Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Clar.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been creating since I can remember. When I was young I expressed my unique style with different colored neon socks, poofy colorful scrunchies and leggings covered in safety pins with beads. In other words- I am meant to live this passion.
I love everything vintage and like to incorporate vintage jewelry and found pieces in my designs. I draw inspiration from unique and bold patterns and textures and colors in items that I thrift. I love deconstructing old items to create modern wearable art and love to see models wearing my pieces.
Creating brings me great joy and is very therapeutic.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a full time artist is beautiful and challenging. I have to wear many hats even though all I want to do is design and create. I had always been a part time artist with a full time corporate job. In 2018 my husband had complications with a surgery and was put on hospice. Being with him during his final months was a gift and gave me a newfound perspective. I ended up going back to my job several months after his passing and decided that I needed to fulfill my passion and leave my corporate job. This was in 2020 and I have been on my own ever since. It is the best decision I could have made minus the drop in income and uncertainty of when sales / projects will come in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work exclusively with vintage costume jewelry and have many different offerings. Firstly, I create one of a kind statement pieces (jewelry and wearable art) for fashion shows and custom events/clients. I also work with clients to redesign and repair their heirloom jewelry. For example, a client will bring in a necklace and I will turn it into a bracelet and earrings. The most popular repair is knotting and stringing pearls. I have worked with clients for special occasions and also have redesigned heirloom pieces for brides.
I recently moved my studio to my home and am planning to offer jewelry parties for small groups later this year.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The fashion industry is a huge polluter and it is exacerbated by fast fashion. The trend towards secondhand shopping will continue to grow but, the main trend I see in fashion is the move to sustainability. It is going to take a lot of cooperation and industry standards to accomplish this. One other thing is virtual fashion shows and advancements due to AI. It will be interesting to see how AI and new technologies affect the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vintagefusionjewelry.net
- Instagram: vintage fusion jewelry
- Other: www.vintagefusionjewelry.etsy.com
Image Credits
Alexis Meschi
Runway 7 New York, Sept, 2023
BASIC Pr , Beverly Hills