Well-played conversation starters, the unique sophistication of Alexandra Koumba’s creations turned our heads immediately. The artist, who premiered her “eye for design” as an interior designer, is known to scour auction house and galleries for inspiration – and it pays off: Alexandra became the official designer of jewelry and accessories for the 2011 Special Olympics (summer) and is regularly covered by top fashion publications (it helps that her work is popular among the Greek celebrity set). Here’s her story:
How did you decide on your brand name?
myi4d stands for "My Eye For Design," which encapsulates all I do: proposing and creating 3D objects and spaces which express my eye for design!
myi4d stands for "My Eye For Design," which encapsulates all I do: proposing and creating 3D objects and spaces which express my eye for design!
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am inspired by nature, ancient Greek, universal symbols, and protection keys. Overall, I use simple bold forms or intricate microorganism-like patterns.
I am inspired by nature, ancient Greek, universal symbols, and protection keys. Overall, I use simple bold forms or intricate microorganism-like patterns.
Any story to the materials or production process?
All are handmade from three artisans in Athens – nothing is made in Asia or any other place. Also, all the stones are individually set – not glued – even if my collection is about offering fashion accessories and not fine jewelry.
All are handmade from three artisans in Athens – nothing is made in Asia or any other place. Also, all the stones are individually set – not glued – even if my collection is about offering fashion accessories and not fine jewelry.
Best business advice you ever received?
Don’t sell yourself short!
Don’t sell yourself short!
Do you remember your first jewelry design?
I was 13 in a French summer yard of a sculptor who taught me how to make metal wire and how to weld – that was all I could do, so I made a double wire bracelet with many welded columns, like a Roman Coliseum!
I was 13 in a French summer yard of a sculptor who taught me how to make metal wire and how to weld – that was all I could do, so I made a double wire bracelet with many welded columns, like a Roman Coliseum!
How about your very first job?
It was designing interiors in a basement office with endless bright white strips of light. Not great really...
It was designing interiors in a basement office with endless bright white strips of light. Not great really...
We love picturing our designers working away in their studios. Can you set the scene?
It’s a mess of boxes and drawers. My desk is a quarter filled with samples of tiny bits and half filled with accounting info, manufacturing costs, and bills... not that creative! Creation is a spark of 1% in the overall process I believe!
It’s a mess of boxes and drawers. My desk is a quarter filled with samples of tiny bits and half filled with accounting info, manufacturing costs, and bills... not that creative! Creation is a spark of 1% in the overall process I believe!
What’s been your biggest design obstacle so far?
In jewelry making, to make a mold of lace without keeping the lace inside the final object. In interiors, to combine many fabric patterns and colors in a tiny room.
In jewelry making, to make a mold of lace without keeping the lace inside the final object. In interiors, to combine many fabric patterns and colors in a tiny room.
What's your favorite spot for a design break?
Is there a design break? It runs in your veins! But really, it will be Paris revisited!
Is there a design break? It runs in your veins! But really, it will be Paris revisited!
Metal of choice?
Rose gold!
Rose gold!
If you could only wear one piece of jewelry for a year…
My Crown pendant with malachite stones!
My Crown pendant with malachite stones!
Give us a few words to describe your style.
Refined, affordable, sophisticated.
Refined, affordable, sophisticated.
How do you like to style your pieces?
Styling my jewelry is about wearing monochromatic combinations with these bold but yet refined pieces to carry through your unexpected days – from work straight to cocktails and late night dinners.
Styling my jewelry is about wearing monochromatic combinations with these bold but yet refined pieces to carry through your unexpected days – from work straight to cocktails and late night dinners.
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| My jewelry collections |
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Special Olympics Necklace
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Woven Bracelets
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Double Rose Ring
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Buddha Pendant
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Wings Pendant
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Plus Clic Jewels Capsule Collection
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MYI4D
RHEA GOLD CUFF
Bring your inner goddess into the spotlight with this goldplated cuff embedded with cyrstal chips, designed by Greek artist Alexandra Koumba.
- Goldplate
- 1/2" at widest part
- Made in Greece
MYI4D
FOTENE GUNMETAL CUFF
Bring your inner goddess into the spotlight with this textured goldplated cuff with a gunmetal patina, designed by Greek artist Alexandra Koumba.
- Gunmetal, bronze
- 1/2" at widest part
- Made in Greece
MYI4D
RHEA BLACK CUFF
Bring your inner goddess into the spotlight with this goldplated cuff with bronze patina and embedded with crystal chips, designed by Greek artist Alexandra Koumba.
- Goldplate, gunmetal
- 1/2" at widest part
- Made in Greece
You can also find me at: http://www.facebook.com/JustFabMe
You can also me at: http://justfabulousme.kitsylane.com
Thank you to the The Style Hub
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