CIRCA Presents: Irene Neuwirth

Jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth will preview her Fall 2012 collection at the CIRCA Accessories Salon at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We recently sat with Irene to find out what influences her style:

Hometown: Los Angeles, California.

At CIRCA, we believe that every jewel tells a story. What’s your story?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My creative ability comes from my mother, a painter, and my entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by my father, a businessman. I emerged early on as a free-spirited and creative child, captivated by the beauty of my natural surroundings.

In college, I became passionate about horseback riding, eventually becoming a professional equestrian. I had always identified with the beauty and power of nature, preferring to teach riding in the mountains of Colorado, than to work in the business world. I began designing jewelry as a hobby, and sold the one-of-a-kind pieces as fast as I could make them. Quickly the demand became too high to fulfill with my limited access to materials, and in 2003, with a small loan to buy raw materials, I created a sample line that was picked up by Barneys New York. As soon as I got back to California, I began taking jewelry-making classes and training with a seasoned GIA specialist. My collections have evolved over the years, but they have remained unwavering in their design signatures.

What was the inspiration for your current collection?

Like many artists, travel is a source of inspiration for me. I spent the holidays in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and came home so excited to design! The colors and textures of the town are amazing. I like to keep fine jewelry young and playful, and believe it should be worn and enjoyed every day. Ultimately, I want the collection to feel like the fine version of a costume collection, and to be worn with the same effortless style.


What pieces will you be showcasing at the CIRCA Accessories Salon this season?

I will be showing pieces from the 2012 collection as well as a number of classic pieces, and one-of-a-kinds.

Who is your style icon?

This is hard, I’m so inspired by so many of the amazing women I’ve been lucky enough to meet. I'd have to say my mom.

Do you have a piece of jewelry that has special meaning to you?

All of it! But my Dad gave my Mom a gift in the 70’s that she passed down to me. It’s a long, rose gold chain with a pocket watch. She wore it every single day for as long as I can remember, and when she gave it to me I was so flattered.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

Each piece I create is designed to be worn, enjoyed, passed down over generations. I want the jewelry to become heirlooms. This is the ultimate way of being sustainable. A portion of our gold is recycled, and as a business, we use as many sustainable materials as possible, whenever possible.

To preview Irene Neuwirth’s Fall 2012 collection, visit the CIRCA Accessories Salon, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on Friday, February 10, 2012. Print this post