Tuesday, July 27, 2010

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Nola Singer

Hi everyone! How are you all doing? Fragments is super busy preparing for market, but of course we're having lots of fun and obsessing over all of our new collections. There is so much fabulous fine and fashion jewelry roaming around our showroom, I don't even know where to begin. And my wishlist is starting to need an office of its own.

Before I tell you about one of our newest designers, Nola Singer, I wanted to share my thoughts on the most recent movie that I saw. Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, was action packed and seriously cool. Angelina is fabulous, a real life action hero. The movie is exciting, thrilling - a bit cartoonish and fast moving fun. She paves the way for all of us girls; the best thing since wonder woman, move over James Bond! I highly recommend checking it out with your gal pals, or even your significant others. Either way - you will have a blast!

Back to the jewels...I had a chance to sit down with one of our newest fashion jewelry designers, Nola Singer. Nola is known for mixing exquisite vintage materials and pieces to create modern, yet old world pieces. She has a super feminine aesthetic - really understands women and how we want to feel glamorous in our jewelry. She works with rhinestones, chains and flowers galore - we simply cannot get enough of it. And to top it off, Nola is as sweet and wonderful as her collection. Check out our little interview:



1. What is your greatest indulgence?
I love Christian Louboutin shoes. I wish I could collect them--they're such works of art. I don't indulge often, but can always justify my shoes because they get so much use. His shoes are comfortable and make any outfit look stylish. They also make me taller, which I like since I’m 5”1. I can throw on a tee, a few of my own pieces and Christian Loubutain shoes and feel effortlessly chic! I also have a weakness for chocolate and margaritas. I wish I had more willpower to not indulge myself so often.

2. Tell me your biggest fear.
Not living my life to the fullest.

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?
I designed and made Amy Smart the Veronica Necklace to match her Balenciaga blue dress that she was wore to an animal Rescue Benefit. I was lucky enough to be invited to the event and watch her model my necklace on the red carpet. Amy is a friend of mine, and a very wonderful and generous person, who was being honored at the party for her generosity towards animals and the environment. I felt so honored to be there with her and have her wearing something I designed. I rescue animals so it was an event that I am really passionate about as well. It was a magical evening.

4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?
I have a locket that my Uncle Ben gave me for my 10th birthday that he engraved with my name and birth date on the back. He was murdered when I was twelve, so this locket is very meaningful to me. I think jewelry is such a wonderful gift because it captures the memory and is forever a wonderful keepsake. Of course, since I'm a jewelry designer, I've remade the locket that he gave me into one of my own designs. Whenever I have a something important or feel nervous, I like to wear that locket and feel like he is with me.

5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?
I love to mix it all up. Right now I love mixing rose gold with a vintage piece set in silver.

6. Who is your favorite fictional character?
My favorite fictional character is Snow White. I still believe in fairy tales.

7. Your greatest love is…
My greatest love is for my two dogs. I have a pug named Francois and a bulldog mix named Josephine. They are quite the duo. They love me unconditionally and are always happy to be with me.

8. Who is your hero?
My parents are my heroes. My mom and dad are always there for me and they have been so supportive and selfless. I never would’ve been able to follow my dreams without their support. They have always believed in me and most of all encouraged me to believe in myself.

9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)
I love Anthony Nak. I love the way the stones are draped with chains. His jewelry has such a distinct style. I hope one day to own an Anthony Nak piece of my own.
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased?
I most admire my grandma. My grandma is 80 years old and looks 40 and lives like a thirty-year-old, but with more wisdom. She loves life. I think she doesn’t age because she is happy, kind and always having fun. Everyone who meets my grandma falls in love with her. She is petite, yet has a big personality. I admire everything about her and hope to live my life to the fullest like her.

11. Your favorite movie?
Tommy Boy. No matter how many times I see that movie, it makes me laugh. I love Chris Farley and that movie reminds me of my childhood

12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
I love actual, physical magazines. I love actually flipping through something and even sometimes when I’m inspired, tearing out a page and keeping it for inspiration.

13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and cream

14. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. I’m a little scared of twitter.

15. Style icon?
Vivienne Westwood. I love how she mixes punk rock with feminine couture. Her designs have a vintage influence yet have a modern sophistication and edge. I think she has incredible style and vision. All of her clothes, accessories and shoes inspire me. I feel like all of her creations are works of art.

16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?
I would make a necklace with a vintage filigree butterfly. I just found the most beautiful vintage filigree butterflies and flowers. They are all from the turn of the century and were hand made from sterling silver wire. They are absolutely exquisite. I would design something pretty and feminine that would compliment my summer wardrobe.
17. Black or white?
White. It’s summer and I love white.

18. The best part of New York City is
...The Pizza! I live in LA and there is no pizza that even comes close to New York.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw.
My greatest asset would be my heart. It can also be my biggest flaw at times. I am an Aquarius and being true to my astrological sign, I love to help people. I have a lot of humanitarian instincts. This can be very rewarding but sometimes I see only the good in people and wind up hurting myself. I think a big life lesson for me has been learning to balance my heart and my head.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
I really love the entire collection by Colette. I would love to have the flower cuff by Colette and the flower earrings. I love how whimsical and feminine her designs are. I love flowers and color so her pieces compliment my personal style.

We love Nola's collection and hope you enjoyed learning a bit about her! You can check out her jewels here on her website.

Have a great week and be sure to check back on Thursday!
xoxo,
Janet

3 comments:

  1. Nola is a "gem" herself. Beautiful inside and out.....creating unique works of art and beautifying the world.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Janet, I was googling away and before I knew it, there you were!!! Remember our trip to Europe way back in the mid 60'?? You and Phyllis, Renee and me, two sets of sisters on a tour!!! Looks like you are doing great. I hope that Phyllis is well. I'd love to know where she is. Hope you read this comment and get back to me. Take care.
    Love, Jane Brody Baker jbbaker@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have seen many types of jewelry they are good but it is really one of the gorgeous jewelry it is sign of beloved this is simple but too graceful I think when which one will wear it will become magnificence because of its beautiful and unique style. Get more jewelry so just visit
    www.uk-wholesaler.co.uk/jewellerywholesalers.htm

    ReplyDelete