Fashion, Evolved

Jaszy McAllister is a rising star in the world of sustainable, ethical jewelry.  Her pieces are organically inspired, delicate yet artistic, and sophisticated enough to meet the discriminating tastes of any fashion-conscious woman.  Jaszy was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for Fashion, Evolved this week:

1.  Where do you get your creative inspiration?

I believe I am inspired by just about everything!  But ultimately colors speak to me.  They can be representative of so many things; red brings to mind fire and passion, blue – water, peace and serenity, or green – nature and freedom.  So when I see or feel these colors I choose gemstones that speak to me the same way.

2.  What is your favorite material to work with?

If you’re asking what gemstone is my favorite, I’m not sure I could choose just one!  Although I do absolutely love Labradorite because it has an alluring iridescence that depending on how light reflects through it can show shades of blue, amber or even violet.  As for metals, I have always had more of a connection to gold than silver.  Gold has warmth that is very comforting and looks great against any skin tone.

3.  Do you have a favorite finished piece?

That’s a tough one.  I just finished a necklace called “Lost & Found”, it’s made with several different elements and is an asymmetrical design that is pretty cool.  But I also love the simplicity of the “DeLovely” necklace in my Wedding Collection.

4.  Why did you decide to focus your business on eco-friendly?

I suppose it was more of a natural progression rather than a decision.  A few years ago, I began to make “greener” choices in my personal and family life so it only made sense to do the same in my business.  I make it a point however to label Jaszy’s Jewelry as “eco-conscious”.  I make eco-ethical decisions in where materials are sourced from and try to use at least one eco-friendly or Fair Trade element in every piece of jewelry I design.  We all have to do our part, some can do more than others, but what’s most important is that we all try to do something.

5.  What is the best compliment you’ve ever received about one of your pieces?

I had the wonderful pleasure of designing jewelry for a wedding recently and received this compliment from the bride.

“Jaszy, THANK YOU for the absolutely stunning jewelry you designed for the bridesmaids in our wedding.  Each piece fit the girl perfectly, and I know they will proudly be wearing their earrings/necklaces for years to come.  I loved being able to tell the girls that their jewelry was custom-created by the jewelry designer herself using their photos and a photo of each dress.  The fact that you use fair trade materials is icing on the cake, but there is no mistake – your jewelry is luxurious, gorgeous, and one of a kind!  And both my rehearsal dinner and honeymoon earrings were perfection as well – so light and easy to wear, and of course spectacular!  Thank you, thank you.”

Reading that compliment still makes me teary eyed.

6.  What are you most proud of about Jaszy’s Jewelry?

Jaszy’s Jewelry is like the “little engine that could”.  It just keeps going and evolving, learning and growing and perhaps even making a difference.  I’m very proud of that.

7.  What kind of woman wears Jaszy’s Jewelry?

I would like Jaszy’s Jewelry to appeal to the modern, everyday woman who is comfortable in her skin whether she’s in a boardroom, walking the beach or dancing the night away!  She’s also an eco-enthusiast at heart.

8.  What would you like people to know about your company as a first impression?

I want people to recognize that Jaszy’s Jewelry is trying to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do and not because the fad of the hour is being “green” so to speak.  I treat my customers with respect and try to present myself and my business with integrity and honesty while also designing jewelry that is unique and versatile.  I hope above all, that stands out.

9.  Describe your line of jewelry using three words.

Bohemian

Chic

Comfortable

10. How would you like to grow your business in the coming years?

I am looking forward to launching a jewelry line made exclusively of eco-friendly and Fair Trade materials and perhaps collaborating with other eco-conscious designers to establish an online co-op community to sell, trade and educate others about the benefits of making “greener” fashion choices.

Visit Jaszy’s Jewelry online at: [www.JaszysJewelry.com]

In addition to jewelry design, Jasmine “Jaszy” McAllister is an actress, public speaker, and avid salsa dancer. Her fascination with the intricacies of jewelry began when she was just a child taking her great-Grandmother’s necklaces apart and putting them back together again. She has over 20 years retail fashion experience with a focus in jewelry retail merchandising.  She gained an appreciation of minerals and gemstones from spending hours in her Grandfather’s cherished gem and rock garden as a young girl. She started her own independent study of gemology in 2002 before founding Jaszy’s Jewelry in 2003. Her work has been featured in several Florida galleries in Naples, Punta Gorda, Englewood, and Sarasota.

Last year I introduced you to a brand new label called M641. Woman-owned, ethical and conscious, M641 has garnered a loyal following among women who demand more from their wardrobe than just a stylish outfit or two. The co-owners and designers Ina and Subu have graciously given me a preview of their Fall/Winter 2009 line and spent some time answering a few questions about their budding young company:

1.  Describe your style aesthetic using three words.

City. Polished.  Free.

2.  Where do you draw your inspiration for your designs?

Love, motherhood, friendship, commitment, loyalty and heritage. We are inspired by the female silhouette and by women of all walks of life with various roles. Our own friendship and personal roles influence us in our designs and our decision making. In Bharatanatyam, (classic South Indian dance) we are taught to create a space where the mind is free to explore and generate thoughts and ideas based on everything it is inspired by, without thinking. So, ideas flow like water without a beginning or an end. For Subu, this helps in attaining proper state of mind for design.

