Darling Designer Profile: Alison Woodward Designer/Owner Reverie Jewelry

I have had the great pleasure of not only meeting Alison Woodward, designer for Reverie, but have sold some of her pieces in my store. Reading this interview is like standing in her studio chatting away with her. She is just like her jewelry, beautiful with a vintage twist of style. I think she and her jewelry are amazing and can’t understand why she hasn’t captured the cover of vogue yet. Read on to learn more about how she breaths new life into vintage pieces. Visit her store on Smashing Darling to do a little shopping. If she does land on the cover of Vogue, you will be happy to say you new her when…

SD: When did you realize you wanted to design jewelry?
AW: It was really by accident. In 2003 I was taking a break from school and picked up jewelry as a hobby. I was always at the flea markets on the weekends. And one day I just realized it would be fun to make jewelry out of all the old broken parts I was finding. I started to really take it seriously when a friend offered to sell my designs in her store, and her customers started to buy them!

SD: When did you develop your love of vintage?
AW: My love of vintage started a long, long time ago! I used to play dress-up with 50’s prom dresses and opera length gloves! My sister and I grew up watching almost nothing but old movies. And especially Fred Astaire musicals. And so I guess that was the beginning. I’ve always supplemented my wardrobe with vintage pieces. I think I’ve just always had a love for old and historic things…furniture, music, architecture, movies and of course fashion!

SD: When you started your line of one of a kind jewelry did it always include vintage findings?
AW: Well, yes. My collection of parts and pieces definitely includes great findings too, and I challenge myself to work with and around what I have. I do finish each piece with a new clasp, which I feel gives it a nice, polished touch.

SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
AW: I never know what is going to inspire my next design. Sometimes I’m inspired just by walking around the city and occasionally by flipping through a magazine. But more times than not, the real inspiration comes from the materials I’m using. If I’m in the right frame of mind, totally focused on what I’m doing, the design honestly just comes to me. Then I spend the next several hours making it work.

SD: What does your average day entail?
AW: As is probably true for most designers, my days vary greatly! Some days are just packed with running errands and keeping appointments. And in New York City that really can take up the whole day! On my favorite days, I get to do a little of everything. Wake up early, make a coffee, send out some emails to maintain relationships with customers, stylists and editors, then sit at my worktable and see what happens! On a good day I’ll design anywhere from one to three pieces. If I do three, I’m exhausted and that’ll probably be it for the day. If I do only one, then that means I’m stumped on the next one or just have too much other stuff to do! Other stuff is usually the errands (buying supplies etc), the appointments (meetings with buyers etc), or taking photos (to document any new pieces). Then in the evenings, I usually relax or finish any unfinished designs or print out more business cards or file more tags or stamp more boxes or…well you get the idea! The list could go on and on.

SD: Describe your personal style?
AW: I suppose I would describe my style as sensible with a hint of elegance. I love fancy dresses but I also love jeans. I love high heels but I also love flip-flops! So when it comes time to get ready to go somewhere, I like to mix and match. And of course I put a lot of emphasis on the accessories.

SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
AW: Well, just like a million other people, I really admire the classics like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. But I’d have to say that when it comes to designing, I’m inspired by Katherine Hepburn. What’s so inspiring about her is that she believed enough in herself to dress the way she wanted and care less about what everyone else said or thought.

SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
AW: Does being obsessed with finding a new pair of boots count? I feel like the boots I want just don’t exist!

SD: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
AW: Wow, I don’t know where to start! First of all, you’ve got to commit to your idea or concept. Once you realize you’ve got something good, go with it and stick to it. In the long run, a unique idea with consistency and quality craftsmanship is going to get you much farther than doing what’s already been done. It’s all part of building your brand. You want to be able to excite your customer with new ideas without confusing your original concept. And of course, persistence! There will be times when you wonder why in the world you are doing this. Ultimately, it should be because it makes you happy! And if it makes you happy, then keep on doing it! The rest will eventually fall into place.

SD: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
AW: Well, I just got finished with my annual Jewelry/Holiday Cocktail party. Every year for the past 3 years I’ve had a holiday cocktail party at my studio. It’s always a great time! Jewelry goes on sale and everyone’s happy! I’m thinking of starting a Spring Fling version this year, so that may be the next event. I’ll keep you posted!

SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
AW: I love Naik Fur’s new crochet hats! I’d love to compliment her on capturing such a great style!