entrepreneur spotlight: kirsten goede, objets d’envy

You’ve heard me sing the praises of Chicago jewelry designer, Kirsten Goede’s stylish and dazzling crystal designs before on the highest of rooftops. Never have I purchased a singular piece of jewelry that has been envied, praised, and fawned over at cocktail parties to coffee catch-ups. Simply put, Objets D’Envy is an impeccably impressive collection of crystal necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings in bright, brilliant hues that instantly update your wardrobe without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet. I had the opportunity to see a sampling of Goede’s pieces first-stand, and believe me when I say, she is the real deal.

Kirsten was kind enough to answer a few questions about her business, her line, and what’s on the horizon for Objets Fall 2009.

As of late, I feel incredibly connected to smart, savvy, women entrepreneurs. After acquiring an MFA from Boston University and working as a graphic designer, what made you make the leap to design your own jewelry collection? Why jewelry?

KG: I love that you feel that connection. I think women entrepreneurs are fantastic, smart, creative and motivated. I feel energized by their success!

I was craving three-dimensional work. During school, there was always a study of something you make with your hands: ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, even photography (processing the prints). I found I was missing that…crafting something with my hands. It was satisfying to use my visual brain combined with my hands.

Your line, Objets D’Envy, is an impeccably impressive collection of crystal necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings in bright, brilliant hues that instantly update your wardrobe without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet. Never have I worn a piece of jewelry that’s garnered so many compliments! On your website, you describe the pieces as “everyday luxury.” Tell me more about this – your vision for the collection and how it connects with women, especially in this precarious economy.

KG: That reaction you’re getting is exactly the point of my line. I love when women feel beautiful wearing a piece of mine. All day long, women are working, care-taking, surviving. During all that, if they’re wearing a necklace that sparkles and attracts attention, then they get a little ego boost. It will make you feel pretty all day long. And the compliments are the bonus!

In this economy, I think my jewelry is the perfect way to treat yourself. It’s well-designed, handcrafted, and made in the USA…all for a nice price. (It’s much cheaper than diamonds but just as sparkly!) So you can enjoy something new without breaking the bank. In terms of stretching your wardrobe, jewelry is the perfect way to jazz up a dress from last year. Many of my pieces can be worn a couple ways…long or layered. The other wonderful feature comes from the Swarovski crystals themselves. Because they’re specially coated, they reflect many colors. That means your Caramel colored bracelet will compliment and pick up the tones in your lavender hued crew neck.

Crafted from fine Swarovski crystals, all the pieces in your line are part art, part glam – perfect for day with an easeful transition to evening. Why did you decide to focus on Swarovski as a main element?

KG: I was instinctively drawn to Swarovski in my jewelry making. I think it’s the graphic designer in me – I’m obsessed with color. I love rich, vibrant hues, especially large swaths of color. The colors of Swarovski crystals feed my desire to surround myself with color. And the shine is the icing on the cake. I figured that many women were like me…attracted to the sparkle and color. So I built my line on that concept.

How do you come to design the pieces for the season? From where do you draw inspiration? I know some jewelry designers sketch out concrete pieces while others create from a concept. Can you speak to your process of creating a line each season?

KG: It’s a mixture of things that inspire me: a color palette, a visual memory, a mood of the season. I remember feeling very hopeful for spring of this year. I felt that women would turn to bright accessories to encourage their own hope. So I did light, airy pieces in candy-colored tones. Recently, I found myself wanting large pieces. I wanted to return to my first love…oversized stones and a multitude of chains. I’m known for using Swarovski in abundance. That’s my favorite look. So I’m inspired by what I want and what women want.

What are your covetable pieces from your collection?

KG: The most covetable piece is the one that started my line, the Rock Candy Bracelet. It is-and always has been-the showstopper. I have many customers who collect the different colors. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s so worth it. I love it when fans want it. When they finally purchase, it’s so fun to share that with them. The Ligne necklace is my favorite from Spring/Summer. It’s half chain and half crystals…a modern combination that draws you in visually. It was featured in Lucky Magazine. So many women are coveting it!

Tell me about your Fall 2009 line!

KG: I call my Fall collection Cachet because it’s got that je ne sais quoi quality. There are many pieces to fall in love with. I’ve done dramatic earrings, statement necklaces and dangly bracelets to compliment the high-glam fashion you’ll be wearing this fall. The vibe is luxurious eveningwear styles that can be worn for both day and night. It puts a little oomph in your daytime wardrobe. In the spirit of “more is more,” I designed many pieces with a multitude of crystals. That’s classic Objets d’Envy style…an extravagance of Swarovski riches.

More snaps from the collection after the jump!

All images courtesy of Objets D’Envy

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 at 9:39 am and is filed under beauty, fashion & style, entrepreneurs, fab finds, jewelry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.