Above: The Shak team with Vanessa Mooney (center)
Korshak Q&A with Vanessa Mooney
Vanessa Mooney Jewelry was established in 2009 under a core idea: “let uninhibited design intuition lead the way”. Vanessa has always enjoyed the freedom art allows, leading her to become a self-taught designer as a creative outlet. All pieces are hand-crafted in Downtown Los Angeles offering her audience to choose from eclectic styles typically found in Californian street style.
Last week we got the chance to sit down with Vanessa when she was here for her trunk show in The Shak.
Q: Where do you get your design inspiration?
A: I design 150 to 200 pieces in each collection, which is a lot for a jewelry designer. Some just come from my mind, from different feelings that I get about pieces. I also admire other cultures – African, Napoli, Thai, and different tribal styles. This spring I was really inspired by the neon colors of the 80’s, and I am working on a futuristic-bohemian inspired line for Fall.
Q: How does your personal style influence your designs?
A: I am definitely a California girl. I love warm weather, feeling comfortable, and eclectic pieces. I think you see that in my jewelry.
Q: What is the one thing you can’t live without?
A: A good leather jacket.
Q: Describe the Vanessa Mooney customer.
A: I am actually shocked a lot by who buys my jewelry. At first it was the funky girl who has that personal sense of style, but as the brand has grown, it transcends these boundaries. Although I think young “street style” when designing the brand, I have seen it worn by all ages, 15 to 60.
Q: Which celebrity would you like to see wearing your jewelry?
A: I am that girl who doesn’t really know celebrities. (laughs). Rihanna; because I think she is really cool and wears jewelry really well.
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