Justin Giuntais 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
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
French Women are known for a flair for fashion that seems effortless. Aurélie Bidermann, jewelry designer gives us a French lesson. One, buy vintage clothes. Two, layer on the jewels–preferably a pair of her patinaed, gold-dipped, antique lace cuffs.
Designer and entrepreneur Darby Scott has crafted jewelry that is dramatic, bold yet elegant and is so on trend with statement jewelry for the Spring 2009 season. Darby Scott has culled raw materials from across the globe to add the splash of color, dazzle or warmth to the chunky bold pieces. The statement necklaces feature “constellations of semi-precious stones and minerals from India, Asia, South America and Africa.”
Dressed up or semi-casual the versatile jewelry is also versatile in fitting a range of budgets. The Dark Amber Bib Necklace Set with “petals of luminous dark colored faux amber” would be a treasured piece at $450 or you could splurge on the Malachite Dramatic Bib Necklace at $8,800. (See the picture gallery below for these and other necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets)
I will be the first to say that have too many hobbies. Not enough time to pursue my avocations because, as most of us, I am busy with my vocation(s) in order to pay the bills. One of my more recent interests is making silver jewelry and I admire those creative and talented enough to make a living producing beautiful jewelry. One of those talented jewelry-makers is Brynn Hudson. The author at Fashionindie describes her work as "Juxtaposing curvilinear movement with contrasting industrial and organic silver elements" and infusing an "Art Nouveau sensibility" using "simple construction and bold statements".
