Designer Profile: Geoff Thomas

bracelet
Jewelry designer Geoff Thomas is giving manly men who’d like to experiment with jewelry a reason to celebrate. His hardcore line of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and belt buckles are anything but feminine. That’s not to say that women can’t partake in the unique designs of Thomas. In fact, his one-of-a-kind sterling silver bras are suited particularly for female clientele.  Actress Traci Bingham has already snagged one for herself.  And we caught Mischa Barton wearing one of his rings during an episode of the O.C. last January.  Omiru got a chance to dish with the talented sculptor, painter, and jewelry designer.

O: Your artistic skills: natural gift or were they taught?

G: Well both my parents were artists. As far as being taught, I taught myself pretty much everything, especially with the jewelry. I bought books on everything and sort of put it to practice along the way. I’d say I have a combination of the two. Definitely I have the artist gene in me.

O: You started off as a sculptor and painter and then transitioned into jewelry design. With which profession do you most identify yourself?

G: I consider myself an all-around artist, but I’m definitely a jewelry designer right now more than a painter or a sculptor. I took an immediate liking to jewelry design. I have a fascination with metal, and I’m into the whole fashion world thing too. My skills in the jewelry world are definitely further along than my skills in painting and sculpture. I know a lot of jewelers, old timers, who have been doing this for 20 or so years, who look at my work and are surprised at what I’m doing for my age. I think my strongest talent lies in jewelry. Also, I have to say unfortunately there’s much more of a living to be made with jewelry.

O: Were you always a jewelry fan?

G: Yeah, I’ve always kind of been into it. My mom was a big collector of Southwestern jewelry, and I was always checking that stuff out. I’ve always been fascinated with metal – different forms of it, playing with it, sculpting it – it’s sort of natural that jewelry would be something I was drawn to.

cross necklaceO: What makes your jewelry line unique?

G: Well, it definitely doesn’t look like anything else out there. I draw from a lot of different influences. I was a tattoo artist for a while, so I have that edge in there. My fabrication techniques are self-taught, and for that reason, the way I put the metal together is not like what a lot of other people do. And I have the technical abilities and the artistic vision. You get a lot of jewelry designers that are either very creative or they’re a craftsman on the technical side. I luckily have both of those going on. I can execute my vision in a very specific way. I’ve always been an individualistic kind of guy. I never like wearing the same stuff that everyone else has, so I go out of my way to be as unique as possible. I sort of get lumped into kind of a hard edge category sometimes, though that’s not my only kind of style. I think I have a sleek style too. I come in with that hardcore rock and roll edge with a classy touch to it.

O: How did you turn your dream of jewelry design into reality?

G: I started designing jewelry almost 10 years ago. I started off doing it as another art form. I would say up until a couple years ago it wasn’t really something I was pursuing as a business and becoming a brand name type of designer. It’s only been a couple of years that I’ve been on that track. I had enough people telling me it was something I should do, and I had people believing in me, so it just sort of fell into place.
 
O: What piece is your personal favorite?

G: My personal favorite piece right now is the Razed Mokume bracelet.  It’s pretty over-the-top.

O: What’s your price point?

G: It depends. My one-of-a-kinds, which are in the Geoff Thomas Designs section, go anywhere from $1,000 to $10-15,000. They’re hand-made by me from top to bottom. I also have a more mass produced collection line that is mostly all sterling silver.  Everything in that collection line is between $150 and $250; we even have some pieces under $150. However, I’m moving more towards gold and diamonds right now, so those pieces are going to go higher in price.

O: Do you have a team of people helping you?

G: My one-of-a-kinds are all hand-made by me.

traci bingham wearing geoffO: How long does it take to make a bracelet?

G: It depends. I’d say the Razed Mokume bracelet, between design time and fabrication time, takes about 20-25 hours. Sometimes less, sometimes more. I have a bikini top that’s a collectible and made out of sterling silver and white and yellow sapphires. That one took about 60 hours. I’m usually working on 10-12 pieces at a time. I’ll bounce from one to the next, so sometimes it’s hard to gauge exact times.

