Je Suis Ara Vartanian

Occupation: Jewelry Designer
Instagram: @aravartanian

Where were you born?
I was born in Beirut and grew up in
Brazil. I've lived in Switzerland and
I've worked in the financial markets in the US. In 2000 I returned to São Paulo and to the jewellery market working as
a stone trader for the my family's business. Later in 2004 was when I started my own business creating and producing jewellery for my own brand.

Where do you live now?
I live in Sao Paulo but I'm going very often to London where I'm opening my first store in Europe.

In one sentence what is unique about
your work?
I believe that the uniqueness of my work is related to the base of my creative process which is all about developing a connection to the gem and respecting it through the design of the structure.

Why do you do what you do?
Growing up with my family business background, my revelation as creator came from the observation of the stones. For my family connection with the high
jewelry I was encouraged in my relationship with the rough material and started to feeling the stone in a different way. I understood that there is an intrinsic value across the surface of the diamond, for example, and that's when I started to reverse the diamond, today being the inverted diamond a hallmark of my creations. To feel that my inspirations were not related to conventional practices, I realized it was time to have my own brand and encourage this creative process that came so spontaneously from
me.

What inspires you?
My creative process does not follow any specific fashion trend, it’s all about the stone and respecting it through the design of the structure. I need to have this relationship for me to give my best. My connection to the piece of jewellery is so strong that I often feel a void when it is sold. Knowing that I will never see the piece again is actually hard for me. I like to think that they have aggregated love and design. First it's the relationship with the stone, finding it and the challenge of actually acquiring it, then because of my involvement with the stones, I need to give them the best and most worldly design each deserves and once the piece is finished and sold, it’s simply gone. The biggest drive of designing jewelry to me is the curiosity of the final result....I never really know how its going to end up.

Describe your personal style.
I define my style as a free style. However I'm probably influence by allot of the vintage objects I collect, such as old cars, old motorcycles, old furniture and lamps...hmm what else… valve equipped stereo equipment from the 50s that I like to listen to.

Your ultimate must-have.
I recently found and acquired a ultra rare rounded Ethiopian Opals. I've designed an earring with them combined with inverted fancy grey diamonds and white diamonds set on Hook Earrings. It was a huge challenge to design this piece. I have no words to describe how beautiful it is swinging from side to side with the different hues of colors. One lucky lady will have it soon... Wish I could keep this one.

What is next for you?
I'm very excited with the opening of my new store in London. London provokes reinterpretation and creativity. The main drive behind my work is originality and audacity; this city sharpens my creativity.

Je Suis Priyanka Gangwal

Occupation: Fashion Designer/ Founder & Creative Director at PRIYANKA GANGWAL Instagram: @priyanka_gangwal_official

Where were you born:

India

In one sentence what is unique about your work.

My process of design which helps me expand my creativity and maintains originality.

Why do you do what you do?

I design because for me its an expression. My work defines me as a person. I realize aesthetic says a lot about an individual. For me its a constant process that can't stop. Under my label, I blend art with function which is a challenge. This challenge and love for my profession, art, design and clothes is what makes me want to keep doing what I do.

What inspires you?

Inspirations play a very major role in my life. Anything that can connect with me at a base level inspires me. It could be an individual, a professional or a memory. Describe your personal style.

I would call my personal style Formal Classic. I am usually in monochromatics, black most of the time. A blazer or oversized vest is mostly a part of my look. I have a flare for chunky neckpieces and huge clutches. Black and Gold are always a part of my day to day color scheme.

Your Ultimate Must have?

A well fitted pair of black liquid leggings and block heel booties.

What superpower would you have any why?

If I could ever get a superpower, I would like to go back in time and change a lot of things as well as change many decisions made in the past.

What is next for you?

I want to keep doing what I do, build my brand, see it where I want it to get. I feel I am on the exact path I needed to be on and so will take each day as it comes.

Je Suis Olga Kholodenko

 Olga Kholodenko
Occupation: founder and designer for OKOhandbags
Instagram: @okohandbags

Where were you born? 
I was born in Kiev, the Ukraine.

Why do you do what you do? 
As a little girl I was never pleased with plane outfits
of my dolls; so, I was always trying to spruce them up with 
small pieces of scrap fabrics, ribbons, buttons and other 
trims. 
Ever since then I love to create fashion items that stand out 
in a crowd and show individuality of its owner.

What is unique about your work? 
At one point of my life I came to a conclusion that 
I have a greater passion for accessories than clothing. 
To me, accessories (bags and jewelry) have greater 
impact on an outfit than any other fashion item. 
Accessories can easily create a new story for an old dress. 
So, when I work on a new design, I simultaneously start 
creating a story that could bring that particular design to 
life. A job of a new owner of that bag or piece of jewelry is 
to write their own grand finale to the story and make that item
unique in their own way. Also, all my accessories are made from 
leather remnant that otherwise would be put in landfills.

What inspires you? 
Life on its own is a great inspiration. 
Yet, there are certain events and people that 
caused the greatest impact on my life. Names of my designs 
speak for themselves. For example: Zhanna clutch was made for 
my mom; every detail of that design could keenly describe her 
personality-black color, leather shell and satin lining 
describe her classic taste in fashion; straight lines of the 
design convey strength of her inner self; fluidity and 
shine of the trim material show her soft side that I've known 
as her child. 

Personal style: 
In general, I prefer simple 
silhouettes with unique details.
I favor proportionally correct and balanced outfits. 
I have my "all black" and "burst of color" days. 
I'm not a fan of white color, chunky heels, or bows.

Ultimate must-have: 
comfortable stylish shoes of any heel 
height.

What superpower would you have and why? 
Fun question that got me thinking :) Super speed. 
I'd like to be able to move quickly from place to place. 
Never late! Avoid traffic! Don't have to buy tickets! 
Can spend more time at your destination! 
When someone needs you, you can be there right away! 
And, yes, more time to design!

What is next for you? 
This year, besides working on new designs, 
I'm planning to participate in more fashion and sale events 
to gain greater exposure and more raving clients.

Je Suis Kamila Dmowska

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Kamila Dmowska
Occupation: Fashion Designer/ Entrepreneur 
Instagram: @kamiladmowska

Where were you born:
Born in Poland. Lived in Warsaw, New York,
Warsaw again and finally settled in San Francisco.

In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Making high quality, versatile yet
affordable dresses. 

Why do you do what you do?
I want women to look beautiful, comfortable
and elegant not only when they go out but
through the entire day. 

What inspires you? 
Women and their lifestyle, and the 90's.

Describe your personal style?
My style is classic and feminine.
I don't follow trends. I've had the same style
for long time. When I go out I go for undone
look for example well fitted blazer, light
dress and little make up.

Your ultimate must-have?
Slip dress (love our black & white slip dress)
Chanel black flats, well fitted blazer, and chunky beige sweater.

What superpower would you have and why?
To be at 2 places at once.

What is next for you?
Continue making high quality, accessible
clothing that will impact or change women life.