Getting to Know Our Designers :: Melissa Joy Manning

Melissa Joy Manning began her highly coveted and eponymous line in 1997

after seeing one of her designs on a t.v sitcom. 

Manning had studied traditional silversmithing in Mexico, design in Barcelona, art history in 

San Diego, and jewelry design and sculpture in San Francisco.

A bay area native, Manning took her extensive background in the arts and applied it to her true passion, creating beautiful, heirloom style pieces that combine the traditional with the modern.

Her aesthetic crosses many genres, and her inspirations from traveling, art, and different cultures shine through in her designs. They range from simple and delicate 14k gold and mixed metal chains to large statement pieces featuring raw cut crystals and stones.

Manning lets her materials speak for themselves, allowing the gems or metals to become the focal point in order to show their natural beauty. 

Melisa believes her pieces speak to the individual rather than the masses. Each piece is special and unique becoming "not an accessory, but an expression", as Manning says of her work. 

Mannings materials also come from social and environmentally sustainable vendors

and are handmade to order in her Berkeley based studio.

We love Mannings attention to natural beauty, as well as her range of style and choice. Each piece is truly unique, and we love how her pieces stand out when worn alone, and the bold statement they create when layered together.

Stop by McMullen to shop the Melissa Joy Manning collection and find the perfect Mother's Day gift, or a pretty treat for yourself.

See limited styles online at 

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/melissa_joy_manning/

or call 

510.659.6906 

for more information on Melissa Joy Manning.

 

xo

McMullen

Breakfast and Banter with the Fortunato Twins

Last week we were given a treat when Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato stopped by McMullen for breakfast and a little banter. We sat down with the amazing duo over mimosas and muffins to hear all about how they started their amazing jewelry and handbag line, and to take a sneak peek at the gorgeous new Fall 2013 collection. 

After gaining a following at Duke University stringing beads and selling them to fashionable girls who would line up outside the twins dorm room, the Fortunato girls realized they had something going.  After an education in finance for Kathryn and a brief stint in fashion PR for Lizzie, the girls decided to start the line.

When asked about their technique, Lizzie responds that the materials come first and they drive what the piece will ultimately become.

Treating each piece like a treasure hunt, Lizzie and Kathryn search all over the east coast for amazing finds that they can incorporate into their jewelry. One of the most important aspects of the business is that they keep as much production as possible within the U.S, only sending things overseas for intricate handwoven beading or embroidery techniques.

Lizzie and Kathryn say that the relationships they build with their vendors, learning their processes, and getting their industry advice is the most rewarding part of the business.

Over the past year the girls have decided to incorporate semi-precious stones into their pieces, as well as a line of gorgeous, sumptuous leather goods.

As they gain more and more of a following,  Lizzie and Kathryn have realized that their pieces span all age groups and types of women. When asked who their core customer is, they almost scoff at the thought. They don't have a particular muse, but design for women who are 

"trailblazers, adventurers, collectors, artists, innovators, intellectuals, engaged, dreamers....women who dress to tell a story."

And the girls tell their own story through their pieces. They approach designing and their customer with intelligence, humor and thought and recognize that fashion is not just about what you are wearing,  but about how it makes you feel, what it makes you think of, and how it accelerates your senses.

It was truly inspiring to meet these bright, talented young women. We love their collections and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the near future.

Stop by McMullen to take a look at the new Lizzie Fortunato Spring 2013 collection
Or click the link below to shop online

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/lizzie-fortunato/

xo

McMullen