3.  What is it like collaborating on design as a team?

It’s just lovely; everyone should be open to collaborations in our opinion.  We both have similar sensibilities but to a varying degree. So getting each others ideas and feedback is critical to give our designs the obvious personality and character you see in the end result.

4.  What is your favorite piece your have produced so far?

Can a mother choose between her many many children and her children’s children?

5.  Tell me about your creative process.

It always starts with research & learning and then understanding. We research what we want to do next, forecasted trends and such…and learn from our past collections and feedback given. Then we understand where to step. After which comes the inspiration which as mentioned is found on a daily basis, and then it comes down to getting that vision on paper. We do design via sketch though not formally trained and then go to computer aided technologies, then back and forth with the ideas, colors, fabrics, trims until the design on paper matches the vision in the head.

6.  Who are some designers that you admire and why?

We must defer on this in a way. First to answer by saying our admiration lies with emerging designers. We think it would be terribly difficult to highlight one or two of them though. We’ve met so many great artists that there are just too many unique, genuine designers who deserve to be mentioned.

7.  What advice would you give to budding young designers that want to start up their own line?

Pick and carve out your corner of the industry—have your niche…and go with it wholeheartedly. Try to set out to solve a problem you personally have with fashion…and be the solution in the industry.  And, don’t feel like you need to spend loads of money advertising or marketing your product.  Reach out and find your market and ultimately your customer. Get yourself out there and be seen by anyone and everyone…then, in time, you can become selective. Patience and perseverance and of course a great partner!

8.  How has the internet impacted the way you have built your business?

Being situated in the mid-west with a label isn’t a plus point! That said, the internet is our friend. Internet and WOM marketing have enabled us to get where physically, we cannot. In this industry, where you bloom your brand can be vital to your business. We began showing our Collections with the use of the internet…a very non-traditional way for designers to do business. Fortunately for us, we have been successful in this decision and

Then there is this whole wonderful fashion-focused internet realm with great talent and mentors out there. We were warmly embraced. And with social media built in, it has allowed for a lil cult-like following for us. So actually, we’re really kinda everywhere now   Besides that, we are social butterflies IRL, so this amazing social media aspect of the internet has meant closing deals in record time and truly getting to know our customers. Best is our customers really get to know us too. No middle-man or fluff. WYSIWYG.  People in the biz know that being in fashion isn’t as glamorous as it appears. It means countless hours secluded behind your laptops. It means you feel isolated at times, especially since we’re not in LA or NY. So you can say that the reach out with the internet is vital to the health of this brand and to us!

9.  How do you see M641 evolving in the next few years?

We hope you will enjoy what we have in store. You’ll be hearing about our experimentations in different fabrications veering off a bit from our usual 100% woven cottons.  We have already begun adding in a few new subcategories to our separates to include bottoms. Specifically shorts for SS10. Most exciting is the partnership with a Showroom in LA for further visibility and growth of our brand.  Keep in touch with us along the way though to learn the latest!

10.  What has been your proudest moment since you launched M641?

We’re pretty simplistic gals. And to be honest, every single day we’re still in business, we feel proud. Perhaps a customer emails us after a purchase, sending along pics from an event where she wore an M641 design, we feel humbled and overjoyed by those. And recently we were offered to send pieces to Mrs. Ohio for her tour. But from a business standpoint, we feel pleased that the CEO of a major online retailer has asked to see our samples in NY where we’ll be showing SS10. Her interest speaks volumes about our reach and how far we’ve come.

1.  Girls Night Out Dress by Convoy – $112

This dress is an investment.  Its one of the most versatile pieces you’ll ever own.

Deliciously draped jersey material cut in a flattering drop waist and gathered bodice. This slinky mid-calf number is great for an evening out when paired with a pretty clutch and rockin’ heels.  64% bamboo, 28% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Made in Southern California.

2.  Melissa by Cri de Coeur – $260

Strappy, zip-front ethical sandals will add low key sex appeal to hundreds of outfits.

3.  Triangle Handbag by Zut Design – $55

A cool, functional handbag in a rarely seen shape made from recycled rubber.  It will last you for centuries!  Made in Canada.

4.  DRUNK Leaf Necklace – $42.00

Once the wine had been drunk the empty wine bottle glass is hand cut, wrapped in copper then soldered with lead free silver alloy to create this amazing green leaf pendant.  Stainless steel curb chain measures 18”.  Pendant measures approx. 1/2” x 1 ½”  Reclaimed wine bottle glass.  Lead free solder.  Handmade in the USA.

5.  Ethical Cosmetic Brushes by Afterglow -$15-35

Luxe vegan professional cosmetic brushes are super soft and ideal for applying loose minerals evenly to quickly create a flawless finish. Brushes are made of the highest quality taklon to give you the optimal results when applying  mineral makeup.  They are easily cleaned with shampoo or gentle soap to keep them beautiful for many years.

Kate Quinn Organics is well known for their beautiful baby and children’s clothing…but they have recently introduced a women’s line that is just as stylish!  Check them out: