Justin Giunta is an energetic, eclectic designer whose work can give any aspiring professional jewelry designer or hobbyist (like myself) an idea of how free and unconventional design can work.  His primary line is Subversive Jewelry but he also serves as design director of jewelry at Tory Burch and in 2008 released a diffusion line for Target.  Justin Giunta, has an impressive pedigree as a designer and  a full designer profile is a must-do post for the future. But for now the sumptuous visuals shall be the focus of this post in order to inspire, unencumbered of preconception.

This is, in a sense, a follow-up of my previous post on inspiration in jewelry design from established designers like Elian Fatal.  Mr. Giunta’s “‘happened-to-form” design style lends itself very easily  to the concept of repurposed or upcycled jewelry, a topic in the aforementioned Elian Fatal post.  So what inspires, motivates Giunta?  Scroll further down ( the “Read the rest of this entry link” ) to see model and muse Chanel Iman’s interview with the designer.

But first, inspire yourself either as a maker or wearer of  jewelry: Galleries for your viewing pleasure.

From Subversive Jewelry Collection & Subversive for Target, 2008

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I recently came across photos of Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a single visible dangling diamond earring on the red carpet at the 2010 CMA awards. The earrings fashioned by Londoner Elian Fattal for S.J. Phillips were  part of  her “collection of 20 unique jewels, each starting from an original piece of antique jewellery and recreated to be worn in a modern way” _{s.j. phillips}

What can be done with precious jewels can be done with costume jewelry. That got me thinking of the trays of vintage jewelry pieces often found at thrift stores and the “jewelry-remnants” I have stored away. Not only has Ms Fattal’s beautiful unique pieces inspired me to start blogging again but to upcycle the various bits of broken jewelry and unmatched earrings I’ve kept. Look for those upcoming posts, meanwhile see how a master does it. Below (after the jump) are a few pieces that I have found of Elian Fattals collection for S.J. Philips or if you want to buy more affordable pieces you can always check out Etsy
 
 
 
 

Elian Fattall attends a dinner for Coach, Sept. 7, 2011
 
 
Gallery and video after the jump…
 
 
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