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Q1 When did you first want to be a designer?
Since I was a child of about six years old I sketched on anything I could put my pencil to. I eventually went to college for Fashion Merchandising & Design and followed it with Metalsmithing classes at Penland School of Craft. |
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Q2 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
Being selected to be featured in Lucky Magazine's 2007 December Gift Guide was an enormous highlight for me- and from that came the request for 20th Century Fox in Hollywood to feature my jewelry in an upcoming film.
Q3 What would you say is your brand's concept?
Merging fashion-forward concepts with vintage materials to create designs that are simultaneously timeless and fresh.
Q4 What are you working on right now?
A lot! My vintage Cameo and Intaglio collection. My Indian-inspired Byzantine Collection. I am also expanding my green EcoChic collection.
Q5 What was the moment you realized you'd made it as a designer?
The closest I have come to that feeling is when Lucky Magazine published my jewelry.
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Q13 If you could rewrite your history a bit and take on a totally different career or lifestyle, what would it be and why?
A makeup artist in Hollywood. I have always loved cosmetics and how they can transform a person from day to night just with the touch of a hand.
Q14 Is there anything you would like to say to your Japanese fans?
Keep creating fashion- Japan sets the mold for the rest of the world! |
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Laura James Jewelry began as a means of self-expression for founder and designer Laura Schmelzer James. Her love for collecting one of a kind antique jewelry propelled her to explore the idea of creating timeless yet trend-setting jewelry unique to each personality that donned it. Laura's desire to own special pieces that no one else would have led her to create a line for herself that was often bought right off of her whenever worn. Drawing inspiration from her love for nature and travels to Asia, Europe and Central America, Laura utilized her background in Fashion and Retail to make Laura James Jewelry a reality. Laura honed her metal fabrication techniques at the esteemed Penland School of Craft and not long after Lucky Magazine came calling to feature Laura James Jewelry in their 2007 December Gift Guide. Most recently 20th Century Fox followed suit and inked Laura James Jewelry for feature in an upcoming Hollywood film. In addition to her website, Laura James Jewelry is carried in specialty boutiques nationwide and has been featured in multiple print and online publications. |
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Q6 What inspires you to design?
Runway fashion. Nature. Ocean. Southern elegance.
Q7 Please tell us the process that your products was born.
The images of different designs come to me all of the time- often in my sleep. In fact, I had to put a sketchpad by my bed to capture what comes to me in my dreams.
Q8 As a designer, who is your muse?
Actresses, Friends
Q9 Could you tell us about your next collection, any future plans?
Two extremes- from daintier gold pieces to larger necklaces with bold pendants.
Q10 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
Sienna Miller- she has amazing intuition for trend forecasting.
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Q11 Music to live by
Michael Buble, Jimmy Smith jazz
Q12 Favorite cocktail and where to drink it?
Black Russian... Harbour Island, Bahamas |
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