As 52 Thursdays evolves, we keep taking your ideas and suggestions and we strive to give you all compelling, interesting and useful content. When one of our lovely readers wrote to us suggesting that they would love to see more designer spotlights, we got to thinking and soon enough a new series was born from that reader’s email. We are excited to finally introduce this new series to you all that we have been working extremely hard on for the past few months, called 52 Interesting People. This new series will consist of 52 interviews with the most influential people in the fashion, food, beauty and fitness industries and we will be sharing all of them with you.
It was only fitting to kick off our new series with world renowned jewelry designer, Alexis Bittar, since his DC store just opened its doors last week. Sarah had the pleasure to meet Alexis at the DC opening and he was just as charming as the beautiful jewels he creates. See his interview below:
You certainly have come a long way since selling your jewelry on the streets of New York, now your jewelry is sold in the most exclusive stores in the world! You have worked so hard and come so far, what words of wisdom could you give to someone that is looking to start their own company?
You have to have a lot of energy. I think its important to have clarity on what your objective is for creating your brand. Begin with writing a simple business plan, that will help a lot in today’s age where we live in a multi-dimensional retail world. Its important to understand the terrain, the landscape of the business, and having a realistic perspective of where you want your brand to go.
You are a talented jewelry designer but if you had to choose another profession to delve into, what would it be and why?
I love anything that has to do with art, sculpture, and design – in fact, in 1998 I designed a Lucite and stainless steel table for the Cooper Hewitt Museum.
What are your favorite sources to seek inspiration from?
I look at historical references, especially antiques. Nature is also endlessly inspiring. I try not to look at jewelry, but look at the latest collections on the runways and see what made an impact and what was missing. I try to get that energy and embody it in jewelry.
You create jewelry for celebrities all around the world, is there someone you have in mind when you look for inspiration to create new designs?
I’ve been fortunate enough that people from all walks of life appreciate my designs. I like to think my designs are accessible to anyone regardless of age or status – that people can love and wear my pieces regardless of how old they are or where they are from is amazing. I think my pieces are also distinctive in that they celebrate individuality, which I think resonates with anyone.
What’s next for the Alexis Bittar brand?
We just celebrated 25 years of designing with Lucite, during New York Fashion Week – it was a hugely successful event, everyone came out to support us!
It is an exciting time for the brand – we plan to increase our retail footprint domestically and internationally, as well as eventually extend into other categories.
What is the one fashion jewelry piece every woman needs in her collection this season?
You first need to love whatever you’re wearing, so choose something you actually love. I think every woman should always have a few staples – a large cocktail ring, a unique necklace that you can easily throw on and change your look, and finally a strong statement cuff that exudes confidence, style and power.
Shop the Alexis Bittar collection online or visit your nearest boutique. If you live in DC make sure you check out his newest shop located in the heart of City Center DC.
984 Palmer Alley NW
Washington, DC 20001
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Phone: 202.842.2804
Have someone you are dying to see featured on 52 Interesting People? Please comment below or email us at [email protected] and we will try our best to feature them in the future. Thank you again for reading and being so damn awesome!
xoxo
Sarah and Michelle
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