Q&A with Designer of Made Her Think - Meredith Khan
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Below find our exclusive Q&A with designer Meredith Khan of Made Her Think Jewelry. Shop her Fall 2009 Collection here at Rilee and Lo!
Lo: How did you get started in jewelry design?
I think Jewelry Design sort of happened to me. I have a design background and went to FIT for Fashion Design. I really just made jewelry on the side for myself and friends but stores started to take an interest and it quickly snowballed into a full time gig.
Rilee: What’s been the most rewarding part?
The fact that people seem to like what I do which allows me to keep doing it
Lo: Do you have a favorite time to sketch, favorite drink to pair with sketching, favorite sketchpad or item to be wearing?
I love sketching thumbnails on the subway. It sort of reminds me of art class when you had to do your thumbnails in 30 seconds. I sort of try to sketch out the collection over and over as Im developing it on the train in my limited time of about 5 stops MAX. I think this has become sort of an excercise I do to see if Im going in the right direction or if Im missing an important style. It always helps that the subway is probably one of the most inspiring places in the city. All of the crazy people mixed in with the fashion obsessed, crying babies, teenage couples making out and class field trips with bouncing adolescent hormones all in one space!! The energy is hilarious sometimes. Sort of reminds you where you come from, ya know?
Rilee: What inspired your latest collection?
Well my current collection began with a lot of rings and car parts and chrome and dirt......sort of like a jewelry industrial revolution. I wanted to tap into those metals and textures and throw in a bit of celebration with the neons and lace. I would by lying if I said that Madonna had nothing to do with it. I think she kind of always does.
Lo: Do you have a favorite piece or style in the collection? We notice there’s a lot of Tallons- Rilee’s stoked about that.
Yeah, I still really do love the Talons. They kind of snuck up on the collection and have become a favorite all around. They have been around for over 2 years now and they didnt start out strong. They gained a lot of momentum along the way. I guess the Talon is the signature Made Her Think element. That makes me happy because it didnt really come from anything but a thought. It was just a shape I liked and it was made from nothing...well a sketch i guess but there was no direct reference as far as a great vintage piece or a piece of great architecture or even a time period. I think that's what gave it its individuality.
Rilee: If you weren’t designing what would you be doing?
Hahaha, well I think I would either be a chef, be in the vintage archive business or become a motivational speaker!
Lo: We hear you have a little angle named Grayson, do you ever put her in any of your pieces or make special designs for her?
Well when she was very small she used to let me put silver bangles on her...now she sort of hates to be forced to do anything (very independent, which I will NOT complain about) but she loves to dress up in my jewelry all the time. She's only a year and a half but she already know jewelry and mama go hand in hand. I think as she gets older and really starts wearing it, I will start designing for her. I dont design FOR her now but she is always there as part of whatever inspiration goes into my collections.....she's an extension of me so she is in everything that I do.
Rilee: Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry through and through
Lo: Tutu or motorcycle jacket?
Both, of course
Rilee: Cold shower or hot?
Actually, funny you should ask, Hot shower and then finish with cold, it is good for circulation
Lo: If you could have a cocktail with anyone, who would it be and why?
Marcel Duchamp. I'm in a Duchamp period right now :)
Rilee: Are there any specific metals, styles or concepts you’re feeling for fall/winter?
Loving Oxidations still and working with sterling on a larger scale. The delicate pieces in my semi-precious collection have taken some steroids and Im very excited about it.
Lo: What’s in the future for Made Her Think?
Everything....handbags to start with for Spring 10