Tough Stuff

Andrea Lieberman is best known for orchestrating Gwen Stefani's rasta-cum-Harajuku style. But the mega stylist also designs her own fashion collection, the downtown-y A.L.C.. And now she can add "jewelry designer" to her resume. Lieberman recently launched A.L.C.'s very first jewelry collection, for Holiday 2012.

Unsurprisingly, the pieces are tough, slightly androgynous, a touch multi-culti and totally slick — reflecting her edgy clothing collection. Nails and screws are a running theme, elongated and knotted into rings, bracelets and earrings. Lieberman also paired rich mahogany snakeskin with large gold-plated hex nuts to create a bold, 80s-inspired necklace, cuff bracelet and earrings.

We caught up with the low-key style maven to talk about her adventures in heavy metal:

Style Section L.A.: When it comes to accessories, how would you describe your aesthetics?

Andrea Lieberman: I strive to make pieces that are the perfect balance of modern and classic. I want them to feel new now and still feel relevant in 20 years. They are timeless pieces with an edge.

 What made you want to launch a jewelry collection?

I wanted to design a jewelry line that wasn’t costume and wasn’t fine. Pieces that can truly live with someone because for me jewelry is not only spirit-defining but it also becomes part of your daily ritual.

 How does your accessories collection complement your clothing line?

My goal with A.L.C. is to make clothing that is real. Pieces that you reach for in your closet again and again because they are easy, effortless, and chic while still maintaining some swagger – the same goes for the jewelry.

 What's the most challenging thing about designing a jewelry collection?

With the clothing it’s an incredibly tactile process for me. I often start by doing a quick fluid sketch for feeling and work out all the details once the piece is made and in front of me. The design very much becomes a product of the process - it’s a real tangible evolution.

With the jewelry I am forced to take a more conceptual approach from the start. I have to begin the process by thinking about appearance and functionality. It goes from extremely detailed sketches to a three-dimensional image on a computer screen before it is even cast in wax.  You have to analyze it without it being in front of you, which is sometimes difficult.

Where did you find inspiration for this collection?

I was inspired by vintage handcuffs, locks, fasteners and all sorts of antique hardware. I wanted to design pieces that are innately simplistic but also have a utilitarian edge to them.

Andrea Lieberman

Prices for A.L.C. jewelry start at $95. Get selected pieces on ShopBop.com.