MEET THE DESIGNER: Possibility Jewelry
Every week leading up to Phoenix Fashion Week, we will be posting a blog, to help our fans get to know the 2014 emerging designers a little bit better.
Unlike our other posts, these come directly from this year’s emerging designers.
Today we feature Astrid Mueller with Possibility Jewelry, one of our emerging accessory designers. Learn about her life, her work and other little known facts in today’s designer tell all post.
Bio: (background, school, work)
I’m from Switzerland, and had first contact with the fashion industry as graphic designer at Swarovski. When starting my own design business. I first created illustrations for women magazines and fashion publications, then dove a bit into designing for weddings for a while.
Soon, I began to crave more creativity though. I loved weddings that were unique and design inspired. So, one day I contributed design elements for a fashion-inspired promotional styled photo shoot over the rooftops of New York. As a last minute inspiration, I created gem-inspired Lucite rings, with the late Liz Taylor’s famous jewelry collection as muse. Everyone loved the rings so much that eventually I felt compelled to create a jewelry line around them!
Where do you find inspiration for your collection?
Currently I’m designing within five different collections, each with different muses: SCALA is inspired by Old Hollywood, modern Zeitgeist, and the special, red carpet moments in life; CABO arose out of my love for travel, dreaming of that special getaway, where tropical plants, exotic animals and a warm sea breeze revives the senses; METROPOLIS draws inspiration from New York, architecture, and iconic women who celebrate a bold, unique sense of style; SNOVIT is inspired by snowflakes, ice and the glistening moments of winter; and lastly RUNWAY: which is currently almost my biggest passion – it’s the collection where I design for fashion shows, photo shoots and very special occasions, where bold, BIG statements are called for and creativity knows no limit!
Do you have any style icons?
Iris Apfel for her vibrant and bold style bravery. I love her! Same goes for all other women who rock their own style; I love it when women aren’t fashion victims but express who they are and wear what they love. I’m also very much inspired by 1940s Old Hollywood and the feminine, elegant, glamorous style of that time.
Do you have any fashion secrets you can share with our readers?
Funny enough, I’m not really that much of a fashion insider – my secret would be to pick what you like, wear what you love, and make it your own!
For beginner designers, what are some tips for setting yourself apart from other designers?
Being that I’m an accessory designer, my thoughts may not necessarily apply to everyone out there – but my tip is simply to follow your passion and stay true to it! Everyone is unique, chances are you have a very special talent and your own set of inspirations and muses waiting inside yourself too, just waiting to come out and come to life!
What trend are you looking forward to most this season?
Black and white!
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Being that I live on a remote island in Alaska, I don’t go shopping that much – if I do I treat myself to the occasional vintage handbag via etsy or small fun seasonal accessories from various online spots. When I travel, I love to bring home a few style updates to pair with my non-existent island fashion – to get a bit of fun and punch into my house of casual here!
Do you shop often to keep up with trends?
No, being that I live in bear country, I keep things pretty basic – but I do get the occasional craving where I need to get something fresh!
Do you have any tips on prioritizing purchases or staying stylish on a budget?
Whenever I don’t have a big budget and want to buy something, I’ll leave it and walk away. If I still crave this same item a day later, I’ll reconsider – otherwise it was probably not that important. To keep an updated wardrobe, I often just work with accessories and color touches. If you have good basics, you can easily update them with a fun scarf, funky sunglasses, or fresh jewelry.
Do you have an all-time favorite purchase?
All my clear rings, I love them all! My small guilty pleasure (and one of my inspirations to design accessories with Lucite)!
What is your favorite part about being an accessories designer?
The designing part! Sketching up style concepts that show my jewelry ideas in a fashion illustration-like manner, envisioning how the pieces will make women look glamorous!
What is one interesting, quirky fact about you that readers don’t know?
I actually don’t like making jewelry that much. Ha! I love designing it, seeing and wearing the finished pieces, but I’m looking forward to have people join me in creating the actual pieces.
For more information, visit http://www.Possibilityjewelry.com. Follow Possibility on social media: Instagram @possibilityjewelry; Facebook @possibilityjewelry; Twitter @possibilityacce; Pinterest @possibilityacce.
PHXFashionWeek 