O: Where can we buy your jewelry?

G: Right now, online and out of my showroom on Main Street in Santa Monica. I’m right now, as we speak, putting my collection into retail stores. A couple in LA are getting ready to pick up my line. There are also some in Arizona. I’m just getting started with that facet of the business.
 

Look out for Geoff’s designs in an episode of a major reality TV show as well as three summer movies!

Posted by Melody on May 31st, 2006 in Designer Profiles, Features | 2 comments

Omiru Poll Results: 3/4 Length Jackets are In

Omiru Poll Result: 3/4 Length Jackets are In


3/4 Length CoatWe asked: Are 3/4 Length Jackets In or Out?

You said:
They’re In!  A full 73% are for the 3/4 length style.   Only a handful (16%) believe 3/4 length jackets are Out, and even fewer (11%) think they’re on their way out.

Omiru’s take: What’s not to love about this classic silhouette?  It’s flattering on most body types, and in a lightweight fabric, it can take you from Spring to Summer with ease.  To punch up this classic look, try a jacket with a little more personality.  Look for oversized lapels, oversized buttons, or a bright color (orange, anyone?) for a jacket whose style does your personality justice.

Next Question: At the ExPosure fashion show, you wrote down Stunner Shades/Aviator Sunglasses on the In List.  While we like the drama of these shades, we also appreciate the other extreme: Small and Square Sunglasses.  Tell us, what do you
think about Oversized Sunglasses?  Are they In, or are they Out?  Cast your vote on
the sidebar!

Posted by Trisha on May 30th, 2006 in Features, News, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women | 3 comments

Trendscape: LBD (aka the Little Blue Dress)

Sure, the little black dress will always be a classic, but why not turn classic into classy with a little (navy) blue dress? The new LBD (little blue dress) is still dark enough to hide any imperfections, but it also has a hint of color so as to liven up your look.

So throw on one of the following styles, add a pair of eye-catching heels (perhaps off-white, camel-hue, or gold), and layer on some chunky accessories (say a long, gold-chain necklace).  You’ll take the little black dress to whole new (and blue) level.

Thanks, Smashingly Fabulous, for the tip!


Our Splurge Picks

navy blue dress

Samantha Treacy ‘Toby’ Wrap Dress | $225.90 (sale) at Nordstrom

navy blue dress

Maggy London Halter Dress with Charmeuse Waist | $160 at Macy’s

navy dress

Tillie Pinafore | $118 at Anthropologie


Our Cheap Chic Pick

navy dress

Cap Sleeve Basic Dress | $16.50 at Wet Seal

Posted by Melody on May 30th, 2006 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 5.26.06

Issue XXXXII of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.

This
week, we bring to you a functionally stylish day dress for women and a punchy tissue scarf for men.

For women:

 

Imitation Denim Romper Dress
Imitation Denim Romper Dress | $250 at Intermix

And for men:

Michael Kors Tissue Scarf
Michael Kors Tissue Pareo Scarf | $59 (sale) at
ScoopNYC

 
Omiru wishes you a happy (and safe!) Memorial Day holiday.  We’ll be off celebrating too, and our regularly scheduled Poll Results, Trendscapes, Designer Profiles, Ready Made Outfits, and Fashion Show Coverage will return on Tuesday.  Not to sound like your mother, but drive carefully.  Oh, and friends don’t let friends (or anyone else) drive drunk. 

Enjoy your well deserved vacation in style.  We heart you!

Posted by Trisha on May 26th, 2006 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Men, Trend, Women |

Shopping Guide: Striped Sundress

We can feel the heat of summer coming already, and  girls are already busting out their striped sundresses. Don’t have one yet? Here are a few striped dresses to keep your essential parts covered.

