In NewsWhistle’s weekly question-and-answer series, Clara Morgan speaks with some of the world’s top influencers and finds out more about their lives and careers.
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This week, Clara speaks with internationally-renowned jewelry designer, Margo Manhattan.
After studying jewelry design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Margo Manhattan perfected her design skills in Paris, where she began working with fashion icons including Karl Lagerfeld and Patrick Kelly. Not long after, Margo’s jewelry was prominently featured in Paris Vogue and other top publications. Now based in New York, where her boutique is located in the Upper East Side, Margo continues to gain attention of celebrities and style influencers with her bold, edgy and elegant designs.
See her collections here: http://www.margomanhattan.com/
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1. What piece of jewelry are you most proud of designing?
My Passion Rings would be my most cherished design. Two heart rings that fit together to form one complete ring. I love designing hearts…it is good for the soul, as hearts can have so many shapes and curves they be very sexy.
2. If you could meet anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He had this confidence in his music, wonderful style and carefree spontaneous spirit. I think we would get along famously.
3. Who or what is the biggest influence on your personal style?
I was born in intermission at New York City Ballet; my mother was a prima-ballerina and I was like a godchild to George Balanchine. Being in the theater formed me visually and made me a practical designer. I feel like everything that I design needs to be comfortable and move gracefully with your body.
4. If you were not a designer, what would you want to be?
An actress that sings and dances!
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m about to launch on Evine.com, a new shopping network that I will be designing an exclusive jewelry collection for. I also plan to branch out with more than just jewelry…so stay tuned…. More to come!
6. Proudest career moment?
Designing the original Red Ribbon for Aids Awareness in 1991 and helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and finding a cure…..we did it!!
7. Best dining experience you’ve ever had?
My friend had an impromptu dinner party at his Southampton, NY, oceanfront home with a group of friends. Amazing chef Rocco DeSpirito whipped up a bunch of dishes and I helped him with the BBQ. Then I shared my favorite recipe of corn and tabasco and Rocco cut up the corn and ran back to the kitchen and improvised his version for us. For desert my friend managed to throw Grucci Fireworks that blew us all away!
8. Favorite vacation spot and hotel?
Turks and Caicos and the Gansevoort Hotel.
9. Three items that can always be found in your handbag?
Un Plume for inspiration, an extra jewel to make a piece go from day to night, and lip gloss….. only the essentials daaarling!
10. What song can you listen to on repeat?
Besides the man in the photo serenading me?
Whitney Houston’s “I Will always Love You”…her voice just makes me feel so alive….…I’m an eternal romantic.
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Lead-In image courtesy of LucianaPampaloneStudio.com. All other images courtesy of Margo Manhattan.
