The first time I set eyes on a piece of Arielle de Pinto's bold yet delicate, hand-crocheted jewelry, I couldn't stop staring. The obvious aesthetics grabbed my attention initially, but after careful examination I couldn't help but wonder how much energy, blood sweat and tears went into each piece. It's not easy to gain praise in the fashion industry, especially with jewelry, but Montreal based Arielle de Pinto has made quite a name for herself (rightfully so), and is stocked at a growing list of Style Bite faves. It was only natural that I wanted to know more. I asked Arielle if she would answer a few questions, and she was game. Here's what she had to say:
S.B: Your jewelry making technique appears to be an incredibly intricate process, and very inventive. How would you describe the process? How long does it normally take to create a piece?
A.D.P: It is straight up crocheted chain. I can't tell you any more then that, and I especially will not tell you how long it takes. I can assure you that it is hard on the body.
S.B: What kind, if any, of formal training do you have in jewelry design?
A.D.P: ZERO
S.B: Before starting a collection, or designing a new piece, who or what do you turn to for inspiration?
A.D.P: Inspiration comes from activity for me. seeing things, doing things. If I become too isolated I lose all ambition. If I get an idea and it is not executed within 36 hours, I struggle to maintain interest. I have my materials on me at all times, and some of my best work comes when I am in transit, like on an airplane for 10 hours or in a car. I'll work until I get nauseous.
S.B: When you aren't wearing your own pieces, who else are you wearing? Jewelry and clothing.
A.D.P: Anntian, Electric Feathers, the no.6 line, Boessert/Schorn, Aesa Jewelry. I also love Von Sono.
S.B: If I'm correct, you're based in in Montreal, do you have any favorite boutiques there? How about favorite online boutiques?
A.D.P: Reborn, Les Etoffes, comissaires...local 23 can be good for digging, and headquarters boutique has some interesting things. I never buy anything online except for the occasional piece of junk on ebay though I love to browse the oogabooga online shop . Also erie basin has a beautiful website.
S.B: Any big plans or projects for 2009?
A.D.P: Yes, huge. To stay in one place and cook myself meals everyday. I travelled so much in the past couple of years to promote my line, the only thing that is in my mind is setting up an apartment, and working on showpieces. I do, however have a show coming up mid-January in El Paso, Texas at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts
Arielle de Pinto is available online at no6store, Reborn and Stand up Comedy.
Images from S/S 2009 lookbook
Monday, December 15, 2008
Q & A: Arielle de Pinto
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
oh wow, i thought i was the only one who had to act immediately upon inspiration... great interview c!
I love this interview. I wish she went into more detail about how she made them, but that's her little secret. I've seen her on the Refinery 29 blog and absolutely fell in love... I really want to make something like this now! :)
Post a Comment