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Q1 What was your best experience in designing jewelry?
Being able to share my passions with the world. My jewelry seems to be somewhat ambiguous in style. I sell pieces to women both young + old as I also sell pieces to men. I love that! |
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Q2 Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
In terms of fashion icons I'm usually influenced by many different things and the abstract. First three however that come to mind is Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, and Vivienne Westwood. In terms of influencing my personal style YES- they all do. One brings out the desire to be original, another the liking to have sex appeal and a bold attitude, and lastly a little bit of punk.
Q3 Where is the idea of the brand name, Dollybirds come from? Any story behind it?
Yes there is a story behind the brand name Dollybird, and I wanted my jewelry to represent something as fun as this. Back in the 1950’s it was a term used by the English to describe sexy and hip looking girls. In America they called us birds. The urban dictionary defines it as "A nice woman you wouldn't mind having under your arm. She's a nice little dollybird alright, isn't she! |
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Q8 What is your business motto mantra?
Dollybird design's philosophy is all about the independent, hand crafted style. Each piece is hand hammered, hand formed and hand set. It is the imperfection on each piece that is the very thing that makes it unique and interesting.
Q9 What advice can you give to other independent designers that want to do the same?
In the Jewelry industry if you don't follow your own creativity, you will run the risk of becoming a follower, or nothing more then the next knock off artist. Do your own thing and don't be afraid to let that happen, that's what will stand out and make you something to remember.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for your Japanese fans?
Yes, When can I come visit? |
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katie Johansson is a Metalsmith Jewelry Artist born in Long Island, New York who now resides in Chicago, IL. Dollybird Design is a small independent jewelry label located in Wicker Park, Chicago. Katie started her career with a BFA in Interior Design from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Eventually wanting to escape Architecture, she first changed her career by becoming a Window Designer in NYC for some of the biggest names in fashion. It was then that she learned to discover her true love for invention. A move to Chicago in 2001 and what some call good old FATE lead her to find her next career working as a Trend Designer for a jewelry wholesale company. During this time Katie lead various design projects including the creation of Patti Labelle's first Jewelry line. Frustrated with high volume mass production of inecpensive finished goods, she decided to learn the craftsmanship by the workbench itself. katie enrolled herself in night classes for basic Metalsmithing, and it was here where he own independence in design started to thrive. |
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Q4 In your opinion, what trends will we be seeing more of in '08?
For jewelry trends we will be seeing less is more. Jewelry will become bigger and bolder in size and one of a kind pieces will stand out. It's all about the exotic and eclectic. In clothing I think we will be exploring a lot more organic and sustainable materials, bringing a new sense of naturalness to our wardrobes. Materials like bamboo, organic cottons + wools, linens and soy are just a few of these textiles now hot in the market. In terms of colors, it will be lots of darks combined with mineral shades- browns, yellows, and grays.
Q5 What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on a series of forms entitled : Jellyfish. Within this collection there is a combination of metals in twig like shapes, that create this beautiful produced by nature look. |
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Q6 What do you offer to consumers different than others?
Substance, Newness, Inventiveness, Originality and Unorthodoxy. A handmade piece in an age of mass production and uninspired corporate design.
Q7 What is the one must have article of clothing for women this summer?
A Langhorne Slim T- shirt, x-tra large with a do it yourself cut collar. |
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