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Q1 What was your best experience in designing jewelry?
Recently I had the pleasure of custom designing an engagement ring for a young chef in San Francisco. He was a joy to work with- so thoughtful and purposeful in his choices. In the end he ended up selecting a gorgeous yellow and red diamond slice set in 18 karat red gold. His attention to detail and desire to choose something unique allowed me to create something truly special. After asking his fiancé to marry him he emailed me to thank me- telling me how much our joint design process had meant to him. Designing an heirloom ring that the couple will always treasure was a truly humbling and wonderful experience.
Q2 Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
I am currently, have been and will always be in awe of Dries Van Noten. His consistent combinations of texture, color and cut are intriguing, masterful and engaging. His work encapsulates, for me, the talent a designer has to transcend trend and create a truly remarkable piece of wearable art. I dream of designing jewelry for him!
Q3 What is your business motto mantra?
"It's just jewelry." It's so easy to get caught up in ego and business. I constantly remind myself that what we do is a wonderful blessing. Being distracted by the stress of running a business is counter intuitive to being able to design beautiful, free pieces. |
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Keeping these areas separate is a struggle for me sometimes. I find that talking myself down with my "it's just jewelry" mantra brings me back to a place where I can find the mental space to be creative and appreciative of the opportunities that come our way.
Q4 In your opinion, what trends will we be seeing more of in '08?
I hope that we see a continued trend towards individuality, personal expression and the concern to be "green". Here in the US we are entering an incredibly unique and politicized historical period- one that will be marked by our ability to express our own opinions and choices. Demonstrating your ability to speak up in your own unique voice is the essence of freedom- and also of fashion! I would like to see consumers use their economic voices not only in how they choose to express themselves but also to create strong, proactive change in their own communities. |
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Q7 What advice can you give to other independent designers that want to do the same?
Be yourself. Offer your own UNIQUE expression to the world. As Martha Graham once said, "(your) expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it." Have the courage to always be true to your ideas and don't let the market dictate what you do or how you design. Listening to your self is the greatest power and success you can ever have. |
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Q8 What is the one must have article of clothing for women this spring-summer?
As always, a great white shirt. It's the perfect back drop for an amazing piece of jewelry!
Q9 What do you see people wearing on the streets that you think is not tasteful?
You know, I love to see what people choose to wear. Some of the funkiest, ugliest outfits are truly the most original. I swear that's what stops me on the street! It's not the statement bag or the big sunglasses, it's the guy wearing the black socks with Tivos or the pink tutu over striped leggings and the belly button ring that stop me and make me wonder about the kind of courage (or insanity) that people must have to be so incredibly unique and expressive in their dress.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for your Japanese fans?
Thanks for the continued inspiration. |
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Melissa's deepest inspiration is drawn from reclaimed and recycled pieces that she uses to create her one-of-a-kind designs. Drawing from indigenous and non-Western cultures, this collection reflects the belief of the spiritual value of talismans. The pieces are as much a piece of history as they are art. "Non-Western cultures strongly believed in using every part of an animal. In this practice, tribes were assured that they did not waste or dishonor the spirit of the animal; it was the ultimate honor to the chain of life. Bones are a sacred part of that belief," Melissa explains, "It was thought that teeth and claws carry the spirit of the animal within them, and when used in tribal dress, transfer this spiritual power into the wearer. By wearing the talisman, it was believed that the animal spirit's was kept alive forever. When I find a piece that is over 150 years old I am intrigued by its beauty, spirituality and history. I am honored to create something so powerful; a piece that is both respectful of our histories and mindful of its spiritual value, something that I believe is infinitely more precious than a diamond."
Melissa continues to take risks with her designs but takes pride in the continual growth and development of her business. Now a portfolio company of Pacific Community Ventures (www.pcv.org), Melissa understands that her art is a business as well as an expression. Melissa studied business at the Renaissance Center in San Francisco and received her certificate in 1997. Melissa remains involved with Renaissance, serving as a mentor and frequent lecturer. In 2004, she was honored by the Center as "Entrepreneur of the Year". "Building a solid business is very important," Melissa explains. "I am committed to a high company standard and on-shore development. I use only American distributors, and am proud to have my business based in the United States. I believe in creating both a strong artistic workforce and community." She credits her success to staying true to herself and to the amazing support of her friends, family and co-workers. "I truly enjoy what I do, and am so amazed that I get to do it -- especially with such an amazing group of people."
Melissa Joy Manning jewelry can be found in over 250 high-end boutiques and specialty department stores worldwide. Her pieces have been featured on numerous magazine covers and fashion spreads, in feature films, television programs and music videos. Melissa's celebrity clients include Jennifer Anniston, Sandra Bullock, Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Usher, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. |
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Q5 What are you working on right now?
Right now I am on the verge of unveiling a new fine jewelry collection that consists of 18 karat recycled gold, raw diamond slices and natural druzys and agates. I'm excited by the combination of color and texture. The intention of this collection was to embody a true organic sensibility in a tangible and luxurious way. I'm looking forward to sharing these pieces and hearing how people will interpret them.
Q6 What do you offer to consumers different than others?
I hope that I offer a unique perspective and sense of community in my work. The things that drive me as a designer; my spirituality, my respect for our shared histories and my love of the innate power and beauty of nature, are present in every piece of jewelry I create. Whether it's a hammer texture on a simple pair of hoops or the amazing hue of a unique stone, I think about how every piece of jewelry is a unique expression of my creative nature and how my expression will translate into the expression of the end buyer. |
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| It's the idea that we are all connected and that every piece of jewelry will have its own unique history that drives me. This idea of interconnectedness makes me different- I'm not really interested in designing for trend or making things that are disposable. I endeavor to make things that speak to me and, hopefully, to others. |
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