Last month, it was confirmed that British jewellery designer, Alex Monroe, would be producing an officially licensed range of Doctor Who jewellery.
The collaboration between Alex Monroe and BBC Studios, offers fans the chance to buy an exact replica of the 13th Doctor's ear cuff, as well as a supporting capsule collection in celebration of the first female Doctor.
DWO caught up with Alex, for one of our '5 Questions With...' interviews.
How did the opportunity come about?
I’ve been making jewellery for the BBC for a long time. I remember the first things were for Eastenders and French and Saunders back in the early eighties! It’s lovely because Jodie has worn our jewellery since she was at drama school, so we have a long connection, and of course the amazing Ray Holman was the costume designer on Dr Who. We’ve done some wonderful projects together over the years. So it was just a really natural fit, I suppose.
Did you ever watch Doctor Who as a child, and if you did was there a particular Doctor / Story you remember?
Oh my days yes. I was addicted. I think Dr Who was responsible for my fear of spiders. And there was just a new one with spiders in which hasn’t helped! Slightly strangely I always really liked the Brigadier. He popped up from time to time over the years. I’ve no idea why he was my fave character! All three of my daughters have loved it. Now my youngest has Sunday night Dr Who parties. All her mates over, they order pizzas, settle in for the opening credits then chatter incessantly all the way through. It drives me mad!
Your galaxy ear cuff is exquisite! It’s literally an exact replica from the one we see on screen! How much of an input did Jodie have in the final design?
Jodie was so important. We were designing for her character so she was my main inspiration. We talked and discussed and I made all sorts of sketches. Then I made a few prototypes which we discussed together, until we settled on the final design. Each element has all sorts of inspirations and meanings but I think I’ll keep all that between me and Jodie.
Is there a possibility we could see more great, who-themed pieces from you?
I never rule anything out! The sketchbook is full of all sorts of great ideas.
If you could take a round trip in the TARDIS, anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?
Do you know what… I’m really quite keen on the here and now. There’s so much going on, so many new challenges and so much to do! But I guess the nice thing about the Tardis is that I could do all sorts of stuff then re-appear as if no time had passed!
I think I’d go back and tell my younger self not to be so insecure. Especially with the girls. Once I’d sorted my younger self out I’d go and spend a week on the Bounty as it sailed into Fiji to collect the breadfruit. And a week on the Endeavour with Captain Cook and Joseph Banks. Not Cape Horn… Fiji and the discovery of Australia please. I think I would have liked Cookie and Banksie.
Watch Alex discuss the creative process behind the jewellery in this video from the BBC:
+ Check out Alex Monroe's Doctor Who jewellery range via their website!
[Source: DWO]
