Seeing my jewellery in the New York Times alongside likes of Louis Vuitton was quite surreal

Bespoke designer Romany delighted by international coverage for her unique piece

- ANDREA LAMBROU

Being recognised alongside global fashion houses Boucheron, Cartier and Louis Vuitton was a "surreal" full circle moment for bespoke Scots jeweller Romany Starrs.

After building her fine jewellery business from a cupboard in her Blantyre home to a thriving boutique on the cobbled streets of East Kilbride Village, the mum-of-four last week gained international recognition for her work when a unique piece from her collection featured in the New York Times.

Romany's Harlequin Grid Epaulette, inspired by military epaulets and armour, was featured alongside designer pieces from Boucheron and Louis Vuitton for an article on one of this year's biggest jewellery trends - shoulder adornments.

Romany, 50, says the "pinch-me moment" is undoubtedly the highlight of her 37-year career which has come full circle after cutting her teeth in the industry while on work experience with her late aunt who was at the time working as a textile designer on New York City's famous Fifth Avenue.

"It's quite surreal to see myself featured in the New York Times", said Romany. "I actually couldn't believe it to begin with because you never know if it's definitely going to go ahead and be in print. I'm over the moon.

"My PR told me a journalist at the New York Times had picked up on the shoulder piece and she wanted to interview me. I did the interview by Zoom and a freelance photographer from the New York Times came out to the boutique and photographed me at my bench."

She added: "It's actually really nice because we've got a connection to New York in the family. My mum's sister lived there for 45 years and was also a businesswoman on Fifth Avenue.