Hearts On Fire has appointed Janie Bryant, Mad Men costume designer, and Tara Subkoff, international fashion designer, as its new brand ambassadors.
Both women have lengthy resumes in the fashion industry. Bryant was voted Fashion’s Most Influential of 2010 by Refinery29 and was also included in the 2010 Vanity Fair 100 Most Influential People list.
Subkoff launched her own brand, Imitation of Christ, in 2001 and has since collaborated with a variety of celebrity clients including Selma Blair, Milla Jovovich, and Scarlett Johansson.
JCK had the opportunity to ask both ambassadors questions about their careers and own personal styles.
JCK: Can you tell me a little bit more about your collaboration with Hearts On Fire? How does it feel to be selected as a brand ambassador?
Janie Bryant: My first diamonds were given to me by my great aunt Kate when I was 11 years old and I have been a huge fan of diamonds ever since. So it is a great honor to work with Hearts On Fire and represent their inspirational company who not only cuts each of their diamonds in the exact same way but also takes pride in making sure all of their diamonds are conflict free.
Janie Bryant (photo courtesy of Hearts On Fire)
Tara Subkoff: I am so honored to be the new brand ambassador of Hearts On Fire and I will be featuring the collection at the Imitation of Christ Spring/Summer 2013 show during fashion week in September. I was instantly drawn to the power and brilliance of Hearts On Fire. To me, being an original is still the most important part of who I am, and these one-of-a-kind diamonds are a perfect match. Every piece looks like a work of art, so well cut and well designed with great attention to detail.
Tara Subkoff (photo courtesy of Hearts On Fire)
JCK: Can you describe the important role jewelry plays when designing costumes?
JB: Jewelry plays a crucial part in costume design. Jewelry helps tell the story of whom each character is and can be as iconic as the costumes. It adds depth to the character and can even reveal character or signature style.
Mad Men has had a tremendous influence on today’s fashions, inspiring many to wear classic, retro looks. What inspired your Mad Men creations? Particularly, how do you select the jewelry for each character?
JB: It all starts with the script! It’s a huge part of imagining what the characters are going to look like in terms of their costume design. From there it’s research, research, research. I love watching films from the period, looking at magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Ladies Home Journal, and Good Housekeeping among others. Newspapers, and vintage photos are also a huge inspiration too! In terms of jewelry, the particular pieces really have to speak to me and what I think tells the story of the character.
JCK: Do you have a favorite accessory?
JB: I love hats, bags, sunglasses, hosiery, and of course, diamonds!
JCK: Tara, what influenced your Imitation of Christ line?
TS: Imitation started off as an art project and morphed into a clothing line. I design for the every woman, who wants to stand out and feel a little extra special. Everything I experience in my life inspires my designs.
JCK: You are known to execute elaborate and theatrical fashion shows. When designing clothes for runway models and celebrities, how important are the jewelry choices?
TS: Every aspect of each show is important to me, from the lighting to the accessory choices. I want not only my designs to speak for themselves but to create an experience. I am so grateful and inspired to be using Hearts On Fire jewelry for my next show.
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