Debutante Clothing :: The DebLog
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August 31, 2007
Daydreamy Jewelry at Reverie
On my weekly thrift shopping excursions, I always make a beeline for the jewelry case. Frequently I see clear plastic bags of junk jewelry: broken necklaces, loose pendants and other bits and bobbins best used for crafting. Where I see junk, Alison Woodward sees inspiration.
Alison is the amazing artist and designer of Reverie jewelry-handcrafted, one of a kind works of art made of recycled and vintage jewelry, buttons and pure artistic talent. Recreating jewelry from scraps isn't new, but Alison has an amazing eye for repurposing the once discarded materials, into pieces that are probably 1000 times more amazing than their previous life.
I got the opportunity to ask Miss Reverie about her amazing collection. Check out the Q&A:
DC: How long have you been designing your jewelry?
AW: I started designing a little over 4 years ago. It really began just as a hobby…a way for me to be creative and a good excuse for me to buy these parts and pieces I’d been admiring on my weekends at the flea market!
DC: Why “Reverie”?
AW: Well as soon as my pieces started to sell, I thought “Hmm. I may have something here!” At that point I figured I better name my line. I thought for a couple of weeks about it and one morning “reverie” just came into my head. Right away it felt perfect. I’d always thought that was such a beautiful, old-fashioned word. And it very much sums up my jewelry. Not only are my designs the product of my deep and ponderous daydreams, but they also have a way of carrying that feeling with them.
DC: Who do you see wearing your designs?
AW: I’ve noticed that my jewelry speaks to a really broad spectrum. Once a year I have a cocktail party in my studio and it’s so fun to see who identifies with what. I try to stay away from trendy styles so that each piece can really stand alone. This helps carry my jewelry through every season for any age woman.
DC: I noticed you use a lot of iconic symbols. What do you look for in potential pieces for your creations?
AW: What an interesting observation! I hadn’t even noticed that! I don’t usually know what I’m looking for when I go out in search of new materials. I try to keep a really open frame of mind and see the potential in everything I pick up. Which means I’m an incredibly slow shopper. Sometimes I’ll see something from ten feet away and make a beeline to snatch it up. And other times I find something after digging in a box for fifteen minutes that makes me wonder, “Can I really use this?” But if it’s speaking to me, I usually just go for it. And more times than not, that ends up being the best thing I got all day!
DC: What’s next for you and Reverie?
AW: This past year I’ve had great success getting my line into more stores and even a couple of galleries. But I’m not quite there yet! My real dream is to have my own Reverie store. So in the meantime I have to continue on with this balance of designing and marketing. I’m one of many artists who would much rather just work on their art. But I realize that the marketing aspect is crucial. That’s the only way people are going to know my jewelry exists! So I’m just going to keep at it. And hopefully in a few years I’ll feel ready to have my very own shop. Oh, my heart races when I think about it!
DC: Would you still create one of a kind pieces? Or would you consider doing limited edition collections?
AW: I’ve actually just started making some limited edition pieces. Every once in a while I’ll find several of one thing, which allows me to create a few of the same design. This has been good for business because the limited edition pieces cost a bit less therefore they tend to sell more quickly. But I’ll always do one of a kind pieces.
DC: If you weren’t designing pieces for your line, what would you be doing?
AW: That’s so hard to say. When I started with jewelry I was at a confused point in my life. I had already studied some Interior Design and a little Architectural Preservation. Both of which I love, but neither of which I finished. Of those two, however, I feel a stronger passion for Preservation. So I’d have to say I’d probably be doing something in that field. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always had a connection to old things. And old buildings are no exception! But you know, I like to think I’m doing my own kind of preservation. Saving one piece of old jewelry at a time!
DC: Do you feel your background in architecture and interior design play a part in your jewelry?
AW: Definitely! In design school I certainly learned to pay close attention to detail. I also learned a lot about proportion, color and balance. All of which are critical elements in design, no matter what kind.
DC: Thanks for talking to me Alison! I look forward to your newest creations.
Please check out Reverie at www.reverienyc.com and tell Alison Debutante Clothing sent ya!
