Chic Gems has been a brand I've encountered frequently across the Chicago fashion scene. From trunk shows to fashion shows, I've often found Sarah Radford showcasing her amazingly well made and fashion forward fashion accessories. She's definitely left her mark on the city and as a local Chicago fashionista she definitely deserves some love! I've often marveled at her chic gems and it's only recently I have had the chance to get her to answer some questions for the CFTE column!
Not only is Sarah a kind soul, she's passionate about what she does, incredibly talented and an inspiration to boot! Chic gems started as just a hobby in 2002, but when a corporate shake up changed Sarah's life in 2006, she took it as an opportunity to venture out on her own. It's definitely been worth it. It just goes to show that when one door closes, another door opens and it is up to us fashionistas to make our own choices and create our own destiny!
Chic Gems has the tag line that it is designer jewelry for the professional woman. This is a great addition to the Chicago fashion scene as a majority of the fashionistas in the area are professional women from 9-5. The pieces are great completer items that truly add a pop of fun to any look without feeling like costume jewelry. The jewelry is a great way to add some glam to a simple look or to pull together a look for a night out on the town. If you like what you hear and want to learn more about Sarah and Chic Gems be sure to read the CFTE interview with the designer below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about the line (or site) and who the person is that you create for?
I founded Chic Gems Couture Jewelry in 2002 as a side project while working as a sales representative. I have been a fashionista all my life.
I design affordable fashion jewelry for professional women, brides, and bridesmaids. My site offers a variety of pieces to choose from, many of which are easily customizable with the simple click of your mouse.
Price point ranges from $18-$150
2. What made you divulge your creative energies into launching a business? Had your past experience helped you to undertake running a business?
I have always wanted to be a business owner. I have always been a leader in each career that I have had, so it came naturally to want to run my own business and take ownership for my life's path. I have a background in retail sales and management for fashion companies such as Express, BCBG Max Azria, and Judith Ripka jewelry, so running Chic Gems has used all of those skills.
3. Can you tell us about the inspiration for this season's line?
This fall's collection is inspired by nature and Old Hollywood Glamour. We have incorporated Swarovski Crystal Moon Pendants, several dainty chain and charm pieces, and bold semi-precious stone pieces.
4. Can you share with our readers a little bit about how and where you find inspiration and what your creation process is like?
I enjoy keeping up with Hollywood fashion trends, Runway, and Pop Culture. My pieces always have a feminine edge mixed with everyday chic. I start by envisioning a design, sketching it, and selecting the materials to make it, and then completing the piece. I love nature, so you will see flower or leaf toggles on most of the necklaces and bracelets.
5. Can you give our readers the top 3 key items from the line that you think they should all have in their closet?
Top 3: Glamour Pearl Necklace Couture Quartz Earrings Lock and Key Necklace
6. What do you feel are the top 4 trends for the season that the people who read this column can and should experiment with?
Texture-Choose from python to chain, texture adds an element of excitement Color-Vibrant and Bold-Choose a bright necklace or handbag to add the finishing touch to your look Leopard print shoes-a must have trend this fall Neutrals-mixing neutrals is always chic
7. What are some key color trends you see for the upcoming season and what are the key color trends you are using in your line?
Vibrant colors-I always enjoy using color in my line. When you are wearing basic blacks, greys, and browns, what could be better than adding a pop of color with the perfect necklace Animal prints are on trend for fall 2010, Chic Gems neutral pieces are a great accent to that leopard print top
8. Who are your top 3 inspirational fashion designers? What draws you to them?
Coco Chanel-classic elegance that is timeless Nanette Lepore-feminine and flirty Louis Vuitton-timeless chic
9. Do you have any tips for the people out there who are interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry?
If you are still in school, get an internship or apprenticeship with a designer in the fashion industry to learn more first hand. Talk to people in the industry and learn what they think it takes to be successful. Read your fashion magazines-my favorites are: InStyle, Lucky, and Vogue.
10. Where can we learn more about you and your line/e-retailer?
Visit my website at www.ChicGemsCouture.com or call me at 888.801.8265
ABOUT SARAH:
Sarah Radford has quickly created a following of fashionistas nationwide by the name of Chic Gems. The tagline for the stylish company is “designer jewelry for professional women,” and the woman behind the chic and affordable line of jewelry knows exactly what professional women today want. Sarah has spent many years in sales and management for companies such as Express, BCBG Max Azria, and Judith Ripka Jewelry. Sarah grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Wittenberg University, her professional life brought her to Chicago where she fell in love with the City. Sarah founded Chic Gems, etc. as a side-project in 2002. But when a corporate shake-up rattled her professional path in 2006, Sarah realized it was the perfect opportunity to turn her passionate hobby into a lifestyle and to take life into her own hands! Sarah's lifelong interest in fashion began early.
From modeling her newest dress in pre-school to designing her own string bracelets as a young girl, interest has finally blossomed into the development of her own brand in Chic Gems, etc. Sarah is inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour including icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Sarah’s love for nature is obvious in her use of flower and leaf toggles for most of her pieces. She mixes classic and modern designs to create a new exciting twist for the woman who loves to be fashionable without being overly trendy. Stylish, sophisticated, and affordable, these gems are perfect for everyday wear and will instantly transform any wardrobe.
Sarah’s goal is for each woman who wears a piece from her collection to instantly feel glamorous and confident. Sarah has always designed her collections from materials that excite her such as quartzes, semi-precious stones, pearls, glass, and crystals. Her line incorporates bright colors, neutrals, and silver or gold accents with clean lines and a sleek sense of style. Featured in many stores and counting, Chic Gems, etc. also supports a number of charities by hosting and supporting benefit events. Sarah supports: The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, My Hope Chest, The Red Pump Project, The Aparecio Foundation, PAVE, CASE, among others - often by creating custom pieces for charities to sell to raise money.
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