Harajuku Lovers jewellery line coming in March
From Home Town Life.com:
West Bloomfield’s own Samantha Bankle Schefman recently made history in the world of costume jewelry, becoming the youngest designer at the legendary Miriam Haskell company. Her first assignment? Creating singer Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers line, set to hit Macy’s in March.
Now corporate-owned, Miriam Haskell has ventured into creating jewelry for celebrities, designers and department stores including Betsey Johnson, J. Lo, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and Old Navy. The company recently signed an exclusive license agreement with Gwen Stefani, who already has successful clothing, handbag and fragrance lines.
MUSIC INSPIRED
Schefman said she grew up listening to Stefani’s band No Doubt, and now analyzes the singer’s solo work.
“I study it for the line I’m working on,” Schefman said. “It’s definitely a reference and everything she sings about is translating into our designs. I’ve taken myself away from being a fan and more of working for her.”
The jewelry, like Stefani’s other fashion ventures, is inspired by the Tokyo street culture embodied by her Harajuku Girls back-up dancers.
“The line has ended up being pieces for the fans that are kind of based around the girls and Gwen,” she said. “A lot of it’s based on what’s trendy and what’s selling, but we’re experimenting with all different materials. The first set is very rock chic.”
“They’ll be very different looks. They’ll be cohesive but they’ll definitely transition for the seasons and our own inspirations,” Schefman said.
According to Schefman, Stefani caused a stir when she visited the Miriam Haskell offices in Manhattan to plan her line. “People wanted to meet her and be there because she’s gorgeous and perfectly put together, so we weren’t even allowed in the meeting,” Schefman said. “I haven’t met her yet, but I have a whole lot of respect for Gwen. She’s definitely driven and talented.”
ARTISTIC FAMILY
Schefman said she was excited to be assigned to the Harajuku Lovers collection and coincidentally, it wasn’t her first brush with Stefani. While at CCS, she interned at Stefani and Company in Keego Harbor, owned by Cary and Jesse Stefani, who are relatives of Gwen and designed the wedding ring for her marriage to musician Gavin Rossdale.
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