Posted by Sandra at 6:19 PM
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Bulga: Modern Twist on the Structured Framed Handbag
I love my vintage bags. And as large as my collection of structured, framed bags is, sometimes my crazy busy day calls for something that can hold a smart phone, notebook, make up, wallet, and various other sundries that a media mogul in training needs. I suffer from handbag contents gluttony.
That's why I love this Bulga bag. It's structured enough to be elegant and timeless, but it offers the modern comforts of a soft leather body. So now when I drop my bag, my life's contents won't go flying out when the frame pops open from being overstuffed.
Posted by Sandra at 6:10 PM
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August 24, 2007
Besame Mucho
Besame, the sultry and perfectly retro inspired make up line, has reintroduced its Red Velvet lipstick.
As beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, the fabulous lipstick is the perfect shade of red. And believe me-I've tested them ALL.
Posted by Sandra at 10:01 AM
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August 23, 2007
New Stuff at Locher's
The sweet, foul mouthed ladies at Locher's have added great new stuff to their collection.
Go get your sugar and jaded fix!
Posted by Sandra at 11:33 PM
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August 22, 2007
Vintage Norman Norell for I. Magnin goes to Auction
A few weeks ago, I hinted at the fact that I came across a beautiful Norman Norell for I. Magnin coat. After doing a ton of research and talking to various auction houses, I finally decided that this baby needs to be handled by the big guns.
While the first image is from antiquedress.com, my coat was exactly the same. Right down to the name of the model who wore it sewn into the coat. We tried to figure out why Mr. Norell would make two coats for Denise, but just couldn't come up with a reason.
If it hadn't been for the super sleuthy and highly educated in vintage couture folks at the Vintage Fashion Guild and Debra at Antique Dress, I never would've found out so much about this amazing coat.
I shipped her off to the lovely Abigail Rutherford, Director of Vintage Couture, at Leslie Hindman Auctions in Chicago.
I'm really excited about the outcome of the auction on September 27. Mostly, I just want it to go to a good loving home, since none of the museums or hyper collectors would be interested in the coat due to the missing belt. People are cruel. If you had a gimpy child would you love it less?
Apparently, Chicagoans don't have a distaste for mink or any other kind of furry, luxury pelt, like in California, so at least it will be worn.
Posted by Sandra at 1:49 PM
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August 13, 2007
Designer Vintage: Rare Gucci Doctor's Bag
I know I've written about vintage Gucci before, and I'm still obsessed with the big medallions, but this beautiful specimen is something to behold.
I've never seen another one like it. The structure is definitely more refined than a speedy, but what I love the most is the rigid top frame and the small bamboo connectors on the leather strap. This subtle iconic Gucci detail keeps the GG emblazoned bag from being cliche.
Available on eBay by Fashionphile
Posted by Sandra at 12:28 AM
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August 5, 2007
Girl Crush: Amy Winehouse
There’s nothing hotter than a chick with tattoos and soul. Amy Winehouse is my new girl crush. She’s got style I can relate to and she sounds like she has a Motown mama inside her. And the stylized videos make me want to go into the Debutante stash and put on anything that is tight and sparkles. Swoon.
After reading the Fashion Rocks special publication that came along with my Lucky magazine, Sally Singer reports that Ms. Winehouse is more at home in Betsey Johnson, tanks, skinny jeans, ballet slippers, and liquid liner. It's like we share a closet! A true tough girl, rocker chick uniform. I do wish she wouldn't have lost so much weight though. Curves are part of the uniform too.
I’m actually a little late to the Winehouse party. I’ve heard the Rehab song on the radio, while out shopping, but I seriously thought it was some old obscure original. I was floored when I found out it was a little Jewish girl from the UK. Wow! Work it Amy.
Posted by Sandra at 10:19 PM
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August 2, 2007
Check Out Debutante Clothing on She Unlimited
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by She Unlimited, a really cool site and blog about everything girly under the sun.
I've never done a podcast for someone other than friends, so it was a neat experience. Gary Connolly, the host of the She Pods, asked me questions about how I got started and good questions about vintage clothing and fashion. I was afraid to listen to it. I thought I would sound like a total doofus. But it wasn't bad.
Go take a listen and tell me what you think.
Posted by Sandra at 10:47 PM
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