There are isolated
characteristics that set Rodrigo Otazu apart from the flock: Rodrigo Otazu is a designer’s designer and he is a designer
that designs. The nuance and intricacy of his pieces is of great interest to
the seasoned observer; for the less educated or knowledgeable, it is simply the
visuals that he creates that attract. No matter your orientation, frame of
reference or skill set, the jewelry that this man creates is of the highest
quality in every way.
With the ever
changing retail landscape, apparently fashion jewelry, read costume jewelry,
has taken a back seat to what we now refer to as bridge or contemporary jewelry
and then of course there is fine jewelry. Even fine jewelry has become splintered
to include haute joallier. That being said, Mr. Otazu solves the issue by being
part of ALL of those classifications. There are very few brands/designers, if
any, that come to mind who criss cross all these categories, let alone as
successfully and as seamlessly as he.
Even though many of
the editorials where his collections/pieces appear to be more trend driven,
my eyes are drawn to the simplicity that shows of the jewelry in its own space rather
than with all the bells and whistles. It is the purest way for the eyes to see
the product and appreciate the product.
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So now it is time to
meet the designer and hear what he has to say in his own words about himself
and his brand…..
1-from where and whom do you take your inspiration?
I just need to open my eyes then close them and work on what
the world is offering, and by now after so many years of doing my job not
repeating myself and investigating something new and fresh will make my life
and people life more fun … so I pay attention what is going on and turn things
in my way to make it new
2-You currently work in both precious metals/gemstones as
well as in fashion jewelry... which medium do you prefer and why?
I am crazy about pink gold and the glow of this metal is
just unique… who does not like to work with diamonds… so I love it all
but again I love designing an extravagant piece with crystals and brass
chains …. So I really enjoying working within both worlds… is really fun to do high quality faux bijoux
collections too!
3-where do you currently sell? And where would you choose to
sell?
I hope a shop in Japan this month that I am super proud, Russia,
Dubai, Australia, London, Milano, Spain but I want to work a lot more in US
... and NYC is home …so I have a lot in my plate
4- Can you tell us where the pieces are made and why you
chose these factories?
I work with people from all over the world … in US they have
great factories … Italy is great for
leather … Belgium and Amsterdam have
amazing diamonds France have great craftsmen to produce diamond jewellery … Israel
too …Austria does great crystals so all depends what I am busy with
5- In today’s world of fashion, especially in the area of
haute joallier, how do you feel about loaning your pieces for a celebrity to
wear? Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?
well first is not the quantity is celebrities who to loan
but the quality of celebrities who I prefer to choose my work … this is a
window to the world so is important and necessary from Tiffany & Co. does
it and Dior pays a lot of money to have people wearing they designs so I guess
for us designers without the money machine behind and we are chosen by Sarah Jessica
Parker to wear my work is more of a triumph I feel because they really love it
and they feel identified with my style
6- Let’s switch gears here and have you tell us about you
... where you are from, where you live and how did you arrive at being a
jewelry designer?
I am from Argentina, I move to Europe when I was 18 and work
with many great amazing people Christian Lacroix was a great man to work with Alexander
McQueen ( Lee for me ) have been few of those who I work and learn to be good
at what I do … the reason to be a designer ? It was in the stars
7-if you were not designing jewelry what would you be doing
and where would you be doing that?
I love music and I love film so you can find me shooting or
recording music I love spending time in the gym … I am a man of the world so u
can find me in the more odd places … I am really reaching to spend time in the
dessert on a motorbike ride
8-if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be
and why?
NY NY NY!!! I looooove NY! Is a hard city with a sweet
soul
9-imagine a dinner party with only 5 guests ... who would
you invite? Anyone from the past or present and why?
well let’s see … Elisabeth Taylor and Lady Di … these 2
woman are incredible people who care about human kind ad try to help others and
of course amazing fashion timeless goddess Mother Teresa and Dalai Lama because
is important to cultivate your soul and spirit and they have key elements that
will bring me and every one a step forward as a human being and first lady Obama
because she is elegant great style and modern sophistication
10-do you have a dream collaborator? Past or
present... And why?
The
entertainment ? John Lennon
yes
I do I would have love to work with Nelson Mandela an do a charity event
to raise awareness of HIV in Africa and the rest of the world
