Behind the New York designer of Nabi Design

You haven’t seen jewelry quite like this before. Nabi Design Jewelry mixes elements that just make her jewelry incredibly unique. “I am personally in love with “the mix,” and that’s what makes anything unusual, beautiful, and personal to the wearer,” says Nabi, owner/designer of Nabi Design. With her jewelry you’ll be the talk of the town from Chicago to San Francisco. Her designs pop up everywhere. We love the naturalness of her pieces, yet they’re so chic. We caught up with Soho’s sweetheart to talk, what else…jewelry.

Shop Nabi at www.nabidesign.com

Factio Magazine: Your jewelry is so unique...mixing lots of elements? According to you, what sets you apart from other designers?

Nabi: I use everything! I hunt for vintage pieces, use semiprecious stones, gold-filled materials, silver, base metals, and am beginning to use pieces of my own carvings cast. I even use recycled silk in an earring that I sell as just one, called “Tibet” -- I’ve seen a lot more beautiful jewelry out there than there used to be, and that’s definitely very inspiring for me (and makes me work harder!)

I’d like to think my jewelry is unique in its adventurous quality and its mix of materials and that they carry my creative essence. There may be the same exact design in another designer’s collection, but how does that piece relate to its entire collection?

FM: Do you follow trends or are you into more classic looks concerning jewelry?

N: To be honest, I don’t follow it too, too closely.

Trends do influence me, but I don’t let it overwhelm my process of designing. I stick to what interests me at the moment; what shapes, stones, combinations of materials, vintage pieces are sitting on my jewelry table. I’m also very interested in classic looks – all designs are a reflection, echo, or reaction to pre-existing designs. We are all influenced somehow by classic looks, no matter how much we may deny it.

FM: What happens when people stop you in a restaurant, cafe, etc. to ask about your unique jewelry?

N: I did used to get stopped a lot or asked about my pieces when I used to wear them out during the beginning of my jewelry career. To be honest, I’ve become quite boring in terms of wearing my own stuff since when I’ve been so involved in the creation, fabrication, marketing, etc., etc., of my pieces that I want other designers’ creations; thankfully, many of my friends are creative types and we make each other jewelry, clothes, etc.

I do still get tickled, though, when friends call me to let me know the person next to her in a restaurant or in a theatre is wearing a “Nabi piece.” Then I usually make her describe the piece. Nowadays, I get phone calls from friends as far a San Francisco (I’m in NY) who tell me people are wearing stuff on the street, which, of course is so exciting.

FM: What other designers influence you?

N: My designing friends have had a huge influence on me; we have a bit of a community here and we barter pieces, dress each other, etc. They are sensitive and hugely talented group of chicks (Radka, Antoinette, Ume, Aimee, Xio, Arza)

FM: What are your biggest inspirations?

N: Nature, thoughts of travel, friends, the people and pulse of downtown New York, anything and everything.

FM: When did you first realize you made it? What other goals do you wish to conquer?

N: hmmm; don’t feel as if I’ve “made it” yet. It’s strange to even think that; at this point, it’s been in several publications, I’ve been featured in Lucky, some celebrities have worn and purchased my pieces, and it’s been on MTV… but I’m just trying to keep up with the orders! So, in other words, I’m sure I’ll enjoy all this when I get to sit back sometime later.

In terms of other goals, I think I desire to continue learning more about jewelry and continue making beautiful things and never get bored of it. I’m also working on a higher-priced collection.

FM: What's your design philosophy?

N: My Design Philosophy is to trust instinct, as banal as that may sound; that’s the only way for a new designer to discover his/her individuality and sets him/her apart. When I started making jewelry, there must’ve been hundreds of designers just in New York doing the same thing, but I simply didn’t care and I could only rely on my own talent, taste, and creative instinct; it’s paid off for me.

FM: What type of woman wears your jewelry? Which celeb would you love to wear your pieces or which celeb(s) already do?

N: Ideally, all types of women wear my jewelry.

Having said that, most of my designs are pretty stylish & glamorous (but in an earthy way), so it seems