Our Owner and Managing Director, Irene Deutsch, was recently interview by Sam Wagner of Sambag about her career path, favourite jewellery pieces and love of all things fashion and style.
1. Describe yourself in 5 words.Reliable, organised, loyal, fun-loving, sporty.
2. How did your background in banking influence your approach to running the Fairfax & Roberts jewellery business?
My career in banking involved managing Sales & Marketing teams and dealing with high-net worth individuals. Most of the skills acquired during my time in banking were transferrable to the role at Fairfax & Roberts. The only foreign element to me, was the creative aspect of jewellery design and manufacturing. Thankfully, I have an amazing and incredibly experienced team that produces beautiful, bespoke jewellery for our clients.
3. What advice would you give for pairing fine jewellery with fashion outfits or shoes?
I would say, just go for it! You only live once and it goes too quickly. Don’t save things if they make you feel good, wear them, and wear them with confidence!
4. What are some of your favourite pieces from your jewellery collections and why?
I absolutely love cocktail rings! I love the size, the glamour and the colour! We make the most exquisite cocktail rings in vibrantly coloured gemstones – aquamarine, green tourmaline, garnet, pink tourmaline – and they are the pieces that I always receive the most comments on. We also craft amazing teardrop shaped earrings surrounded by pavé set diamonds. I have a turquoise pair – they are a standout!!!
5. What are some emerging trends in the fine jewellery industry that you find exciting?
Colour!! Of course, diamonds will always be a chic classic, but I love seeing our customers embracing the beautifully coloured gemstones we have on offer. At Fairfax & Roberts, we travel overseas twice a year to visit our stone suppliers and cutters and return with the most exquisite emeralds, sapphires, rubies and other special gemstones you can’t find locally. These pieces are very popular – they tend to sell as soon as the in-house workshop finishes crafting them.
6. How would you describe your fashion style?
I prefer a more timeless, classic look opting for plain block colours . I do love fashion, I always have, and I love following local and international designers to follow what the latest trends are.
7. What are your favourite shoes from the Sambag range and why?
I wore a lot of suits and high heels for over 20 years as a banking executive and my days of wearing heels are definitely over. I absolutely love Sambag ballets – they look great for work and on the weekend and they are SUPER comfortable, proving you don’t have to give up style for comfort! My absolute favourites are the Tina Ballet Flat in two Tone Black and Blush leather - to me they are just so chic. I also get a lot of wear out of my Tina Ballet Flat in two Tone Black and Black patent leather. My newest purchase are the Natalie Tan Croc Leather Ballet Flats – they will get a lot of wear as I wear a lot of neutral colours and they match everything!
8. And our signature question: if you were a shoe, what style would you be?
I think a fashion sneaker – fast moving, practical, but I still want to look good!!
