Nothing speaks louder for fashion than accessories. It has been my dream to meet a jewelry designer and you bet I was ecstatic when I heard I’d get the opportunity to meet and interview Heather Gardner of Heather Gardner Malibu. Heather Gardner Jewelry has frosted the likes of Vanessa Hudgens, Rose Byrne, and Kourtney Kardashian. Her distinctive and statement jewelry are hand-selected and crafted with the finest stones, jewels, and beads. SwimSpot is proud to sell her jewelry!
I sat down with Heather as we chatted about her jewelry, life, and passions.
JN: When did you first start designing jewelry?
HG: During high school and college, I would spend endless hours in bead stores. The beauty of the natural stones and faceted gemstones stole my heart and I would find myself creating designs that I would wear with my wardrobe favorites, or redesigning jewelry I already had. I was never satisfied with the jewelry in boutiques; it eventually led to me designing my own.
JN: What are your design inspirations?
HG: I am primarily inspired by the natural elements around me. Living in California and being out in nature, whether along the Pacific or trail running in the hills, I am constantly stimulated by the colors, scents, and sounds of life. All of this beauty has been translated into my designs, as one blog writer put it: "Gardner takes a little piece of the California sun and infuses it into every design she makes..." -Cristi Silva, That's So Rad blog
JN: Who are your style inspirations?
HG: I am inspired by various magazines that I look through; from fashion catalogues like Anthropologie to magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, and international publications of Elle, etc... I am always taking in everything around me, and I love to browse through the boutiques and stores in the Malibu Country Mart just to see what is out there, from interior design and even men's clothing and accessories. There are various fashion sites and blogs I take inspiration from as well. I would not necessarily say there is a "who" for my style inspirations, but that everything around me that "just feels right" inspire me to create. I love the natural beach chic fashion of California women on the coast, and try to make jewelry that they would love wearing all the time.
JN: If you could pick any celebrity to wear one of your pieces, who would it be, and what piece would it be?
HG: I have been honored to have fashion icon Vanessa Hudgens wear so many of my pieces so often; I love all the jewelry she has worn of mine but my favorite on her have been my Signature Feather earrings and Shark tooth necklaces. I would love to see the elegant and beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow in my designs, and I would choose one of my Ethiopian Layer Necklaces or Swarovski Crystal Layer Necklaces for one of her first to wear :)
JN: What is your favorite piece?
HG: My favorite piece is my Signature Feather Earrings. I wear these almost everyday and so do many women; as they are one of my best sellers. I love having the golden tones so close to my face, and when I want to mix it up a bit, I wear the same earrings, but with a turquoise stone above them. They complete any outfit, and can be worn to the beach, and then out on the town with my husband or girlfriends
JN: When you aren’t making fabulous jewelry, what do you enjoy doing?
HG: One of my top priorities in life is to be the best wife and mother I can possibly be. In order to do that, I need to stay active, healthy, and inspired. I love going on adventures with my husband and son Dakota, and you will often find us at one of our favorite beaches in Malibu every weekend or off on some adventure exploring the beauty of California. We also love to entertain, and we have a large organic garden and amazing home that allow us to enjoy the outdoors with amazing food and friends.
JN: Malibu, Paris or SOHO?
HG: Definitely Malibu. I'm a California girl born and bred; the ocean and mountains will keep me here for good. But Paris is one of my top 5 for my next international trip. I spent 10 days exploring art museums and restaurants in Paris after college and can't wait to get back.
From boho-chic to elegant style, Heather Gardner jewelry collections offer a variety of designs in necklaces and earrings. A big thank you to Heather Gardner for taking the time to talk with me (and make one of my dreams come true!) Shop her collections here and indulge in some of the amazing pieces!
Until next time, eat well and stay fabulous!
<3 Jennifer