JASMINE ROCKS

Everyone knows accessories are what makes your personal style POP and with jewelry designer Jasmine Pennamma bringing us a luxurious spin on boho-chic that screams HAUTE HOTT consensus is, you might want to invest in one of her fabulous pieces which range in price from $125 - $380.Bouncing between New York and Los Angeles, Jasmine definitely designs with a New York State of mind-with two-finger rings, cutting edge neckwear,hard rock bracelets, and jaw dropping earrings; once you take a look at her collection, you will most definitely find your jewelry box incomplete!

MM: Has designing a jewelry line always been something that you dreamed of?

JP: I actually started designing jewelry as a hobby when I lived in New York because I knew what I liked, but I could never find exactly what I was thinking of. It’s always been the same way with clothes too, but jewelry was a much easier start! When my girlfriends and I wore my pieces during fashion week and people whom I really respected took notice of them and actually liked them, it really built my confidence to take classes so I could start a collection. 

MM: What inspired your first collection?

JP:I had this basic bracelet I created from the most amazing stone and a friend suggested that I use the extras to create a glam version of the big, 80’s two finger rings. I spent a year working on the design and started up my whole company all around that. By the time I had secured the website and the photographer was coming in a few weeks, I realized it was crazy to launch a brand with only one piece and started letting my imagination run wild.

Jewelry Designer : Jasmine Pennamma

MM: Describe your aesthetic and what influences your designs.

JP: A lot of what I design is based on what I visualize will make people stop and stare when they see people wearing it. The rest is based on beautifully colored stones or the vintage pieces I dig up that I’m going to be expanding into.

MM: When did your love for fashion and jewelry start?

JP: There is no way I can even pinpoint when that first happened! I've been dressing up in my mom's clothes and jewelry for as long as I remember. I would go to the museum a lot as a kid and would always beg my parents to buy me rocks like crystals and rose quarts so the obsession goes back a long time.

MM: How do New York and LA style come out in your pieces?

JP: Most of my collection has been a luxurious spin on boho-chic. It was my first attempt at turning LA girls into mini glamazons like the ones that roam the streets of NYC. The pieces pop enough that if all you want to do is wear them with jeans and a white t-shirt, you are still going to look glazing.Even the thought of a two-finger ring is very NY, but softened up by amazing stones. The downtown NY girl is someone I’m going to be incorporating as the collection progress. 

MM: Describe your newest collection and its key pieces.

JP: I love having unexpected splashes of color to be introduced into a women’s wardrobe. While I did subscribe to the all black uniform of New York City on many occasions, you couldn’t stop me from being obsessed with pops of color. The newest collection is a shot of bright colors it includes a lot of natural elements like druzy, amethyst, and turquoise. I’ve also introduced a lot of my two favorite color combinations of white and gold.

MM: What are your passions outside of designing?

JP: Life is too short not to travel & enjoy your life. Traveling does bleed into designing though because you can't help but get inspired by the people and places you visit.

MM: Who is your favorite fashion icon of the moment?

JP: I'm in love with Rihanna right now. I actually designed the black druggy, two-finger ring, Charlayne, with her in mind. I love that rock chic vibe she's bringing right now & I am working on incorporating more of that into the line.

MM: What piece of jewelry can't you live without?

JP:I hate leaving the house without a ring on, AND if my hair is pulled back I have to have earrings on.

MM: Who is your favorite designer?

JP: Zac Posen. His pieces are life changing. I fell in love with the wedding dress he designed for his sister, Alexandra years ago. It was this breathtaking scarlet gown with a six-foot train of organza poppies. I'm not a wedding girl so that's how I knew he was a genius! I actually had a chance to intern for him years back and chose a summer at a casting agency. I always wished I could have done both!

From left to right : Zac Posen, Zac Posen's sister Alexandra in scarlet wedding dress.

MM: What's your favorite vacation spot ?

JP: Capri is hands down the most beautiful place on Earth. I could never tire of any place in Italy.

MM:What are some of your favorite places or hangout spots ?

JP: Any rooftop in NY with my girls and a cocktail where I can drink in the Manhattan skyline!

MM: What's your favorite movie ?

JP: I couldn’t tell you how many times I watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s. When I first moved to NY as an intern, I literally had to walk to Tiffany’s the first morning I arrived.

MM: What are some of your favorite books ?

JP: I've got a lot of books I like right now. Caught Between A Dream And A Job by Delatorro McNeal II, No More Mondays by Dan Miller , and The Four-Hour Workweek. They all were instrumental in me making my leap into designing. I just picked up Kelly Cutrone's book If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You from a friend...I can't wait to read it on the plane this week!

MM: Do you have any advice for those looking to break into the industry?

JP: It doesn’t matter if you start small or start big, just start. Don't worry about what you haven't already done because it's better to follow your dream today than five years from now.

MM: Any exciting upcoming projects for your brand? Will you collaborate with any other brands in the future?

JP: I'm a fashion week addict so I'm in the middle of looking to partner with a clothing designer for pieces for their show as well as deciding on a plan for this year’s Fashion's Night Out.

MM: Well wish you much luck with pairing up with a designer for fashion week and we wish you continued success with your collection. 

JP: Thank you so much!

For more information on Jasmine Pennamma events or to view her entire collection click HERE .