Home JOURNAL Behind the Label | Jill Golden

Behind the Label | Jill Golden

New York based designer Jill Golden believes jewelry is not only the accessory that transforms an outfit, but an opportunity for a daily adventure. Each season, she takes inspiration from her far-flung travels, translating the look and feel of places such as Paris, Morocco, and Barcelona into her signature chain-wrapped and plated jewelry. Constantly worn by NYC?s famed magazine trendsetters?her collection has been featured in Vogue, Elle Harper?s Bazaar, Love, and Teen Vogue. We recently spoke with Jill about style and some of her favorite travel destinations.

New York based designer and globetrotter Jill Golden believes jewelry is not only the accessory that transforms an outfit, but an opportunity for a daily adventure. Each season, she takes inspiration from her far-flung travels, translating the look and feel of places such as Paris, Morocco, and Barcelona into her signature chain-wrapped and plated jewelry. Constantly worn by NYC?s famed magazine trendsetters?her collection has been featured in Vogue, Elle Harper?s Bazaar, Love, and Teen Vogue. We recently spoke with Jill about style and some of her favorite travel destinations.

How does travel inspire your collection?

Each season I travel to someplace near or far to help inspire the creative process for the new collection. The inspiration can be literal in colors, shapes, craftsmanship, or materials, or it can be more of a cultural vibe that I translate into the look and feel of the collection.

Describe Jill Golden in 3 words.

Jill Golden Jewelry is Artisinal, Colorful, and Eclectic. The handmade quality and craftsmanship is very important to me. The jewelry feels very personal and the wearer feels this connection. I love to use interesting and vibrant color combinations in my designs, especially in the woven beaded Isaro pieces.

Your collection of products keeps growing, what creative endeavors are on the horizon?

I started making a few pouches and tote bags last season and I plan to expand upon that. I would love to do a Fine Jewelry collection as well.

You've traveled the globe, including Paris, Morocco and Barcelona. Which city in the world do you most identify with and why?

Buenos Aires is a very bohemian and sophisticated city - a combination of styles that describes both my personal aesthetic and the my designs. I love the beautiful architecture, laid back style and edgy art scene the city has to offer.

Who is your Muse? Describe the Jill Golden Girl.

The Jill Golden Jewels "girl" has a confident, global, adventurous, independent spirit; she likes unique, sometimes edgy designs that maintain a bit of femininity and make her feel beautiful.

Tell us about your favorite piece (or one of them) and where you were when you were inspired to create it.

It Girl is the perfect combination of bright colors, sparkly rhinestones, graphic pattern and edgy spikes. Every time I make one for myself, it gets bought out from under me! It is part of the Isaro Queen of Spades Collection inspired by my trip to the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey. It is an amazingly beautiful set of coastal resort towns built into the Agean Seaside.

Jill Golden's It Girl

How would you describe your own style? Please name the three staples of your wardrobe you could never live without.

My style is eclectic but basic - I love clothing with clean lines that show off my accessories. This summer I was always in a great fitting pair of white jeans, be-jeweled Prada sandals, and stacks of Isaro cuffs. This fall, the sandals have switched to Motorcycle boots!

Your collection has a strong global vibe. What are some of your favorite cities to visit and why?

I have such Wanderlust that I am always thinking about my next adventure. Some recent favorites include: Istanbul for its unique combination of history and modernity, Mallorca for its bohemian-meets-aristocracy vibe, and of course Kigali, Rwanda for its people's unique generosity of spirit and warmth.

What are some of the destinations on your bucket list?

I'd like to travel throughout Africa including Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Africa. I would love to continue to work with local artisans around the world on new collection. I'm also hoping to finally get to Asia and Berlin next year. And there are some American cities on my list to visit soon including Nashville and Portland.

How would you describe your travel style?

Luxurious adventure. I love a trip that has multiple stops. It has to include:

1. A great city so I can explore museums, the dining scene, and a great vintage or craft market.

2. Beautiful scenic locale for adventurous hikes and star filled evenings.

3. A beautiful beach for some serious R&R.

Some recent trips that fit the bill - Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum), Morocco (Marrakesh, Essaouira, Fez), and South America (Buenos Aires, Atacama Desert, Punta del Este).

What three products from L-atitude are you coveting most right now?

The Dezso by Sara Beltran Blue Palms Pouch, Kiini's Lazy Days Pashmetal, and the Multi & Navy Long Tunic from the Mexican Bazaar.