Designer Interview: Nola Singer
Tap It!
By Casey Kettleson
in Fashion Features
on August 25, 2010
Worn by everyone from cover girl Halle Berry, to funny girl Sarah Silverman and the gorgeous Camilla Belle, Nola Singer's one-of-a-kind jewelry features unique vintage pieces – and we're dying for them all.
What happens when a LA-based celebrity stylist can't find the kind of jewelry she wants? She launches her own collection, of course!
Stylist-turned-jewelry-designer Nola Singer launched her collection several years ago and it can now be found in some of the world's sweetest boutiques including Diavalina (Los Angeles), Henri Bendel (New York), American Rag (Japan), By George (Texas) Primitive Cultures (Canada) and Harvey Nichols (Dubai). As a stylist, Singer dressed Halle Berry, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Coolidge, and Tom Green among others.
After seeing Singer's beautiful jewelry at the Fragments showroom, we simply had to know more about her and her work...
StyledOn: When did you begin your namesake collection?
Nola Singer: I began my collection five years ago. I was working as a wardrobe stylist and could not find unique accessories. I started to make jewelry for my clients and myself and then my line took off.
SO: Can you describe how vintage pieces impact your designs and creative outlook?
NS: Vintage pieces impact all of my designs. Sometimes a design a new style based on being inspired by a new vintage piece that I find. All of my pieces are made from recycling vintage brooches, earrings, shoe clips, pendants, or buttons. I love that the same style necklace can look completely unique if I make one with an art deco dress clip, and another with a vintage black cameo. I love that each vintage piece compliments someone’s personal style. I think style should not be about trends, but more about reflecting someone’s personal expression.
SO: Have you always been a vintage collector?
NS: I went to fashion school in Florence, Italy and began collecting vintage jewelry there. Growing up in California, there is a lack of old buildings and history. I feel like everything is remodeled and new. Living in Florence was an incredible experience for me – it was so different from California. I loved how old everything was and all the history, from the art, churches, architecture, even the cobblestone. I found so much vintage jewelry in Florence and that inspired my future. At the time, I didn’t even know I wanted to be a jewelry designer... I just knew I had to have this vintage jewelry. I remember thinking the pieces were so old, beautiful and unique. I knew there was a story behind the pieces, which also made it even more special.
SO: What have been some of your best vintage finds to date?
NS: There are so many to name! I think my favorite vintage dress clip that I found at Portobello Road - The World's Largest Antique Market in England. I realized how small the world really is when I found the mate to the dress clip at an antique shop in Pasadena. I have also found these gorgeous vintage flower earrings, and filigree butterfly brooches that I have made into my designs that I love so much, I can’t sell them.
SO: What's next for you?
NS: As a designer, I am always trying to get inspired and challenge myself. I am also looking forward to going to New York for a trade show in September. I also have a trunk show at Henri Bendel September 25th and 26th.
SO: We'll definitely stop by for your trunk show at Bendel's! Other than jewelry, what are you passionate about?
NS: I am very passionate about rescuing dogs. In the United States we are euthanizing about 4 million dogs a year. In Los Angeles County alone we are euthanizing over 600 dogs a month. I love animals and volunteer with a wonderful animal rescue organization called Animal Advocates Alliance. We volunteer at the animal shelters and socialize the dogs; photograph and video them, temper test them and then try to network them and find them foster homes or permanent homes. Unfortunately the animal shelters are kill shelters, so the dogs that don’t get adopted, get euthanized. I also bring dogs to adoptions. It is very hard to see so many wonderful dogs and puppies neglected and in danger, yet very rewarding when they find wonderful homes. I hope one day that we solve this problem and we can have no kill shelters so every animal can be lucky to find a home.
SO: Let's talk about your favorite blogs/websites?
NS: Chic and You Shall Find: This is the best website and blog for Vintage Clothes. Brenna Egan was a fashion Stylist for Vogue magazine and styled celebrities and then recently launched this fabulous vintage site. She has an incredible eye for Vintage and the best taste. I love how fun and unique all her finds are. The prices are really reasonable too. I am obsessed with her site and want almost everything on there. 
Also The Daily Truffle: I love this blog! Lauren Brokaw is one of the writers and she is a Hollywood socialite. She writes up about all the fabulous parties in LA, and her favorite new discoveries and obsessions in fashion and art.
SO: And finally, are there any places you're dying to visit in the next year?
NS: Tahiti or Portofino in Italy. I really need a vacation!
Are you into Nola's vintage creations? Stay tuned to StyledOn to discover her top vintage stores in LA...