THREAD San Diego is growin' up, now setting the picturesque Sheraton Hotel Harbor Island into cultural upheaval in the name of fashion and urban lifestyle. And, it all goes down on Sunday, August 17 from 11am to 6pm, unleashing upon San Diego a fresh index of designers, avant garde entertainment, lifestyle luxuries, and VIP lounges.
In anticipation, DiscoverSD.com spotlights top THREAD designer: Elisa Gonsalves. From trends to inspirations and the last outfit on earth: discover the vision behind Elisa Gonsalves jewelry designs.
Q. I love your rings. They have an old-world charm with a modern twist. What influences your jewelry designs?
A. As a designer, I'm influenced by various cultures and historical eras. One of my favorite hobbies is frequenting vintage and antique shops, as well as the swap meet. I love finding pieces that speak to me and have a unique story behind them, and I like to take those pieces where I can preserve their original beauty as well as add some feminine and modern appeal. To be honest, my guilty pleasure is watching "The Tudors" on Showtime. Henry VIII was a cruel monarch but he had great taste!
Q. What got you started in this industry and what is your inspiration?
A. I started off making jewelry for myself as a hobby. When I was in kindergarten I made a mini playground out of paper for my 3-inch teddy bear Monty. I made swings, a teeter-totter, carousel - everything Monty could need. But really, I have these amazing books: 500 wedding rings, 500 bracelets, 500 necklaces, and 500 earrings by A Lark Jewelry. Anyone who is thinking of designing jewelry should take a look at these books. Of course most of my designs are catered towards women but some of them can also be worn by men. I'm currently working on a men's line for fall, so there's a little something for everyone.
Q. If you weren't designing jewelry, what would you be doing?
A. Jewelry is not the only thing I design. Lately I have been reworking vintage hats, handbags, boots, belts, and hair accessories with a variety of colorful feathers and other accents. These new pieces are designed to be one-of-a-kind and will be showcased at the upcoming San Diego THREAD Show on August 17th. However if I wasn't designing accessories, I would be a perfumer. I've noticed that I have a keen sense of smell and my collection of perfume is ever growing. Some of my favorite scents are Michael Kors and Kai.
Q. What is your favorite piece in your collection? What is your favorite piece you've ever created and where is it now?
A. Wow, my favorite piece? I have many but I think it changes each time I design something new. It's funny but, whatever is new for me at that time usually becomes my favorite piece. I hand make each piece so I become somewhat attached to my work and sometimes find it hard to let certain things go. It's a revolving door of designing; I rework the old and bring in the new. If you were to make me decide on a piece, it would most likely be the Gold Filled Gypsy Ring on my website at www.elisagonsalves.com. I pretty much wear it every day and it goes with everything. As for my favorite piece from the past, I'd have to say it is a very chunky layered sterling silver necklace, with hand-carved coral roses, and a vintage Virgin Mary accent which I wore in a fashion show "Jeans for Justice." It was gladly sold to the highest bidder!
Q. If tomorrow was your last day on earth, what would you wear?
A. I like this question. I think I would wear nothing (well almost nothing). I came into this world nude, might as well leave it naturally. Of course I may add one or two of my accessories just for fun. A deep red feather hair clip with peacock feathers and a rosary anklet, both will be debuted in my fall line coming soon.
Get all the must-know details about THREAD San Diego here.
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