Jewellery from Diane Kordas is all a girl really wants for Christmas. The designer’s creations are simply stunning, with innovative and exquisite pieces in the finest diamonds and sapphires. We were delighted when Diane invited us into her beautiful home which was perfectly decorated for Christmas to show us how she styles her off-duty look. Meet the very elegant Diane Kordas.
Diane wears Paige jeans and DONNA IDA blouse
DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I grew up in New Jersey and then in my late teens I moved to NYC.
DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the fashion world?
After graduating from Parsons School of Design where I studied Fashion and Textile Design, I began my career as a fashion designer in New York City.
DONNA IDA: What inspired you to start your jewellery label Diane Kordas?
My fashion background sparked an interest in jewellery design. I started by designing pieces for myself and friends, after struggling to find designs that suited my lifestyle.
Diane wears Mother Denim Skirt and DONNA IDA blouse
DONNA IDA: What items of jewellery are your favourite pieces from the collection?
It’s difficult to choose as it changes from day to day! But I love the Diamond Geometric Earrings, my Choker Necklaces and my new Armour Rings.
DONNA IDA: You have lots of celebrity fans including Gisele and Cheryl Fernandez Versini – who has been your favourite and who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?
Well, it was very exciting when Gisele contacted me about wearing my Starburst Collection on the Jimmy Fallon Show and watching Natalie Dormer on the red carpet with a shaved half-head showing my Vine Ear Cuff. It is always very exciting to see celebrities wearing Diane Kordas, but equally I feel a huge sense of accomplishment seeing women wearing my jewellery everyday, especially independent, stylish women.
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
Jeans are my go-to wardrobe staple, which I can wear with anything, from my gold Saint Laurent ankle boots to black Nike trainers. It’s a staple I cannot live without.
Diane wears Paige jeans and Bella Freud jumper
DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?
Jeans will always have a ‘cool factor’, as long as you find the right cut for your figure, making them the most flattering and useful item in your wardrobe. I also love the history behind denim.
DONNA IDA: Which are your favourite jeans from our shoot and why?
I have a lot of stars in my jewellery collections so the Paige Denim jeans with the star detailing are definitely my favourite. I find the Star symbol uplifiting and positive, and these jeans were the first item I picked out at Donna Ida.
DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?
Ali McGraw in the 70s is definitely a style icon for me, and her love of denim and boho style has definitely inspired a lot of my fashion choices.
DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
I really think the girls in London are the best dressed and the designers emerging from London are some of the most talented and individual in the world. I find London is one of the only cities where women don’t have a fashion ‘uniform’.
Diane wears Joie blouse
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
My style high: My husband recently surprised me with a vintage pink Gucci fur coat which is the coolest piece of clothing that I currently own.
My style low: I once wore, but never again, a pair of gold gauchos with a tight top that made my body look like a teardrop… what was I thinking?! But at least I can look back and laugh about it.
DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
Spila is a restaurant in Mykonos which is built into a cave; the food is excellent and the place itself is like something from a James Bond film.
DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
I spend every summer at my home in Mykonos, and it is the only place I get to spend uninterrupted time with my family and friends. I am always happy there and look forward to it every year; it never gets old.
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
I don’t think I could pick a favourite. I especially love reading the British Publications as they are so creative and well curated. I have so much admiration for the amazing teams which create them.
Diane wears J Brand jeans, Rachel Comey top, DONNA IDA scarf and Ravn jacket
DONNA IDA: Which beauty products do you swear by?
All of the products from Alexandra Soveral are fantastic - they are all natural and organic products with a great ethos. Their Angel Balm is a life-saver for my skin after travelling.
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Don’t let fear dictate any of your decisions and always remain true to yourself.
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
We are launching an incredibly exciting and cool new line of pieces in January, which I have been working on for months. I unfortunately can’t give anything away yet, but I think it is one of the best things I have ever designed and I am SO excited!
http://www.dianekordasjewellery.com/