Joanna Laura Constantine

JOANNA

LAURA CONSTANTINE

www.joannalauraconstantine.com

Worn by Selina Gomez for her Rolling Stones cover shoot last month, Beirut born jeweller Joanna Laura Constantine’s latest collection of colour pop statement jewellery is now available at Fenwick

Spotted on Bella Hadid, Alisha Keyes and Zendaya recently, the collection of mix and match earrings, rings and necklaces are created from recycled gold and sustainably sourced pearls to create the latest bright and beautiful statement jewellery, all handmade in Joanna’s home city of Beirut by a team of expert artisans reviving the age-old tradition of Lebanese jewellery design.

Joanna is the creative force behind the luxury accessories brand, Joanna Laura Constantine. Her fascination with fashion, jewelry and accessories drove her to the Parsons School of Design, where she obtained a degree in Fashion Design.

After graduating from Parsons School of Design, she held a series of internships at a number of renowned design studios. Her time working in fashion houses such as Donna Karan NY, Lanvin and Nicole Miller has led to her own creative growth. Soon after in 2010, she launched her line of fashion jewelry and moved back to Beirut to set up her studio and workshop.

Following a vote by a jury comprising senior executives from Vogue Arabia, the Dubai Design & Fashion Council, and both the regional and international fashion community, Joanna Laura Constantine was crowned the winner for the accessory’s category for 2017 DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize.

Today, her signature pieces won a celebrity fan base, including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kelly Osbourne, Chiara Ferragni, Jessica Alba, Nicole Scherzinger to name a few. Her collections have been featured in international fashion and lifestyle publications including Elle UK, Elle USA, Elle France, Vogue UK and Vogue Paris, W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar China, Vogue Vietnam, L’Officiel and more and have also made an appearance of her jewelry in international advertising campaigns by L’Oréal, Air France and Campari.

Tell us about your education.

I’m Joanna Laura from Lebanon whereby I lived most of my childhood during the civil war. I always loved fashion since I was a child. I used to collect tear-sheets from magazines and dream of becoming a designer. After finishing business school, I decided to continue to do an MBA as well which helped me a lot in running my business. After that I moved to NY and studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design.

How did your love affair with jewelry begin?

It started while I was studying an accessories elective during my studies at Parsons School of Design in NYC.

When and why did you choose Parsons School of Design to pursue your passion for learning Jewelry design?

I always wanted to study fashion design but I wanted to please my parents first so went to business school. But my true passion was always for fashion. After I finished my MBA, I worked in the hospitality industry during which I decided on a career change and moved to New York to apply to Parsons. I was not able to get in the first time, I got accepted as the war broke in Lebanon and the airport was closed so they had to defer my acceptance.

How did working with fashion houses such as Donna Karan NY, Lanvin and Nicole Miller change your perception of Jewelry design?

Interning in these fashion houses taught me so much about the industry and gave me real life lessons that can’t be taught at school. I learnt the whole process of creating a collection and of course the importance of the business side as well.

When and where did you launch your brand officially?

I launched it in 2010 in NYC and then moved back to Beirut a year after to start my own brand.

What kind of challenges you had to face during the initial stage of establishing your business and how did you overcome them?

The challenge is constant even after 12-13 year of running the business. I had to learn all aspects of the business and jewelry production which is the most challenging part of running a jewelry brand.

What are the key principles that you follow at Joanna Laura Constantine?

I create unique modern and elegant jewelry pieces for the modern woman.

Can you describe your jewelry? What are the materials you use?

It’s feminine yet bold. I love using colored stones and enamel which is currently a big trend.

What makes your jewelry unique and different?

I think the story behind the brand and where it’s made makes it look and feel different.

Can you walk us through the process behind your gorgeous custom designs?

It is an ongoing inspiration and collection development. It starts out with a sketch followed by a 3D drawing which is then printed on a 3D printer. We then create the mold for the casting. Each piece is polished and worked with by hand in our in-house atelier. This is where I explore the variations and ideas on how I can work with new molds. After creating the piece the colors of stones and enamel are selected. Each piece goes through at least 6 artisans before it’s finished and becomes a complete piece of jewelry.

How often are you creating new collection for your jewelry?

I create 4 collections per year.

Which trends will dominate this year in the Jewelry designs?

I believe bling is back! Statement earrings with lots of crystals.

Where all is your jewelry available to purchase?

It is available online at: ounass.com

Who are some of your favorite celebrities to wear your jewelry?

Alicia Keys, Bella Hadid and Rose Byrne.

What are some of your future plans?

I am planning to launch a fine jewelry line.

What are your personal secrets for success?

You have to be 100% dedicated and passionate about what you do.

Share some of your other hobbies.

I love doing sports especially Yoga and Paddle!

How did you feel winning the accessory’s category for 2017 DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize?

It gave me so much satisfaction to know that my work is appreciated in the region and that I am on the right track.

What are some of your other achievements that make you happy?

It makes me so happy to see my jewelry in the top department stores worldwide and on celebrities likes Bella Haddid and Alecia Keys.

Your message for us at CP magazine.

Thank you for your support to young brands!