CFDA Showcase: Katrin Zimmermann of Ex Ovo

You know why we like Ex Ovo? Precisely because it's outside of our comfort zone. It's usually day in, day out: precious gems, heavy metals, blah blah blah...but the sculptural aesthetic and unusual materials that designer Katrin Zimmerman brings to the table gets our motors running. We're talking leather, rubber, silver, plastic – components that can be used for applications far outside of traditional jewelry. Zimmerman's inspiration comes from her extensive travel and international background: she was born in Germany, and educated in Switzerland, England and China. After studying Chinese and Archaeology, she decamped to NYC in 1991 and has called the City home since then. Now based out of Harlem, Zimmerman bases her designs on both the Far East and the idea of reduction – paring down a design to its basic elements, whether it's  stone or an essence. (We are not surprised that mega architect Zaha Hadid is a fan of Ex Ovo. This is no doubt a line admired by those who work in form and function.) 

“It means being appreciated in this crazy effort to make some beauty that lasts. ”

— Katrin

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

TIME WITH MY DAUGHTER! That, and a vineyard in Umbria – well anywhere in Italy really, where I can stick my toes in the earth and grow stuff.

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is…

A big, overly high cabochon ruby that looks like a fat juicy gumdrop!

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

Alberto Giacometti. His sculptures have been so influential in how I approach my design. I’m not sure how much he would say to me! We could eat a nice cheese fondue though, or goat cheese and Bündnerfleisch.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be? 

Everything from everyone! Are you kidding? We all have sharp tools with us at all times!  :)

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!

A street in East Harlem, where I saw a beautiful life-size flowering tree crocheted to a chain link fence. I’ve seen more pieces of what must be the same artist since, and I just love the whole concept of bringing out beauty anywhere. Just like what I’m trying to do.

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why? 

Iris van Herpen. Love her work, her design philosophy, her technological wizardry, her uncompromising excellence! Also, that means I would be in Europe!

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

Ah – a professor of design.  But then, I am that already too!

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush? 

Obama! I just realized it last week, I have a serious crush on that man. Sorry, Michelle!

What's your spirit animal and explain why.

It is the bear. Grounded, protective, lumbering, but lightning quick when needed.  Come too near my offspring, I’ll chew your head off. Sleeps LONG periods of time, and then wakes to intense beauty in spring. Cuddly too, and a bit overweight. Sigh.

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 

It means being part of a community that appreciates and actively champions design. It means being appreciated in this crazy effort to make some beauty that lasts. It means that I have a chance to leave my industry a better place than I found it. It means I get to change the world!

CFDA Showcase: John Brevard

It's not easy to categorize John Brevard. He's a designer, a thinker, a humanist, an architect and even a bit of a mystic. Intrigued yet? We initially fell hard for his three-dimensional celestially-inspired fine jewelry, but when we took a closer look, we found out that there was quite a bit of background that goes into his process. After a near-death illness at the age of 14, Brevard was propelled towards a career in the arts, realizing that he wanted to find an outlet for his burgeoning self-expression. An interest in 'sacred geometry' – related to proportions and patterns found in nature and theoretical sciences – allowed him to follow two of his passions, architecture and design, now a successful business that includes a New York City flagship and a CFDA membership. Besides fine jewelry, the John Brevard brand also includes furniture, textiles and accessories; all with an eye towards reflecting the "inner strength and boldness of every individual, inspiring a way of living in harmony with nature and those around us." Whether or not there's a bit of a mystic inside of you is maybe besides the point when the jewelry is this good. Trust us.   

“I love being able to create at such a vast scale across many creative mediums.”

— John

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

Ultimate luxury is customization that meets and taps into the emotional and spiritual needs of customers. It is about truly personal and memorable experiences that allow people to more meaningful and fulfilled life.

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

John Hagelin because he merges science, technology, and consciousness. I have always admired him as a thought leader and innovator in his field. He may not be considered an “artist” in the traditional sense, but his work is undeniably artistic to me.

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!

Iceland: it is an incredibly magical country. I was recently there for a photo shoot and an interior design project, and I was struck by the country’s beauty and atmosphere. There was something ethereal and mystical about it, and I cannot wait to visit there again.

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

I am actually trained as an architect, and the brand’s work spans from jewelry and accessories to furniture, art, architecture and design. I love being able to create at such a vast scale across many creative mediums. I am building a luxury, lifestyle brand that integrates fashion, design, technology, jewelry, and accessories.

What's your spirit animal and explain why.

I am so tempted to tell you, but I do not want to give you material to tease me!

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 

I feel honored to be a part of the organization. It has been great to meet and connect with others in the industry.

CFDA Showcase: Stephen Dweck

Out of all the CFDA designers we are profiling in this series, we think that "fashion" is most synonymous with this designer, especially considering that he's collaborated with a long list of  notables such as Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Catherine Malandrino, Geoffrey Beene and Escada. Stephen Dweck, since debuting at Bergdorf Goodman in 1981, has continually evolved and refined his work and continues to turn out eye-catching accessories that range from sterling silver statement pieces to a serious one-of-a-kind (OAK) line that includes a Luxury Signature Collection, comprised of rare OAK pieces made from very unique materials set in 18kt gold. (And all adorned with his signature beetle, ADAM. Just so you're aware.) Known fondly as the "Romancer of the Stone", we are also jealous that he has a cool jewelry industry nickname. Please contact us directly if you have one for us. 

“Lion – I’m a real Leo and do everything with fervor.”

— Stephen

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 
              
To collect what you love and wear it fashionably. 

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is...

 Labradorite

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

Matisse – his love of color.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be? 

Simon Alcantara’s peacock feathers set in sterling silver collection.

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!

Paris – such clean visuals of all the historic building facades and in the grand scheme all the art and color just pops against the contemporary.

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why? 

Prada – Miuccia is a genius and I understand everything she does.

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

Furniture designer, ceramicist, celebrity chef, or landscape designer.

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush? 

Meryl Streep

What's your spirit animal and explain why.

Lion – I’m a real Leo and do everything with fervor.

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA? 

Since being a member from the early ‘90s, I’m proud to be an American in fashion.