CFDA Showcase: Paige Novick

We didn't save Paige Novick for last purposefully, but it is true that she has been featured right here on FFR before. With jewelry this modern, cool, and wearable, is it really any surprise? That being said, we highly recommend checking out her first interview on this site, which features amazing answers to other arbitrary questions we threw her way. We finally had the chance to sit down with the designer herself (in Paris at the swanky Hotel Costes, no less) and we'll just have to tell you that her vibe and style are perfectly at one with her wares – the best word we can come up with is effortless. (And let's not forget that this sentence is a part of Paige's bio: After studying at the Sorbonne, Paris, Paige landed an internship with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. It's maybe the most fabulous sentence we have ever heard. Just saying.) We want to say a huge thank you to Paige and all of the other CFDA designers who allowed us to get a peek into their worlds, and another huge thanks to Talya Cousins and Blair Brindley for making it all happen. Until next year! 

“The butterfly because I relate to its sensitivity, playfulness and ability to transform.”

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

Freedom

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is...

Pink Opal

If you could have a dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be with and why? 

Anaïs Nin. Both her writing and poetry resonate for me on a deep level. She was a trailblazer in her openness and honesty and befriended many women whose lives she influenced and inspired by publishing her diaries.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be? 

I would buy Angela Cummings pearl and gold earrings. I grew up with her sculptural designs and they were and still are a major influence on my work.

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details! 

Cartagena, Colombia. Everything was alive and bursting with energy from the colors, to the architecture, to the music, and the beautiful energy of the people. In a word: magical!

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why? 

Alexander McQueen; Sarah Burton is a genius!

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

A writer

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush? 

Sean Connery “From Russia With Love”

What's your spirit animal? Explain why. 

The butterfly because I relate to its sensitivity, playfulness and ability to transform. The butterfly symbolizes life’s continuous unfolding all while maintaining a sense of lightness and wellbeing. 

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 

To be a CFDA member to me means that I have the privilege and honor of belonging to a group consisting of the most talented and inspiring individuals in the industry. I am quite fortunate and pinch myself everyday!

CFDA Showcse: Scosha Woolridge

We're nearing the end of our CFDA showcase, but, there's good news: we're going out with a (rose-cut) bang by featuring Australian-born, Brooklyn-based Scosha as we wind down. With a nomadic spirit and a love for both the raw and the refined, this designer's collection has all the perfect little things you didn't know you wanted, but you're now going to need. Her jewelry journey started when she was traveling the world and ended up in a storefront/workshop at 64 Grand Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of New York City. Every piece is handcrafted in-house using ancient techniques for metalsmithing, stone setting and weaving techniques. What started as one small signature braided bracelet with a stone accent has now gone global: Scosha is sold in more than 125 select department and specialty stores, and the brand has collaborated with designers such as Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco. And, look, the jewelry is just really, really pretty. On to the images! 

“Either way I have four legs, a tail, sharp teeth and love to hunt.”

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

Someone that would bring me a fresh green juice and massage my feet every single morning.  

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is…

Tourmalines and always dirty old raw diamonds.

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

Chelsea Handler – OMG she cracks me up.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be? 

Coomi:  because I’m a sucker for antiques, I’d hang one of her insane pendants on my wall.

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!

This is going to sound like such BS but everyday I feel inspired and creative, plus my kids keep me on my toes. 

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why? 

Alexander McQueen because he is about art and it’s like a big show, there are so many details and textures, he’s a genius.

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

Story book writer/illustrator and to make non stop motion animation for kids that adults really like.

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush? 

Eddie Murphy 

What's your spirit animal and explain why.

My husband always tell me it’s FOX but I feel more like a Lion? Either way I have four legs, a tail, sharp teeth and love to hunt.

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 

To be a part of a great community that can understand your vision, support your creativity, and that can also help with incredible resources, providing crucial information is priceless in this industry. I feel like I now have somewhere to turn when I’m in a bind or have a concern or question. I’m so stoked to be in this family of creatives!

CFDA Showcase: Dean Harris

Since starting his namesake brand in 1998, there have been two major events that have shaped Dean Harris' career: The first: being awarded the "Perry Ellis Award for Best New Accessory Designer" by CFDA just two years later; and the second: being featured on For Future Reference in 2015. Oh ok, fine, so the second one is only important to us, but we're still thrilled to bring you the New York City-based designer and show you just a bit of his feminine, organic and modern collection. All handcrafted in 18-karat gold (only 10% of his pieces are cast) and using a huge range of gemstones from all over the world, Harris' pieces are collectibles. Read on to see why he enjoys his sleep so much and what one question he'd ask Leonardo da Vinci. 

“The technical sexuality of Alaia; the kookiness of Prada; the austere luxury of Rucci; the ease of Albez.”

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

Spending time laughing with my family & friends.

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is...
    
All of them. There is something to like about all of the Earth’s creations. 

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 
    
Leonardo di Vinci. I’d love to ask him if he really built a machine that could fly.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be? 
    
Who could chose just one?!
    

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!
    
The dream state. All the colors and shapes are first realized there before becoming materialized. 
    

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why? 
    
I am constantly inspired by many different fashion designers: The technical sexuality of Alaia; the kookiness of Prada; the austere luxury of Rucci; the ease of Albez. I always ask myself: “what piece of jewelry will my clients wear” with each garment.

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 
    
A writer. I think that there is a narrative to my jewelry and to expand that onto a page would be a natural step.

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush?
    
I am honestly not a fan of the cult of celebrity. To put someone else on a ladder above you is to put yourself below. 

    
What's your spirit animal and explain why.
    
In Chinese astrology, I’m a ‘wood snake’. Does that count?

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 
    
I won the Perry Ellis award for best new accessory designer in 2000 (now called the Swarovski Award) and was inducted the same year. It’s an honor to be a associated with some of the most celebrated designers in the world. The philanthropic, educational, and monetary support of the organization is immeasurable.