Retailers across NZ carry jewellery from the exclusive Fabuleux Vous range designed by owner, Helen Thompson-Carter and daughter Jane. Their focus is on classic designs with a modern twist. HELEN PERRY reports.
It’s no surprise that on meeting Helen Thompson-Carter she is wearing pearls. Together with onyx and a range of semi-precious stones, pearls are key to many of her jewellery designs teaming beautifully with favoured components, stainless steel and sterling silver.
However, what is a surprise is that Helen, instead of contemplating retirement in a few years, is looking to expand her global market and even diversify into fashion and accessories using materials such as linen. And this is alongside her subsidiary business, HelenTC.LTD, which provides corporate training to the business world.
Trained as a nurse, where her empathy for the sick and the dying was first fostered, Helen moved away from nursing in her late 20’s.
In the ensuing years her professional life included a range of corporate positions. However, it was her years with one of NZ’s top jewellery brands which kindled a love of beautiful pieces and eventually saw her wanting to realise her own design creativity.
“When I left that company after such a long period, I vowed I would never go back to jewellery; so, I took my management skills in different directions. However, jewellery eventually drew me back in. I realised how much I loved the product.”
Subsequently, Helen took on a mortgage and spent six months researching the industry. Then, starting from scratch in 2014, she set up Fabuleux Vous with daughter, Jane, and hasn’t looked back since.
“The one thing I knew was that I didn’t want to compete with companies selling mass produced jewellery. Yet, I wanted to create beautiful, quality pieces which were available to a range of budgets.”
Eventually, Helen set up a design studio in New Zealand. Then, after much research, she contracted boutique manufacturers in Asia – China, Thailand, India and Hong Kong – and today has sources across the globe.
“I’ve always believed that every woman, regardless of socio-economics, should own a beautiful piece of jewellery.
Importantly, I have been able to keep pricing affordable, anywhere from $39 to $2000. To make the same pieces, to the same standard in NZ, would cost a great deal more.”
Whilst cultivating her own distinct style, Helen keeps a close eye on trends – “for instance black is very big at the moment so onyx is trending,” she says. “However, the beauty of jewellery lies not just in its aesthetic value, but often in its deep symbolism.
“Many pieces or motifs carry meaning which resonates on a personal or cultural level and may connect to something other than just being adornments. With that in mind, Jane and I have also designed a few small collections to benefit specific sectors of the community.
“For example, my nursing years instilled in me a deep respect for the work of hospice in New Zealand and also that of the Southland Charity Hospital so I attend special fundraising events for both. I also support Equestrian Sport NZ, which helps fund our world cup equestrian team.
“Of course, there is also my corporate training arm and I’m now working on a small linen range of practical, yet attractive, women’s garments. So, retirement won’t be on the agenda for a few years yet! But that’s what happens when you love your work.”
