Sophie Buhai Jewelry

Sophie and I grew up together – she was a year ahead of me in elementary school and we continued on to middle school together after that. Years later, we reconnected during NY Fashion Week shortly after we had both launched our lines (she founded Vena Cava, a fresh spin on vintage mixed with an arty palette and hand-drawn prints, with friend Lisa Mayock). After living in New York for a number of years, she now calls Los Angeles home, and recently launched her eponymous jewelry collection, which I am thrilled to carry in my Brentwood and West Hollywood stores.

A gorgeous handcrafted range of modernist, sculptural, and architectural pieces, the collection is all at once timeless and forward-thinking, and a statement-making finish to any ensemble. Some favorites (that I have been living in): her Sterling Silver Mapplethorpe Cuff, an elegant wardrobe staple, and her Sterling Silver Dream Collar, a sleek and streamlined piece that pairs as beautifully over a simple tee as it does a cocktail dress. Sophie was kind enough to share a bit about the collection, its inspiration, and her design approach, below. XXJKE

R+T: What motivated you to create your own line of handmade jewelry?

I’ve always loved silver jewelry. I started making it for fun, and then I realized I lived ten minutes from the jewelry district, so it all happened pretty naturally.

R+T: What are some words you would use to describe the collection?

Modern, timeless, and BIG!

R+T: How has your experience as an apparel designer informed your approach in jewelry design?

The basic framework of both businesses are the same, so in that sense it was easy to make the shift. I still design jewelry the way I was trained to design clothing at Parsons. I make croquis and research in the same way with mood boards etc. the only thing that’s been different is the technical aspects of crafting modernist silver pieces. That part has been a steep learning curve.

R+T: Where do you look for inspiration?

My mother, my friends, strong women with a confident sense of style. I also look at a lot of old art books.

R+T: Can you also share a bit about your new range of home furnishings…and how the two collections are connected?

There are some decorative objects that we sell on the site. Some are made in house, and most are curated from flea markets. The jewelry and the objects are part of the same universe. I wanted to create an online store where you feel a bit like you’re in an old boutique filled with all sorts of curiosities.

R+T: If you had to, could you pick a favorite piece?

The Egg Pendant.

R+T: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

Not having to go to an office everyday. Meeting the amazing women who are customers. Trying to create pieces women will pass down to their granddaughters.

Photos: Yayo Ahumada