Chatting with Lisa Freede

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Lisa Freede trunk show at Neiman Marcus in Somerset Mall. 

Lisa launched her jewelry line in 2004. The pieces are simple and classic, yet trendy. Her neckalces, bracelets, and earrings are statement pieces that make any outfit pop and are very versatile. Lisa's designs have been worn by the likes of Rihanna, Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, and Bethenny Frankel, just to name a few. 

I had the opportunity to chat with Lisa and ask her a few burning questions. Check out the interview below!

                        Skirt: Forever 21 | Bag: Valentino (similar) | Bracelet: Lisa Freede

Black Michele Cuff

Single Baguette Hinged Bracelets, Crystal Ball Hinged Bracelet, and Marquise Crystal Hinged Bracelet

Micro Pave Bar Necklace

Naomi Bracelet 

*Click images to enlarge picture*

Wear Is Chelsea: Lisa, what made you decide to start a jewelry line?
Lisa Freede: I feel that jewelry completes every outfit. Anybody can wear jewelry, you can be tall, short, and I could go on and on and on. I used to be in the clothing business, so I found that the area of jewelry would broaden my horizons and also I'd be able to reach out to so many people. Another concept that I have with jewelry is high quality, on trend at a realistic price point. Most of my jewelry is under one hundred dollars.

WIC: Where do you get your inspiration from when designing pieces?
LF: I tend to grab my inspiration from architecture and geometrics. I like fine clean lines. Basic with a twist is my style.
WIC: I truly love all of your pieces, they are simple yet stylish.
LF: Thank you for recognizing that. That's really important and that is really the core customer. I think that we are able to do that and also take it back to some of the greats, as you can see in some of the leather and chain pieces. Even just a simple bangle with a chunk of baguettes.

WIC: What advice would you give to struggling or up and coming designers?
LF: Don't try to reinvent the wheel. I used to teach at a fashion college in Los Angeles and I remember so many struggling designers wanting to come up with something brand new. Fashion is evolution and so is jewelry, it's perpetual and it goes around. If you sit in a corner in a mall, or in airport, wherever you may be, and you watch a hundred women walk by, you'll see probably eighty pairs of hoops and the rest will be in studs. I'd say keep it simple, keep it clean, and do not try to reinvent something.

WIC: What is next for Lisa Freede?
LF: It's so funny. I am thinking back to my old days with Madonna, and I want to say to conquer the world, but it's just to keep going at the rate that I am going and continue to be a leading brand with Nemain Marcus. I want to continue taking trends and keeping it simple with a little bit of a twist.

I had such a great time chatting with Lisa, seeing all of her fabulous pieces, and learning more about her as a designer.
Be sure to check out all of Lisa's fabulous jewelry at www.lisafreede.com!