This week I interviewed Melbourne based jewelry designer Alicia Hannah Naomi. I first met Alicia 2010 in Sydney at (the then titled) Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Alicia is such a babe and an epic ambassador for her brand. Along with her successful jewelry line she also hosts a slick style chronicle called Sea of Ghosts.
Earlier this week Alicia tweeted about a new creation (the Eon Ring) and I instantly decided what I want for my birthday in 6 weeks time. Do you like how I dropped a subtle reminder to family and friends there? Let's chat to Alicia Hannah Naomi:
The Eon Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi
Happy Year of the Dragon!
Thank you - to you and your readers also!
Where did your adventures with fashion and jewelry begin?
My first job out of high school was at a small independent jewellery store in 2003. I was just a Christmas casual then, I worked my way up to store manager by the time the owners moved to Perth in 2007 and closed the store. It became a love for life. We didn't have a uniform at the store and were encouraged to dress creatively. I still don't think I really understood my own personal style at that time, working in retail I was easily seduced by the fast fashion trends that surrounded me.
The Luminaire Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
These days I've definitely come to embrace a darker aesthetic, attune to the aged, organic imperfection championed by the Japanese aesthetics of wabi and sabi.
Who would you cut off your left hand to see wearing your work?
If I didn't have a left hand I wouldn't be able to work so I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that arrangement! I would probably give my left ear to see someone as decadently influential as Michele Lamy wear one of my rings.
The Stella Noir Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi
Top 3 creations of all time?
Surprisingly my favourite designs all have stones - the Luminaire Ring, the Eon Ring and the Stella Noir Ring.
These days the blog is a chronicle of "all things dark and whimsical" that help shape and influence my sartorial and life style. It's where I vent my style woes, lust after things I can't afford, share my purchases, document my daily outfits and showcase my jewellery designs. I used to post a lot of inspirational imagery but I tend to keep most of that on my tumblr account now because it's less personal. I think having the blog has been one of the core elements that helped me diagnose my style identity. I can't say I'd be who I am today (and so content about it) if I hadn't blogged that journey.
You can follow Alicia on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and over at Sea of Ghosts.
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