VG’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY WITH DECO FOX JEWELRY

VG had the recent pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Giulia Ficara, designer of LA-based jewelry brand Deco Fox, to talk a little about fashion, sunny Los Angeles living, the Deco Fox creative process, and the life-affirming creations we can expect to see from Ficara’s new line debuting this autumn/winter.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up, for the most part, in Montreal and then moved to Los Angeles when I was 16. Since then, I’ve traveled back and forth between the two cities quite a bit. Each city has been uniquely stimulating to me in its own way.

I’ve been passionate about fashion from day one. As a teen, I was convinced that I was destined for a career in (apparel focused) fashion design, but once in college, I found myself locked into a fashion program with a stifling focus on the technical aspects of design, with no emphasis on harnessing any creativity. After some soul searching, I decided marketing with a focus on fashion would be a more compelling/sustainable way to go. So I did just that, but was still left with a strong desire to create. Here I am.

Tell us a little about your creative process, from concept to creation. What inspires your designs?
I’m influenced by many different things; sometimes a certain mood or feeling will drive me to create. At other times, my environment will play a role–catching a glimpse of an inspiring object or stumbling upon a curious material I’d like to get to know better–these are all design catalysts for me. Once I have a concept in mind, I mold it into something a bit more tangible, working tirelessly on prototypes until the final product encapsulates the fledgling idea that first put me into motion. I then use that prototype as a springboard to form/focus each collection.

Apart from making jewelry, what do you like to do?
I love to shop, of course! It’s fitting that I should be interviewed by VG. I also just love being out, meeting new characters and experiencing all that’s possible, and hopefully bringing some of that back into my work. Graphic design is an outlet I’d like to delve deeper into–but I hold a deep respect for all facets of artistic expression (fashion, music, writing, cinema, architecture) and the power that it has in evoking sensory experiences that enable people to feel a real connection.

We’re guessing you’re familiar with most of LA’s shopping hot spots. Care to divulge?
Well, there are many, but I usually find myself exploring shops on Melrose, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and the Third Street Promenade. The Melrose Trading Post (on Sundays) is also a wonderful source for goods of the rare and eclectic variety. And of course, the Downtown LA Art Walk (every second Thursday of each month) is an experience not to be missed!

Name the top three albums you’re listening to right now.
Arcade Fire, The Suburbs; TV On The Radio, Dear Science; Pixies, Doolittle. All great albums from beginning to end.

What are your current accessory staples?
Apart from my obvious love of minimalist jewelry, I’m a staunch supporter of the vintage distressed leather belt and flirty Frye boot formula to finish off my day-to-day ensembles.

What are your favorite trends in fashion right now?
I’m a huge fan of geometric and hand-drawn prints, thick striped everything, and lots of romantic lace. I can’t wait for LA to cool down a bit so I can begin to start dressing for fall; my wardrobe can hardly contain itself!

Describe the Deco Fox girl in five words or less.
Bold, modern, expressive.

If you could choose any celebrity to be the face of Deco Fox, who would it be?
Mila Kunis. She has a great presence and a style that, like herself, is a great mix of classic beauty meets exotic edge.

What can we expect to see from the Deco Fox Fall/Winter 2012 Collection?
I’m working with lots of dark chain, exotic gemstones, leathers–and no surprise here–lace. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the rest; the collection will debut on September 18th!

These are a few of our favorite things:
1. Cream Peacock Feather and Rhinestone Earrings, $22
2. Red-Orange Agate Heart Necklace, $85
3. White Moonlight Druzy Ring, $65
4. Black Concave Druzy Slice Necklace, $105
5. Rose Crescent Druzy Ring, $85
6. Light Blue Two-Tone Diamond Shaped Druzy Ring, $105

Have we made a new Deco Fox fan out of you? PROVE IT. ‘Like’ Deco Fox on its brand new Facebook page and leave your email address as a comment below to win this Deco Fox glass and copper-coated triangle bracelet! Don’t forget to pick your color of choice (electric blue, lilac or midnight black). Contestants have until 11:59pm on Friday, September 30, 2011 to enter. Winner will be notified on Monday, October 3, 2011.

–STEPHANIE KAO