by Mo on March 31, 2009
Angie Randolph, designer/creator of BrooklynSoul creates one of a kind and limited edition handcrafted jewelry to complement your unique style and spirit. What more can we say? She says it best:
I don’t believe in mass produced jewelry as I feel it’s boring & I think YOU should be the only person in the room wearing YOUR favorite piece of jewelry. That’s why my jewelry is one of a kind or of very limited edition. So, when shopping here, you can rest and party assured knowing that when you wear your latest adornment, your best friend isn’t going to be wearing it, too! Each piece of jewelry is designed and created by myself. Every piece is crafted with love, passion for color & shape and the utmost attention to the quality of craftswomanship that you will not find anywhere else, regardless of price.
Darlings: How did you get into jewelry design?
Angie: I’ve always done little projects here and there since I was little. I think my mother still has this cookie tin filled with seed beads that I used to make stuff out of! I started becoming more serious about jewelry making in college. A friend of mine made jewelry, and she refused to make me any more pieces since she knew I could create them myself. She encouraged me to start up again, and the rest is history!
Darlings: When did you start your own line of jewelry?
Angie: At first I would just make jewelry for myself. Everyone kept asking if I had a website and telling me I should sell my pieces. In 2006 I started off slowly with friends and family and eventually progressed to selling online as well.
Darlings: What inspires your designs?
Angie: I’m always inspired by my natural environment. I love simple organic shapes and bright, bold colors.
Darlings: Given the choice of any jewelry designer in the world to work with, who would choose?
Angie: If I could work for any designer it would be Elsa Peretti. Her jewelry is always simple and understated, yet timeless.
Darlings: How do you market yourself?
Angie: I rely on the internet a lot for marketing. I advertise myself on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter as well as other craft-specific social networking sites. I have a mailing list through my website to keep people updated on new items and upcoming events. Another awesome way I market myself is simply by wearing my jewelry, or giving friends my jewelry to wear. It’s pretty cool when people come up to me and ask me where I got my earrings from!
Darlings: What is the one item in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
Angie: I love the layered look, so my closet is full of tanks and camis in almost every color.
Darlings: Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about.
Angie: This seems a little obvious, because I make jewelry, but I LOVE earrings! I have over 100 pairs of earrings. And it’s not just because I make them, I seriously have an earring fetish! I started asking my family to bring me back earrings when they travel, so I ‘m slowly building an international collection.
by Mo on March 26, 2009
It makes us so happy to get updates from designers entitled: Best. Week. Ever. Anna Hovet, Chicago clothing designer has some exciting things happening this week. If you are in Chicago you definitely should get out to her LAUNCH Party tonight at Le Passage where she will debut her Fall 2009 Collection. Go here for full details. The fabulous Jennifer Hudson got a sneak preview of the collection and ordered 10 pieces!
But don’t feel left out, here is a behind the scenes video below from her lookbook photoshoot (filmed by Davy Greenberg). Even better, Anna plans to keep us all updated on her design/business process in vlog form going forward. Join her Facebook group to enjoy those down the road.
by Mo on March 24, 2009
In 2001, Robin Lee Simmons, designer and owner of rlee Collection, created her first handbag line called boo Studio, titled after the nickname of her driving force – her son, Park. Her handbags have been featured in several major fashion magazines and coveted by some of your favorite celebrities. Through many years working as a Makeup Artist and Photographer in Los Angeles & Charleston, SC she has developed a great respect for fashion and an understanding of what women love…to be adored and to be adorned.
Darlings: Where did your love of handbags begin? When did you start your own line?
Robin: I have collected and treasured vintage handbags for many years, but it wasn’t until my son was born that I began creating my own. I purchased designer diaper bag which proved to be inconvenient and after growing up with a mother who made everything, I knew I could create my own. Once I made the diaper bag I decided that the perfect addition would be handbags that would fit right inside the bag eliminating one more thing to juggle. Friends all loved my bags and one referred me to a local boutique owner; with that 45 handbag order my first official collection was born!
Darlings: What is the hardest part about being in business for yourself?
Robin: At present it is easy to say the economic situation, but I would say that basically being Wonder Woman is the hardest part! I am a creative quality control freak and that combined with being a single mother makes my world nonstop! I love what I do…it is who I am and wouldn’t trade my son or designing for anything!
Darlings: Do you find your community is supportive of emerging designers?
Robin: Absolutely! Charleston, SC is amazing in the support of local talent. I owned my own local boutique featuring local jewelry and clothing designers, as well as my bags, and the community support was tremendous. Charleston has many “buy local” events that are fabulous for encouraging residents to shop at independent boutiques and with local designers.
Darlings: How do you market yourself and your label?
Robin: Over the years I have had fabulous PR reps which have led to major magazine and celebrity placements. Presently I am crazy over the internet and social networks. I advertise in online magazines and promote new collections, shows, etc through all key networking sites.
Darlings: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
Robin: I am launching my Spring 2009 collection at Charleston Fashion Week in Charleston, SC on March 28th. This is my first year being involved with Charleston Fashion Week in which I will be showcasing my Spring Collection at style lounges and runway shows. During CFW they select 9 local emerging fashion designers offering them the chance to express their collections in shows throughout the week. CFW is compared to all of the major fashion week events and I am thrilled to be a part!
Darlings: Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about.
Robin: I LOVE history and all things vintage. My handbags each contain elements derived from many of the vintage bags I have collected over the years. Many times I recycle old clothing or fabrics and create one of a kind or limited edition bags. With my spring collection I am incorporating recycled materials such as fabric made from plastic bottles and fabrics from nature such as 100% hemp. There is a thrill in watching the transformation of old treasures and creating new re-vamped stylish.elegant.sassy.handbags!
(Nikki Borodi and Elana Delgado)
