We are so excited about the newest addition to the Max and Chloe collection of must-have baubles! Introducing Miriam Salat, a former civil engineer turned globally inspired jewelry designer. Born of a pure passion for self-expression, the Miriam Salat collections comprise a bohemian-chic offering of resin, sterling silver, and 18k gold vermeil pieces. Salat’s worldwide cultural excursions have shaped her designs. There’s an air of nostalgic wanderlust about her jewelry, sure to inspire the romantic gypsy in all of us. Think deep tones, glossy lacquered bangles bedecked in aptly placed crystals, a subdued sultriness, and a dash of glam. You’ll find influences from nature (ocean-blue hues and coral-like cubic zirconia), geometric shapes and studies in contrasts.
Quite possibly the most stunning aspect of Salat’s work is its versatility. Despite the obvious (and addictive) glam factor, you would be just as comfortable pairing a pile of Miriam Salat bedazzled bracelets with your cocktail frocks as your weekend denim. This is why we can’t get enough of her arm candy.
Name: Miriam Salat
Current City: New York City
M&C: Where are some of your favorite places to travel ?
MS: One of my goals as a traveler is to experience the local culture in a really authentic way and get off the beaten trail. One of my favorite trips was to northern Vietnamese town called Sapo, where I went hiking and stayed in the homes of four different ethnic minorities. Other trips that I loved were to Turkey and Morocco, where I road camels and spent an amazing night in the Sahara desert. When I travel with my children, I enjoy places like Provence, France.
M&C: When did you realize you wanted to become a jewelry designer?
MS: I begin making jewelry as a hobby. When I started selling my designs and saw the reaction, a new career was born.
M&C: Where does your inspiration come from?
MS: The motifs that I use in the collection are inspired by vintage jewelry, but the collection is very modern. Fashion inspires the colors. We create four new color pallets each season and I pay close attention to what my favorite designers (like Chanel) are showing during the fashion shows.
M&C: What was the first piece of jewelry you ever designed?
MS: I bought an amethyst in a crystal store and naively thought I could set it myself to create a necklace! It was a lot harder than I imagined, but eventually I found a teacher After a few lessons, I bought a jewelry bench and tools and started creating jewelry.
M&C: Who are some of your favorite designers?
MS: Bochic is my favorite jewelry brand and I love Alberta Ferretti and Nina Ricci clothing collections.
M&C: How would you define your personal style?
MS: I like wearing clothes that are feminine and cool. I love beautiful fabrics, like lace and silk. Color is very important and I like layering because it allows for a lot of creativity. The jewelry that I wear is bold. I typically wear a stack of Miriam Salat bangles. I like to layer in different styles - like an Elephant Head cuff mixed with different colored Starlet and Wavy bangles.
M&C: How did you get your start in jewelry designing and what have you learned over the course of being a designer?
MS: I began making jewelry as a hobby and my career began after a buyer from Henri Bendel asked me to create a collection. I am constantly learning and growing as a designer since I have never had an formal training. I think the key to success is finding a look, a niche, that is original. Using materials in a new and unique way is also very important.
M&C: What trends are you loving this season?
MS: I love all the leather that is coming in this season. I still love the bold colors and gorgeous prints. Miriam Salat jewelry is the perfect statement jewelry to compliment this season’s looks.