 
SUndress

 

Anthropologie striped dress

Regatta Dress | $148 at Anthropologie

 
BCBGirls ´Nia´ Lurex® Stripe Dress

BCBGirls “Nia” Lurex Stripe Dress | $138 at Nordstrom

Bubble Hem Tunic Dress

Bubble Hem Tunic Dress | $58 at Urban Outfitters

Posted by Melody on May 26th, 2006 in Street Style, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women | 3 comments

Trendscape: Cuff Links

From the snazzy to the tacky, cufflinks have been a fashion accessory that men seem to take for granted.  Now, in the age of the Metrosexual, men are taking advantage of all of the resources at their fingertips.  Cufflinks are no longer just for dressy occasions–we’ve seen men linking their cuffs while at the club, at work, and even at Sunday brunch.


Nautical, anyone?


Ridged Knot Cuff Links | $38 at Banana Republic

 
Fun & Games

Target Cuff Links by Paul Smith | $107.50 at ScoopNYC.com


Prep School

Argyle Cuff Links | $115 at Brooks Brothers

 
Sophisticated Gentleman

Oval Cuff Links | $135 at Tiffany & Co.

Posted by Dino on May 25th, 2006 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape | 3 comments

Trendscape: Fun Umbrellas

April May Showers bring May June Flowers.  Shield yourself from any late season showers in style with one of these adorable umbrellas!

Our Blow the Bank Pick

pucci umbrella

Emilio Pucci Umbrella | $405 at Neiman Marcus 

If you don’t feel like splurging on a designer umbrella, The Bag Lady shows a Pucci-esque one for less.

Our Splurge Picks

coach umbrella

Coach Hamptons Weekend Scribble Folding Umbrella | $88 at Coach

Saks umbrella

Moschino Polka-Dot Umbrella | $75 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Our Cheap Chic Pick

UO umbrella

Eyelet Umbrella | $16 from Urban Outfitters

Posted by Melody on May 24th, 2006 in Trendscape, Women | 2 comments

What’s In and What’s Out: ExPosure Fashion Show

We asked visitors at the Omiru table, "What’s In and What’s Out?" 

What’s In?

Wide Belts
Wide Belt
Floral Studded Leather Belt | $59.99 (sale) at Bloomingdales

Stunner Shades / Aviator Sunglasses

Stunner Shades (Aviator Sunglasses)
Gucci Gold Logo Aviators | $150 at Bluefly

What’s Out?


Big (Kukui) Nut Necklaces

Kukui Nut Necklace

Guys with Pink Tees

Pink Tee for Men

Uggs

Ugg Boot

Posted by Trisha on May 23rd, 2006 in Street Style, Trend, What's In and What's Out | 5 comments

Omiru Poll Results: Bubble Skirts are Out!

Omiru Poll Result: Bubble Skirts are Out


Bubble SkirtWe asked: Are Bubble Skirts In or Out?

You said: They’re Out.  A full 50% think they’re out, with another 22% believing they’re on the way out.  Only 28% are still all over this trend.

Omiru’s take: On the racks, this skirt silhouette is adorable.  However, once we put the skirt on, our love affair started to fade.  Figure flattery, once again, was the issue here.  Problem 1: the pouf–which adds visual weight to the derrière and upper leg.  Problem 2: the length–which tended to run a bit too long to be attractive on any but the longest legs.

Next Question: Tell us, what do you
think about 3/4 Length Jackets?  Are they In, or are they Out?  Cast your vote on
the sidebar!

Posted by Trisha on May 22nd, 2006 in Features, News, Trend, What's In and What's Out |

Omiru’s Five Favorites from the ExPosure Fashion Show


Sun & Surf
Beach Favorite | Exposure Fashion Show

Naughty Nautical
Naughty Nautical | Exposure Fashion Show

Red Carpet
Red Carpet Favorite | Exposure Fashion Show

Conceptual

Conceptual Favorite | Exposure Fashion Show

Japanese Schoolgirl

Japanese Schoolgirl | Exposure Fashion Show

Posted by Trisha on May 22nd, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Trend | 7 comments

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