Q&A – Ann Street Studio

In the Studio With…

December 11, 2012April 30, 2013Posted in LifestyleTagged brvtvs, Caroline Ventura, interview, jewelry, lifestyle, profile, Q&A11 Comments

Tell me about your jewelry line BRVTVS, what’s the story?

I originally started it as a total selfish endeavour because I couldn’t find anything I wanted to wear so I just decided to teach myself how to make pieces I liked.

What does BRVTVS stand for?

The line is named after Marcus Brutus who killed his best friend Julius Caesar. When the line first started I had a line of fancy friendship bracelet so I thought it would be fun to name the line after someone who is notorious for stabbing his friend in the back…. I’m also obsessed with Roman history.

Do you make all your pieces by hand?

Yep.

What are some your favorite projects that have come about since starting your own line?

The most recent project I did was designing a series of ear cuffs and rings for designer Jason Wu’s Spring collection which showed this past September at NYFW.

What is a perfect day in NYC to you?

The perfect day involves being on a blanket somewhere. No shoes. A good book… and a cup of coffee.

Your personal style is always amazing, where do you shop?

I find a lot of stuff on eBay! In the above photograph those are vintage men’s Levi’s 517 that I tailored with a seam up the back to be a high waisted worn in skinny jean.

Playing Around

September 6, 2012May 6, 2013Posted in Fashion EditorialTagged black and white, chelsea leyland, dj, fashion, fashion editorial, kelly framel, Q&A3 Comments

After getting serious with Chelsea Leyland we wanted to do some girl dishing on life, kissing, and where the cool girls shop! It’s time to play around:

What’s the best and worst party you’ve ever DJed?

“The best was Damien Hirst’s party at the opening of Soho House Berlin. Worst were the clubs I DJed when I first started, mainly because of the shady, toxic people that surrounded that scene.”

What’s the story of your first kiss?

“It was on the beach in Cornwall, England, in a place called Rock. If you’re English you will understand why this is so embarrassing (it’s the preppiest place to go on holiday as a teenager!).”

What’s your everyday style like?

“It totally depends on the day. I like a lot of vintage; especially in the summer I love pretty, girly dresses and Edwardian lace. I love 90’s grunge but I also like to dress up and wear couture and feel like a lady. I guess I’m often quite punky ~ most of my non-vintage jewelry is very punky. Then I have days where I like to be simple and dress like a boy.”

Where do you shop?

“Opening Ceremony, Charlotte Olympia, Barneys, Dominic Jones Jewelry, The Reformation, 10 Ft Single by Stella Dallas, Topshop, Patricia Field, and Le Grand Strip.”

Any truly regrettable fashion moments?

“Ballet cardigans and leg warmers (the second time around).”

Which is your favorite tattoo?

“My favorites are my Basquiat crown and the two crosses on my wrist.”

Any you regret?

“Tons of regrets but nothing I’m losing sleep over. It’s all part of growing up!”

Which Spice Girl were you?

“Scary Spice!”

Where can we find you this Fashion Week?

“I am curating the music for Naeem Khan’s show and Monika Chiang’s presentation. Also, I’ll be djing for for the Yoko Ono + Swarovski event, the Suno after-party, Cole Haan for FNO, Details magazine party, Rachel Zoe’s show, Paper magazine’s party, and Refinery 29.”

Chelsea wears a Topshop hat, Zoe Chicco earrings, Jen Kao blazer, Antonio Azzuolo bow tie, Vena Cava top, and Magaschoni cashmere shorts

Getting Serious

September 5, 2012November 18, 2014Posted in Fashion EditorialTagged ann street studio, annstreetstudio, black and white, chelsea leyland, dj, editorial, fashion, jamie beck, jamiebeck, kelly framel, Q&A6 Comments

I met Chelsea at a party she was DJing for designer Prabal Gurung and knew I had to shoot her. To me, she is the quintessential cool girl. She speaks with a British accent, wears designer clothes like they were made for her, and can fill any room with energy. Styled by Kelly Framel, we shot her at our studio downtown (she chose the shoot’s playlist) and had a little Q&A so we can all get to know this “it” girl.

Hey Chelsea, what does music mean to you?

“Music means everything to me… come on it’s the most powerful thing in the world! It’s universal & can alter one’s mood; I feel it brings out the best in people most of the time.”