Yes, blood may be thicker than water, but is it harder than diamonds? We went straight to the source and talked to ultra-chic Los Angelenos Tania and Ladan Shayan of SHAY to find out the answers. This mother-daughter duo has been working together for over a decade to create edgy fine jewelry that is just begging to be stacked, layered and mixed-and-matched. Whether they are jetting around the globe or just lounging poolside, Tania and Ladan are both the epitome of fashion-forward California cool – don't believe us? Their 86K Instagram followers and fans (including J.Lo and Khloe Kardashian) follow their every move from Paris to Mexico to NYC. In addition to the envy-inducing fine collection, the ladies also oversee a SHAY Heritage line that allows them to source exceptional vintage pieces that they make into modern-day treasures. This is one family affair that we want in on.
How long have you been designing and what did you do prior?
We have been designing jewelry together as a mother daughter team for the past 14 years. Before that, Ladan was raising her family and 3 kids!
Name another fine jewelry designer that you are a fan of and tell us why.
Tania: Alison Lou, I think her line is so much fun. It helps people really show their personality and sense of humor though the pieces they are wearing. It's a refreshing style that you don't often see for fine jewelry.
Gemstone you can’t get enough of?
Tania: Emerald
Ladan: Sapphire
What is the most sentimental piece of jewelry that you own and what's the backstory?
Tania: A Victorian Diamond Crescent moon that was passed down through the family. It was a piece that Ladan’s Mother gave to her at her graduation and then was passed down to me. Later, we changed the pin into a necklace and it is a piece that rarely comes off my neck and has inspired many of our designs and gave me an appreciation and love for antique jewelry. It was my first vintage piece.
Next time FFR is visiting your home base, where do we eat?
That's a tough one – there are so many good places and we love our food! We would say Chateau Marmont or Gjelina.
Best cocktail bar? (For a sophisticated sip AND ponying up to a pub – we are Geminis, so we need both options.)
Soho House West Hollywood and Good times at Davey Wayne’s.
What's #1 on your wishlist of travel destinations?
Tania: That's a tough one, we love traveling! I would say South Africa, and Ladan would say Australia.
Top 5 bands in your playlist?
Coldplay
Fleetwood Mac
Jungle
Broken Bells
Glass Animals
Celebrity Crush?!
Tania: Ryan Gosling
Ladan: Jon Hamm [Ed. note: We hear he may be single. Just sayin’.]
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tania: Celine Box Bag
Ladan: Hermes Kelly
Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter?
Instragram for sure!
What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it?
YSL Parisienne - Romantic, floral, fresh
If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be and why?
Tania: Fashion Stylist – What more could someone want…shopping for a living ;)
Ladan: Sculptor - I love to working with my hands and being able to express myself through materials from the earth. To make something out of nothing.
Where’s the last destination you visited that inspired your work?
Tania: I would say the last destination that really inspired us was Punta Mita, Mexico. We were there for a family friend’s wedding but it really inspired both of us for our next collection, specifically the architecture of the resort mixed in with the natural beauty and ambiance of the city. To have this extremely modern and simplistic hotel in the middle of paradise was so uplifting.
Flats or heels? (And what’s your current favorite pair?)
In a dream world heels all the time – Gianvito Rossi pumps. But in reality, flats, probably Chanel sneakers or Nike Airmax.
You’re on a shopping mission in your hometown. Where is your go-to for the perfect party outfit? Housewarming gift?
For a party outfit, Just One Eye or Curve…Housewarming gift – hmm...Barneys.
Thanks, ladies! xxFFR