Dawn Kingsbury's design work with the very sweet jewellery label, Cristiana, has been working its way into my much-loved list - particularly as the expansion of my pitiful jewellery collection has somewhat plateaued over the past month or so. Cristiana is all about the pieces that manage to add a little boho, a little pretty, a little fun, and a little meaningful into anything, however unconventional, you happen to be wearing - which suits me just fine! I got to catch up with Dawn about the workings of her brain :D and her amazing label
Just lovely thankyou!
Can you give us a brief summary of what a day at the Cristiana studio is like?
It’s crazy! Starting with a skinny flat-white! And then either catching up with internet orders, stockists, suppliers, and paperwork which I hate most. Keeping track of stock, what I have and what I need to fulfil orders, rushing to the post office to get orders off. I am always on my Blackberry 24/7….. And also developing the new collection!
What would you describe as the Cristiana vibe?
I would describe Cristiana’s vibe as boho-luxe. I love the vibrant colours and spirituality of Mexico, and this is worked into the pieces which have a very ethnic, Aztec feel. The collections are individual and eclectic, but versatile. The type of day-to-night pieces that become staple accessories.
I would describe Cristiana’s vibe as boho-luxe. I love the vibrant colours and spirituality of Mexico, and this is worked into the pieces which have a very ethnic, Aztec feel. The collections are individual and eclectic, but versatile. The type of day-to-night pieces that become staple accessories.
What are you working on at the moment for Cristiana?
I am currently working on the July (summer) collection. The collection is inspired by the human need both to adorn and to communicate through jewellery and it will include lots of meanings and symbolisms. Equally important is the power jewellery has to express the value of strength, love and faith. It is going to be quiet different from the current collection and but I will keep my favourite and best sellers.
I am currently working on the July (summer) collection. The collection is inspired by the human need both to adorn and to communicate through jewellery and it will include lots of meanings and symbolisms. Equally important is the power jewellery has to express the value of strength, love and faith. It is going to be quiet different from the current collection and but I will keep my favourite and best sellers.
What kind of work goes into designing and releasing one piece?
Just developing and releasing one piece of jewellery takes heaps of inspiration, designing, sourcing relevant material or making a sample wax model, making modifications, selecting finishes…the list is endless!!
Just developing and releasing one piece of jewellery takes heaps of inspiration, designing, sourcing relevant material or making a sample wax model, making modifications, selecting finishes…the list is endless!!
Who’s your favourite style icon of the moment?
Alexa Chung – she looks consistently and effortlessly fabulous.
What’s the biggest jewellery trend you see coming through this year?
I think we are going to continue to see layers of jewellery, and statement pieces coming through. Stacking unique pieces in different metals, textures and colours is a favourite look of mine!
Alexa Chung – she looks consistently and effortlessly fabulous.
What’s the biggest jewellery trend you see coming through this year?
I think we are going to continue to see layers of jewellery, and statement pieces coming through. Stacking unique pieces in different metals, textures and colours is a favourite look of mine!
What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?
I love the individual voice of blogs and the creative outlet they inspire. The interactive, instant nature of the internet makes the blog such a dynamic medium – giving fashion a refreshing direction. It’s amazing to watch the growing influence of bloggers on the fashion world, and makes for an interesting time to be in the industry.
Having said that – I do still love the feel of my new Vogue in hand!
I love the individual voice of blogs and the creative outlet they inspire. The interactive, instant nature of the internet makes the blog such a dynamic medium – giving fashion a refreshing direction. It’s amazing to watch the growing influence of bloggers on the fashion world, and makes for an interesting time to be in the industry.
Having said that – I do still love the feel of my new Vogue in hand!
One of our previous interviewees, jewellery designer Ayaka Nishi, would like to know: What kind of music do you like?
I love all kinds of music!!!! Different genres – from Smooth Jazz to Latin, Rock and Easy Listening.
I love all kinds of music!!!! Different genres – from Smooth Jazz to Latin, Rock and Easy Listening.
And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
What is your ‘must-have’ purchase for Winter 2010?
What is your ‘must-have’ purchase for Winter 2010?
Thanks Dawn! Can't you just imagine all those sweet bracelets stacked up your arm in all colours?
Check out more of Cristiana cute-goodness right HERE.
P.S. don't forget to enter the giveaway!
*love*
xx
