Until recently, when I thought about pearls, I thought about my grandmother's oversized earrings. Now, I think about those but I also think about Nektar de Stagni's smiley pearl pendants and rings. Nektar, also the name of the Miami- and New York-based designer behind the line, has put her own, instantly recognizable, stamp on the precious pearl in cheeky pavé patterns. No small step, considering its history. Below, Nektar shows us her studio and tells us about her childhood of fashion fandom as well as the OC-exclusive NDS pieces in the works for fall.
Shop all Nektar de Stagni here.
Alice Newell-Hanson: I read that you began designing when you were six! Were you super into fashion growing up?
Nektar de Stagni: I had a one-track mind as a child. I was obsessed with all things beauty. I had a pair of heels by the time I was three—my parents brought me back a pair of flamenco heels from Spain—they were red with white polka dots, à la Minnie Mouse! I was always playing with clothes and drawing dresses. And I would religiously tape CNN's Style with Elsa Klench, Fashion File, and House of Style.
How did you channel that into a career and begin making jewelry?
I started my formal training at 18, with private lessons, although I consider myself mostly self-taught. My primary training came from hands-on experience, from starting my own label at 21, as well as opening and running my retail store in Miami.
How did you end up splitting your time between Miami and New York?
Miami has been home for many years, and I draw a lot of inspiration from the city; it’s part of the brand's DNA. But the energy of New York and its place in the history of art and design is always motivating. In many ways, New York is the perfect complement to Miami.
You share studio space with a group of Miami-based artists, including Martin Oppel and Hernan Bas. Do you ever see their influence in your work and vice versa?
Growing up and working around artists has definitely given me an appreciation for thinking about objects in a more timeless way and putting things in a historical context. It has made me want to design objects which have the potential to become classics and heirlooms.
How would you describe the Miami art scene right now? Do you have any favorite galleries?
There are so many great artists living and working in Miami, and it’s a close-knit and supportive community. Some great spaces and projects are University of Wynwood, Bas Fisher, and Dimensions Variable.
We're all obsessed with your smiley pieces this season. Where do you source your pearls?
I produce all my work with a network of fine jewelers in both Miami and New York, with materials sourced from specialty distributors all around the states and abroad.
What are your other favorite materials to work with?
I really enjoy working with fine metals and stones. I recently designed a solid gold custom brooch pavéed with black diamonds and a single south sea pearl. I really like the idea of making unique, precious pieces that will be passed down and cherished for a long long time.
What is the most unusual material you've used?
I experiment a lot! So the list is long. It includes resins, paint, hologram stickers, electroplating, gold leaf, rope, silk, and fabrics. Most recently, I made a capsule collection using decorative KnollTextile fabrics.
I heard there are some OC-exclusive pieces in the works for next season. Can you tall me anything
Shop all Nektar de Stagni here.
Alice Newell-Hanson: I read that you began designing when you were six! Were you super into fashion growing up?
Nektar de Stagni: I had a one-track mind as a child. I was obsessed with all things beauty. I had a pair of heels by the time I was three—my parents brought me back a pair of flamenco heels from Spain—they were red with white polka dots, à la Minnie Mouse! I was always playing with clothes and drawing dresses. And I would religiously tape CNN's Style with Elsa Klench, Fashion File, and House of Style.
How did you channel that into a career and begin making jewelry?
I started my formal training at 18, with private lessons, although I consider myself mostly self-taught. My primary training came from hands-on experience, from starting my own label at 21, as well as opening and running my retail store in Miami.
How did you end up splitting your time between Miami and New York?
Miami has been home for many years, and I draw a lot of inspiration from the city; it’s part of the brand's DNA. But the energy of New York and its place in the history of art and design is always motivating. In many ways, New York is the perfect complement to Miami.
You share studio space with a group of Miami-based artists, including Martin Oppel and Hernan Bas. Do you ever see their influence in your work and vice versa?
Growing up and working around artists has definitely given me an appreciation for thinking about objects in a more timeless way and putting things in a historical context. It has made me want to design objects which have the potential to become classics and heirlooms.
How would you describe the Miami art scene right now? Do you have any favorite galleries?
There are so many great artists living and working in Miami, and it’s a close-knit and supportive community. Some great spaces and projects are University of Wynwood, Bas Fisher, and Dimensions Variable.
We're all obsessed with your smiley pieces this season. Where do you source your pearls?
I produce all my work with a network of fine jewelers in both Miami and New York, with materials sourced from specialty distributors all around the states and abroad.
What are your other favorite materials to work with?
I really enjoy working with fine metals and stones. I recently designed a solid gold custom brooch pavéed with black diamonds and a single south sea pearl. I really like the idea of making unique, precious pieces that will be passed down and cherished for a long long time.
What is the most unusual material you've used?
I experiment a lot! So the list is long. It includes resins, paint, hologram stickers, electroplating, gold leaf, rope, silk, and fabrics. Most recently, I made a capsule collection using decorative KnollTextile fabrics.
I heard there are some OC-exclusive pieces in the works for next season. Can you tall me anything