FEATURED DESIGNER
IRENE NEUWIRTH
Irene Neuwirth was born and raised in Los Angeles, the youngest of four siblings. Her natural creative ability was a birthright from her mother, a painter, and her entrepreneurial spirit was inspired by her father, a businessman. From an early age, the family’s time was divided between their home in the Venice Canals, California and their property in Telluride, Colorado. Irene emerged early on as a free-spirited and creative child, captivated by the beauty of her natural surroundings.
In college, Irene became passionate about horseback riding, eventually becoming a professional equestrian, ranking fourth in the nation in her division. Irene had always identified with the beauty and power of nature, preferring to teach riding in the mountains of Colorado and near the beaches of the California coast, than to work in the business world. She began designing jewelry as a hobby, and sold the one-of-a-kind pieces as fast as she could make them. Quickly the demand became too high to fulfill with her limited access to materials, and in 2000, with a small loan to buy raw materials, Neuwirth created a small sample line that she took to Barneys New York. The fresh, optimistic beaded designs impressed the buyer who placed a significant order after their first meeting. As soon as she got back to California, Irene began taking jewelry-making classes and training with a seasoned GIA specialist. Working out of her apartment, she continued to design distinctive pieces, garnering editorial attention from leading fashion and lifestyle publications and interest from top retailers. In 2003, she brought on partner Tracy Stoll to manage the financial side of the business.
The Irene Neuwirth collections have evolved over the years, but they have remained unwavering in their design signatures: you can still feel her awe for nature and the inspiration she derives from her surroundings. Irene’s collections are widely anticipated season to season by a fashion-forward and discriminating clientele, who have come to expect a line that delivers a precise balance between timeless, collectable jewelry and the ultimate statement in modern luxury. The jewelry has generated tremendous editorial attention and is featured consistently in Vogue, W, Elle, InStyle, Town & Country and Harper’s Bazaar. The jewelry is worn by some of the most beautiful women in the world, including Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, and Reese Witherspoon. In 2006, Irene was the recipient of the Town & Country Couture Design Editors’ Choice Award at the Couture Jewelry Collection & Conference. In 2008, Irene was a finalist for the coveted CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund, the pre-eminent honor for young American fashion designers. In 2009, she became a member of the CFDA. Although she travels for most of the year, Irene Neuwirth still lives in the Venice Canals and has an office and studio on Abbot Kinney in Venice.
In April, Irene launched a Diamond Collection, exclusive to Barneys New York. Following the incredible response to the pieces, the collection is being expanded to Barneys Beverly Hills in November.
In April, Irene launched a Diamond Collection, exclusive to Barneys New York. Following the incredible response to the pieces, the collection is being expanded to Barneys Beverly Hills in November.
Please visit www.ireneneuwirth.com to see her collections.
Source: http://www.cfda.com/irene-neuwirth/
Source: http://www.cfda.com/irene-neuwirth/
