In conversation: Adam Williams on the Embrace collection with Howes & Landino

To mark the launch of the Embrace Collection, we sat down with Adam Williams to explore the inspiration behind this remarkable new range, crafted in close collaboration with Howes & Landino. Drawing on decades of partnership and a shared love for fine craftsmanship, the Embrace Collection is a study in thoughtful design, tactile beauty, and meaningful symbolism.

What was the inspiration behind the Embrace Collection, and how did the collaboration with Howes & Landino shape it?

The Embrace Collection was born from a shared passion between our team and Howes & Landino for exceptional craftsmanship and design with intent. Having worked closely together for over two decades, we proposed a formal collaboration around a year ago to bring our shared sensibilities into a unified vision.

Karen and Jane’s profound love for jewellery, their meticulous eye for detail, and their appreciation for texture and functional elegance were instrumental in shaping the collection. Every design, developed by Howes & Landino, reflects that harmony. Each piece was considered not just for its beauty, but also for how it serves and interacts with its environment.

A signature motif that runs through the collection is the dragonfly, subtly integrated, it symbolises transformation and lightness. We set out to create designs that are not only finely made, but also rich in personal meaning—combining practical form with poetic expression.

What are some of the key techniques that contributed to the exceptional quality of your work in this collection?

Several key techniques underpinned the quality of the Embrace Collection. One of the most distinctive is our use of rich, tactile textures, which add depth and a sense of character to every piece. These are thoughtfully applied to highlight the handmade nature of the work.

Traditional blacksmithing techniques were also fundamental. Each item is individually handcrafted, ensuring not only strength and durability, but also allowing for a high degree of precision and craftsmanship.

This is particularly evident in the console and side tables. The complexity of their forms demands absolute precision, a deep understanding of proportion, and a rigorous attention to finish. Every detail is finely tuned to achieve a balance between aesthetic beauty and structural integrity.

It’s this fusion of traditional making with refined, contemporary design that really defines the collection.

Why did you choose the materials in this collection, and how did they influence the final pieces?

Steel was selected as the core material for its strength, versatility, and its natural compatibility with traditional blacksmithing techniques. It offers the structural robustness required for pieces such as the consoles and side tables, while also allowing us to create intricate, hand-applied textures—an essential part of the collection’s identity.

The finishes on the steel take direct inspiration from fine jewellery. We wanted each surface to reflect the same level of craftsmanship, detail, and finesse that you would expect from a beautifully crafted piece of jewellery. This gave the collection a refined and decorative quality, without sacrificing durability.

In many ways, the material became a canvas for storytelling. Every curve, joint, and surface detail is a reflection of the care and precision we associate with jewellery-making. This interplay of elegance and practicality helped shape the overall spirit of the Embrace Collection.

What do you hope people experience when they bring the Embrace Collection into their homes?

We hope that when people bring pieces from the Embrace Collection into their homes, they feel a genuine appreciation for the creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail behind each design.

Our aim was to craft objects that go beyond utility—pieces that feel as carefully made as a piece of fine jewellery. We want people to experience the quiet sophistication of considered design, where every surface and form tells a story of collaboration, skill, and passion.

Ultimately, we hope the collection brings a sense of timelessness and personal connection to any space, a quiet elegance that endures.