Indie Designer Interviews: Kahili Creations
Filed under: Accessories, Style in the News, Interviews
We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.Today's designer, Marcia Asuncion-Ricchiuti of Kahili Creations, comes to us from the Big Island of Hawaii. Her jewelry designs are inspired by the islands, and each of her delicate creations is unique and perfectly elegant.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I like to say I'm a jewelry artisan disguised as a transplanted city girl now living in rural Hawaii. I specialize in delicate designs that feature precious and semi-precious gemstones.
How did you get started as a designer? I always loved sparkly things, and when I was just starting my career, I couldn't afford to buy nice jewelry. I walked into a bead shop one day, and was so inspired I started making things for myself and my friends and family.
I used to fund my trips abroad by selling jewelry.
What inspires your work? I'm inspired by the colors of my natural surroundings, from the soothing sea glass that I collect on the beach, to the constant lava flow from Kilauea, to the flowers that surround my house and constant rainbows.I've also been known to gaze upon my gemstone beads, completely mesmerized. I stare at a strand of watermelon tourmaline and can come up with ten designs in no time.
Who are your favorite designers? Jewelry-wise, I love Ayala Bar and Cathy Waterman.
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I live in a tropical climate, so floppy linen pants, slippahs (flip-flops) and cute little tops, in natural fabrics, of course, are my absolute necessities.
I am a product junkie, so if I had to choose my two "desert island" items, it would have to be my Clarins Lip Color tint in Wild Berry and Phillip B Drop Dead Straight Baume.
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Make what you love and don't be discouraged.
Where can people find your work? KahiliCreations.etsy.com
