Check out our latest collaboration with New York jewelry and handbag designer, Susan Alexandra.
Known for her charming necklaces and beaded handbags, Susan Korn's world is colorful. She is the creative force behind the Susan Alexandra label and the latest artist to join our network of collaborators.
Her new yellowpop collection includes five pieces of art with a positive vibe. Perfect for dressing up drab walls (hint, hint). "The yellowpop neon lights are just another form of handbags and jewelry," Susan explains, "I like to think of them as jewelry for the walls."
From flowers and butterflies to totally abstract shapes, these neon lights are designed to impress. "The dance of shapes and colors is one of my favorite things," she says. "I love the colors and the harmony. It dazzles."
Modernism Week is taking place online, offering access to all, as never before.
After receiving praise for her handbags in Glamour, Nylon and New York Magazine, Susan has set her sights on the world of home décor. Her own home goods line debuts this month, and her yellowpop collection is a bright extension of her creative world. "Let me tell you, it's a real wonder to see your designs come to life in neon," she says. "Truly surreal!"
"I'm obsessed with my home and nesting, and I wanted to create pieces that make your home feel like a sacred and beautiful jewelry box," she continues, noting that her space also serves as a showcase for knickknacks, books, bags and more.
From the home to the fashion industry, Susan invests her dynamic personality into everything she does. "Humor and irreverence are the most important design elements, especially when everything feels horrible," she tells us. "I think it's exciting to infuse humor into a historically snobby and elitist industry. It levels the playing field."
Living the dream: Fate, creative whims and the ability to say "yes".
"I never thought I'd have this life," Susan says, "I dreamed of it - I wanted to be a stylist in New York City, wearing red lipstick and draping clothes and designing all day." Besides being able to design all day, her label Susan Alexandra, is the realization of that dream. "Every day is a mess," she says. "It's really essential for me to take the time to slow down and think about it."
Susan attributes her success equally to fate and her willingness to say yes when opportunities present themselves. "I also realized early on that a lot of people won't give you your chance, so you have to create your own opportunities," she notes.
"I'm looking forward to writing a book of advice for young creatives," says Susan. Chapter 1 would be titled "Yes! The Art of Saying Yes. We live in an age of setting limits here and there. Let me tell you, I wouldn't have met half the people who have helped me grow as a designer if I hadn't thrown myself into many exhausting, unpaid opportunities. Something good will come out of every thing you say yes to, even if you don't see it right away."
"We don't live in a vacuum, unfortunately, but try to avoid looking over your shoulder when you're creating," she recommends to young artists. "Do things that make you happy. Respond endlessly and greedily to your own whims, and create from that. It will pay off. People like authenticity."