You may have noticed that Motilo has opened its exciting Christmas Shop, featuring some exclusive pieces selected by Susan Caplan for the ultimate in vintage Christmas luxury. If you have a penchant for the precious in retro shopping, then you’ll certainly have heard of this remarkable woman. As she sources all of her products, and approves them herself, the business is deeply personal, as well as being the UK’s leading vintage accessory company. We spoke to the esteemed collector about her own Christmas collection and how to buy vintage gifts for your nearest and dearest.

What age did you begin to collect vintage jewellery?
I’ve always loved hunting for treasures since I was a teenager. My family was passionate about art and design, so to pick up my own beautiful little things was a natural extension. It wasn’t until I travelled the world as a beauty therapist aboard the QEII that my hobby fully blossomed. Regardless of where we docked – from Singapore to Egypt – I could always find something special at a bazaar or a market.

Who is your ‘vintage’ style icon?
Audrey Hepburn. She may have been muse to Givenchy, but her style was unquestionably her own. She exuded elegance and grace wherever she went and she knew how to accessorize to perfection.

Are you still involved in the selection of all your pieces?
I personally source and select each piece within our collection and always will. It’s what I love best and how my journey began.

What woman do you have in mind when selecting your jewellery and accessories, or is it you?
This can be the trickiest part of buying. If I concentrate too heavily on my own personal style, I would neglect a significant portion of our clientele, so I have to appreciate what compliments other women as well as me. I frequently borrow other women’s necks and arms to try on pieces, which can be very trying for my three daughters! When I buy, I buy for a number of women, each with her own tastes and style, and I try to keep all of them happy.

How did you decide what pieces to feature in your Christmas Shop?
I tried to think about current trends as much as gifting. I wanted it to become a one stop shop – somewhere you could buy a present for someone you love and a little something for yourself as well.  It’s important to me that the affordable and luxury items are equally represented on our site so you can indulge in the sentiment of the season regardless of your budget. I also thought that it was a good place to launch our new ‘objets d’art’ collection. These are fabulous little pieces to dress up your home or the inside of your handbag.

How would you accessorize the perfect Christmas party look?
Naturally, I am a believer in accessorizing. Piling on jewellery can be fun, but I think the art of accessorizing lies in wearing a statement piece. I would say investing in the right necklace, bracelet or earrings is important and when you buy vintage, you know that it’s completely unique and timeless. You can wear the same classic dress all season, but pair it with a bold pendant for one event and then accessorize it with a pair of gorgeous doorknocker earrings and an updo for the next.  You’re practically doubling your wardrobe.

What will be on your Christmas list this year?
The Christmas season is absolutely manic for us, so I have little chance to think about gifts for myself. At Susan Caplan Vintage Collection (SCVC), we’re generally more concerned with getting everyone else’s list sorted! By the time the holiday actually arrives, all I want is some time to relax with my family.

What era do you find the most exciting to source jewellery from?
I’m partial to jewellery created in the 1950s. My father designed our family home and he was heavily influenced by Scandinavian design of that period. Both my mother and father also collected beautiful furniture of that period such as Eames and Robin Day. I find the clean lines and straight-forward style very appealing. At this time jewellery design was as much a revelation as architecture. Women were joining the workforce in droves and companies like Monet and Trifari were creating jewellery with a very tailored and streamlined design to compliment this new feminine and professional look that they demanded. As an independent businesswoman, I can easily identify with it.

What are the most important things to consider when buying vintage for the first time?
You may be shopping for an investment piece, but buy what you love. Without a doubt, you must make sure that you feel comfortable wearing your vintage, not for its designer, but for its design. Take your time and ensure that your piece is in great condition, checking the connectors and clasp for wear. The beauty of shopping our range is that I do the sourcing for you. You can always be sure that every piece you buy from our collection is in near mint condition, has surpassed the test of time and made with a craftsmanship that is unrivalled. If I wouldn’t wear it due to its condition, I don’t buy it, so you can be assured that every piece is of fantastic quality.

What is the best vintage piece you have discovered?
For the collection, I recently sourced a fantastic vintage Versace bodypiece. Versace is particularly relevant at the moment and I wanted something that best showcases what we love about the label – its otherworldly beauty and the sheer art of it. The embellishment and detailing on this piece are just exquisite. However, my personal favourite is, unquestionably, a spectacular 19th century Minton figure of Venue, bought for all of £2, nearly twenty years ago. It has a prime position on top of my boudoir grand piano, so I am reminded why I love what I do and where it all began. I never know what I’m going to come across.

What contemporary jewellery designers do you admire?
I love the work of Georg Jensen – I have always admired his style and if I’m not wearing vintage, I’m probably wearing Jensen.

What are your top gifts from Susan Caplan you will be giving this Christmas?
I will be giving:
Some 1990s Chanel Faux Pearl Earrings, a 1970s Art Key and Padlock Charm Bracelet – at Susan Caplan we love a good charm bracelet and this one epitomises that perfectly!
1940s Diamante Cross Earrings – perfect for a gothic glam look
A beautiful 1950s Gold Tone Mesh Bag  to finish off any Christmas party outfit
The girls in the office love our Givenchy chains and this 1980s Heavy Link Givenchy Necklace is perfect to dress up any LBD. It’s even great with a pair of good jeans and a white t-shirt.

Motilo Christmas pick, 1980s Vintage Givenchy Large Chain Link Necklace, £395

Motilo Christmas pick, 1980s Vintage Givenchy Gold Plated Collar, £395

Where would you wear our Motilo choice gifts?
I would wear them to a Christmas party, cocktails at Nobu, or for a glam daywear look. These pieces are so versatile that you can plan an outfit around them.

Which piece is your favourite in our selection?
I love them all! With ‘A week with Marilyn’ about to hit our screens, you will be ahead of the trend with either of these Celine scarves. The autumnal print scarf is perfect for a blustery day and I’d love to see it worn as a head scarf right now. The necklaces are great to play with for any event. They can see you from day to night easily.

Motilo Christmas pick, 980s Vintage Celine Lush Floral Scarf, £265

Motilo Christmas pick, 1980s Vintage Celine Tassels Scarf, £265