originally posted on the POP

Sarah Sulzberger Perpich: What are your earliest and fondest fashion memories and who in particular inspired and fostered your love and curiosity for fashion and jewelry?

Pamela Love: My grandmother Rose first introduced me to fashion magazines when I was very young. She used to play dress up with me and let me put on her makeup. She had an extremely unique style: all black clothes, black beret, jet black hair and lots of silver jewelry and she played guitar. Everything about her was artistic and it inspired me even at an early age.

SSP: When did you first fall in love with jewelry and what do you love about it most?

PL: I first fell in love with jewelry when I was about six and my mother gave me my first pair of dangly earrings. I thought it meant I was mature and ladylike. I love jewelry because it holds so much significance for people.

SSP: How did your previous work and experiences influence your sense of style?

PL: I spent several years as Francesco Clemente’s painting assistant. His creative process is so inspiring to me. I learned a lot about being an uncompromising individual from him.

SSP: What inspired you to start your own jewelry collection and how did it come about?

PL: I started my collection shortly after the death of my father in 2006. For whatever reason, it just felt right and helped me through a very dark period of my life.

SSP: How did you manage to successfully launch a high-end jewelry line (some price tags are over $2,000) during an economic recession?

PL: I think when people have less money to spend they don’t stop spending. They are just much more particular and far more concerned with quality and value. I think my customers recognize and appreciate the value and care that goes into my work. I feel honored when people don’t have tons of money at their disposal and they still choose to buy one of my pieces.

SSP: Can you describe your creative design process — and if you think it is similar to the creative process behind fashion, art and music?

PL: I usually get an image in my head. Sometimes it will just come to my mind out of nowhere, other times it will be directly related to something I saw (a movie, a sculpture, a plant etc.). Then I may or may not make a quick sketch. Then I carve the model out of wax or clay.

SSP: How would you describe your collections’ design aesthetics? Signature styles?

PL: It’s a little dark and gothic but also light and spiritual… Rock and Roll, flower child, nomad, shaman, sorcerer, knight… My most recognized piece is the eagle talon cuff.

SSP: You are queen of creative collaborations: How is the design process different when collaborating with a fashion house and runway show?

PL: It’s totally different trying to take someone else’s ideas and inspiration and executing it your own way. It’s challenging to find ways to be true to your own aesthetic while realizing someone else’s vision.

SSP: Which collaborations have you enjoyed the most and why? Which ones have been the most successful and in what way?

PL: I loved collaborating with Zac Posen on the jewelry and accessories for his Spring ‘09 show. He gave me so much freedom and the pieces were such a focal point. I also loved collaborating with Opening Ceremony and Spike Jonze for a line inspired by his film Where the Wild Things Are. It was so fun and different from anything I had done before. It gave me a chance to be more whimsical and childlike in my designs.

SSP: Do you have any interest in launching a more affordable, accessible collection in addition to your high-end collection?

PL: Yes of course! As long as I can control where and how the collection is produced. I am extremely committed to domestic production.

SSP: What has it been like and what have you learned from your experiences so far in the fashion world and your instant success at a young age?

PL: Just to go slow. It’s not a race. Don’t take on too much at one time. Quality is always better than quantity.

Pamela Love’s top ten loves right now

1. Jackson C Frank
2. Torelli bikes
3. Turquoise
4. Men’s oxfords
5. Devendra Banhart
6. Old aviator sunglasses
7. New tattoos
8. Gardening
9. This amazing band called Woods
10. Dr Martens

Info: www.pamelalovenyc.com