Home JOURNAL Behind the Label | Paula Mendoza

Behind the Label | Paula Mendoza

Colombia-born jewelry designer Paula Mendoza is one of the chicest New Yorkers we know. This former journalist infuses her contemporary jewelry collection with a sculptural edge, creating maximal impact from her minimalist designs. Crafted in her workshop in Bogota, these sexy accessories will transform any basic look from dowdy to daring. Read the story behind the label.

How does travel inspire your collection?

My workshop is in Bogota, Colombia but I live in New York City and do trunk shows all over the world over so I travel a lot! Seeing how women style themselves in different countries is a huge inspiration for me and I always have a globetrotting client in mind when I am designing. My jewelry is very easy to travel with and will transform an outfit.

Describe Paula Mendoza (the collection) in 3 words.

Bold, rich, and timeless.

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

I am already starting to think about my SS?15 collection and I've been spending a lot of time at my workshop in Bogota recently. In the past, I worked with different metals like silver and rose-gold, and I'm thinking about revisiting them but I can?t give too much away!

Who is your Muse? Describe the woman who wears Paula Mendoza.

The Paula Mendoza woman is any age. She is confident, fashionable, and loves to travel.

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

One of my favorite pieces has ended up being my best-selling piece: the Nereus Bracelet. I was at my workshop in Bogota brainstorming the new collection, playing with materials, and talking with the amazing women, all single mothers, who work there. Being surrounded by the vibrant colors and lush landscape of my hometown is the perfect place for me to design and escape the craziness of NYC.