IN CONVERSATION WITH:
Jemma Powell
We had the privilege of stepping inside Jemma Powell's world recently. Shooting in her studio, and home in the Cotswolds, we got to see some of our favourite Autumn Winter '25 pieces in a whole new light, and chat to Jemma about all things creative.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey into art — how did it all begin for you?
I come from a family of artists. My mother is a painter and my father a product designer so I grew up watching them paint and draw. But I trained and worked as an actor for 20 years, always sketching on film and theatre sets, until I could no longer contain my desire to do it all the time. I longed for artistic control like so many directors I was working with. I remember looking at Tim Burton when I was filming Alice in Wonderland and thinking I want what he has. He was in control of all the creative decisions . As a painter I have creative control from the moment I lay brush on canvas right up until the moment I have the painting on a wall of an exhibition. Painting is a better form of expression for me- it comes more naturally and ultimately makes me feel happier.
Your work is absolutely breathtaking. What inspired your most recent collection?
The collection I painted for my show with artist Leah Wood, Tracing Time, of London Rooftops,
came from a fascination with the idea of time. Older, beautiful buildings amongst the impressive taller sleeker skyscrapers and modern structures … we can see the passing of time embedded in the London skyline in that very moment.
Jemma wears the Yahvi Evergreen Velvet Dress
Jemma wears the Yahvi Oyster Long Dress
Jemma wears the Solange Dress
You live in the Cotswolds. How does your environment — whether your studio or nature around you — influence your creative process?
I enjoy the space and quiet of the countryside—being in nature prompts me to notice the world around me. It brings me into myself and connects me to my surroundings. I also need the city—its culture and architecture. I need to fill my cup regularly, and then I retreat to the countryside.
What inspires your creative energy the most — nature, people, travel?
All of it. I love it all. I paint what moves me in a moment—it could be anything: a man quietly waiting on a street corner, a flower swaying in the wind, a boat at sea, trees in a forest, or the places I travel to. I’m drawn to the different palettes and variations in light I encounter in other countries, as well as the emotional responses I feel when painting varied subjects. This variety is what keeps the creative energy flowing for me.
How do you express your artistic side through fashion or what you wear day-to-day?
What I wear is an extension of how I’m feeling. I love beautiful fabrics … and the colour is important to me. Also the texture and cut. When I go out to a party, I like to feel like I’m stepping out of my painting clothes into something special. I love to dress up!
Jemma wears the Yahvi Oyster Long Dress
Jemma wears the Calla Evergreen Velvet Dress
How did you first hear about Beulah?
Through friends wearing your dresses. What struck me was the drama of the dresses. I felt like so many of the pieces told a story - almost like whoever wears them plays a character. I miss that element of when I used to be an actor- when you put on your costume it’s a license to have fun and be something a bit larger than life. My work now is solitary so when I go out I like to come out of my shell and feel decadent!
Which are your favourite pieces from the collection and where would you wear them to?
I adore the silver dress [Yahvi Oyster Long Dress]- it’s very special, and when I wear it I feel feminine and glamorous.
Jemma wears the Yahvi Oyster Long Dress
Jemma wears the Kitty Black Dress
Discover more of Jemma's work at jemmapowell.com & @powell.jemma.art