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After a brief hiatus from her jewelry-designing career, Camilla Gallacher is bringing back her reworked vintage collection. But the word “comeback” would signify a loss regained, when in fact Gallacher’s business was booming and her line was a favorite among London’s top shops when she decided to take a break. Increased product demands and high pressure to complete orders had left the artist feeling burned out, uninspired, and ready for self-imposed fashion exile.

After a move to Boston, endless inquiries from former buyers, and a little fresh inspiration, the bubbly Brit decided it was time she get back to doing what she loves: creating statement costume jewelry that’s meant to be paired with simple looks.

Q: How and why did you start jewelry designing?
A: I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember, but it really began when I was working in the fashion industry in London in my early 20s. I started making myself necklaces to wear to the shows (London Fashion Week, etc.) and events; and editors and friends would always ask me where I got my necklace from. So I would make them one and I started to realize that I could make a business out of it.

Q: Where did you sell your collection?
A: I sold to over 40 boutiques worldwide. At first, I bought a stall in Portobello Market in Notting Hill and started selling my jewelry there on the weekends. As it gradually took off, I gave up my job in PR and started making jewelry full time. The major boutiques in London (Fenwick, Browns, and Harvey Nichols) started selling my jewelry and it just took off. Within six months I was designing for United Arrows in Japan, the designer Alannah Hill in Australia, and Urban Outfitters.

Q: How did you land the in-house designing gigs?
A: When I had my stall on Portobello Road, buyers would come check out my stuff and it was obvious they were going to rip me off. They would grab as much as they could and not try anything on and ask for a receipt. So one day I just said, “If you like the pieces, why don’t you just employ me to design for you? It would just be easier that way.” So this woman from Urban Outfitters gave me her card and literally a week later I started designing for her.

Q: Why the break from designing?
A: I just burned out. I started selling to so many shops around the world, and realized that unless I had all my jewelry made in China (which I really didn’t want to do), I couldn’t keep up with demand. I employed a couple of people, but I knew I needed a break from it in order to come back to it with renewed love and inspiration. I’m a total perfectionist, so unless I make every piece myself, I’m not satisfied!

Q: How and where do you hope to re-launch your latest collection?
A: My Web site millieandme.com will be launching in February and I hope to sell a small collection online and then to shops in Boston, New York, and London.

Q: What’s the collection called, and how would you describe it?
A: My label is called Millie and Me (I used to get called “Millie” as a kid, and still do by all my nephews — they can’t pronounce my name!), and I guess you would describe it as vintage-inspired jewelry. Recently I’ve been designing large statement necklaces. It’s a little edgy and flamboyant without being over the top. I live in jeans and always feel so awkward when I have to dress up, so my necklaces are designed with the jeans-and-T-shirt kinda girl who wants to dress up a bit but not feel over-dressed [in mind].

Q: How do you get inspired to create pieces and collections?
A: I get inspired everywhere and in the most unlikely places. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go and just sketch down ideas. Train journeys are one of my favorite places to get my ideas onto paper. I love vintage textiles, and the bold use of color that you see in the works of artists like Matisse or the ’60s designer Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell. I love watching old movies; recently I watched Grey Gardens and was so inspired by the eccentric, faded grandeur of the leading characters.

Q: How do you feel about the fashion and design scene in Boston?
A: I think the fashion scene in Boston is really exciting — things are slowly starting to change. There’s a lot of creativity and style in Boston, and I think the exciting thing for young designers is that you can really make a name for yourself here, as it’s a smaller industry. There are so many cool boutiques opening up in Boston, which is a testament to the fact that people are ready to swap their North Face puffers for something with a bit more style!

Q: What’s in store for spring?
A: I’m designing a collection of bib necklaces: I’m mixing more traditional materials such as chains and stones with vintage textiles, rope, linens, and lace. I’m really fascinated by jewelry as clothing and am designing some braided necklaces which will be worn over T-shirts or dresses for spring/summer, acting as oversized embellishments to an outfit. Costume jewelry should be fun and make a statement. If every time someone wears a piece from my collection they get a compliment, I’ve done my job.