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Q1 Pease tell us your brief profile and working career. Why did you become a designer?
Four years ago I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa, a country known for its silversmithing. I fell in love with the jewelry there -- the colors and craftsmanship are amazing. After I came back to the U.S. I worked for a jewelry designer and boutique owner in Austin. |
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While working at the boutique I realized I wanted to learn more about jewelry making so I took metal arts classes in my free time. I began making pieces for fun and gradually started selling my work around Austin. The response was great and that's when I realized my hobby could become a fulfilling career.
Q2 Would you tell us about the brand? What is the concept behind it?
I've always loved how personal jewelry can be. I like collecting vintage graphics for the Curios collection, for example, because the images really inspire curiosity and people tend to create their own stories regarding the images. I wear my tiger necklace when I feel brave or a bright Satellite ring when I feel playful.
Q3 Currently which stores carry your brand in the world? Price range?
Please see http://www.annekiel.com/locations.html for locations.
Prices range from $19 to $120. |
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Q10 What do you think the fashion/jewelry industry in Japan right now?
I'm really interested in learning more about Japanese fashion and would be thrilled to visit the country. I love the attention to detail often found in Japanese design and the playful attitude. Right now, I really like Tsumori Chisato's prints, for example. |
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Q11 What is your favorite food? Any good restaurants?
Sushi or Indian foods are my favorite.... There is a great restaurant in Austin called Uchi. It's a mixture of Austin style cuisine and contemporary Sushi.
Q12 Would you tell us about your next collection? Any future plans?
I'm currently adding more color to the line with gemstones and more resin work. I'm also working on contracts with boutiques in Germany and Australia and I'm looking to sell my work in more abroad locations.
Q13 Where do you go for shop?
Diesel, Anthropologie, Le Train Bleu...
Q14 Do you have any advice for the young people?
Never give up on what you love to do. |
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Anne Kiel lives in Austin and is a graduate of The University of Texas. She developed an interest in jewelry design after taking art history and metal arts classes as well as traveling in Europe and West Africa. She enjoys incorporating mixed-media into her design which is evident in her current "Curios" collection of vintage illustrations and photographs set in sterling silver. In addition, she experiments with modern form and bold use of color to create eclectic, hand-fabricated works of wearable art. |
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Q4 What is your greatest inspiration?
Photography and color! Anywhere and everywhere I see it. I'm a very visual person and I'm constantly inspired by my surroundings. For example, if I go to a cafe and a wall is painted a certain shade of blue I'll try to go back to my studio and replicate the shade in my resin work.
Q5 Which celebrities are wearing?
Martina McBride
Marlee Matlin
Q6 Which celebrities do you think suit the most?
Jennifer Connelly, Kirsten Dunst... Really anyone that likes quirky, fun pieces.
Q7 Who is your dream collaborator?
Anthropologie
Q8 Do you usually wear jewelry? What kind of style do you like?
Yes, everyday. I wear my own, of course! |
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Q9 What kind of jewelry style is the trend for this season?
I try not to follow trends. I really like the idea of wearing jewelry that has meaning to me personally and I hope people choose to wear my pieces because they feel curious and connected to them and not because they may be 'of the moment.'
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