which she not only loves, but which uplifts those around her. We chatted to Sara about life, fashion, and of course, jewels.

How would you describe what you do?

Sara Sidari and Sidari Atelier is a company that focuses on custom illustration, live sketching at events, branding services with a shop side of print collections, ceramics and interior items as well custom event stationery. It began with custom illustrations 6 years ago and has grown into an incredible company across many design and illustrative sectors.

What did you do before this, and what was the turning point in deciding to launch your brand/business?

I am an architectural designer by trade and I worked for two of the top firms in the world. I began sketching again 6 years ago to escape the stresses from my career as an architectural designer. Slowly, slowly this grew into a full time business where I had to make a decision - to follow my path as an artist and quit my job and grow this company into what it is today. My company has now expanded into print collections, interior items, ceramics, company branding and custom illustrations. The opportunities with drawing and design are endless and the freedom I feel doing what I do is all I ever wanted.

Tell us, how do you typically start your day? Do you have any daily rituals?

I start by having my strong espresso in the morning no sugar to get me ready for the day. I have a cute studio set up at home which inspires me to create and imagine. I also start my day with a positive quote to help me get into a positive mindset.

What inspires your designs, and what is your favourite piece from your latest collection/range?

My favourite collection at the moment is the "DEA DI AMALFI" collection which is in collaboration with an amazing Photographer Andrea Gallucci in the Amalfi Coast. We combined his photography with my line work to create 5 main prints of goddesses in the Amalfi coast. I am also super proud of my most recent live sketching for the YSL launch which was such a magical experience.

What about your work are you most proud of?

I'm proud of the way my work makes people feel. The happiness they show when they open my artwork or when I'm live sketching and they take home a special sketch of the day.

When you have some downtime away from work, where is your favourite place to go?

When I have down time I try to get out as much as possible. I love food, so with my partner Marco or with my friends we go to restaurants to try new foods or experiences. We also try to go to the beach as much as possible as that relaxes us.

As an artist/designer, how would you describe your style in three words?

I would describe my style as emotive, true to who I am and also unique to my emotions and what I am feeling when I create art pieces.

Do you have a style icon or current muse?

I think my friends and family around me are my muse. The experiences I go through are what inspire me.

How does jewellery influence your mood or personal style?

I think jewellery can make or break of your mood. Wearing a special piece of jewellery is like a special piece of art hanging in a home. It can completely change the vibe and emotion when you walk into a space, just like jewellery does to your outfit or mood.

Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery, or one that evokes a special memory?

I have a fine chain with a small cross my mum purchased for me when I was going through a tough time. It means so much to me as it gave me hope things would be ok and it did. I can't go anywhere without it.

Which piece from Elle Forma's North collection resonates most with you?

I adore all the pieces from Elle Forma, but the one I love the most is the Jesse ring - because of its organic feel of the form and the process of how it's made really resonated with me.