Wendy Brandes: Unique Jewelry Designed for You

What inspires NYC jewelry designer Wendy Brandes? Conniving queens, merry murderesses and Mother Nature, according to her website. Brandes’ jewelry is unconventional, to say the least. She appreciates those unique, intricate details that differentiate her from the multitude of other fine jewelry designers out there and she’s a fan of designing customized jewelry. Her jewelry has been worn by Rihanna and Hayden Panettiere, as well as other fashionable celebs. Max & Chloe was fortunate enough to score an interview with the designing queen. Check it an excerpt below:

Max & Chloe: Describe yourself in one word?
Wendy Brandes: Optimistic. No, wait… outspoken. Oh, and literary. No… decisive. Yes, that’s it… decisive.

MC: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
WB: I’m living in it, baby!

MC: What’s your typical day like?
WB: Every day I design jewelry, write my blog, work on the draft of my book, and get bossed around by two dogs and one cat.

MC: How would you describe your style?
WB: Ladylike with attitude.

MC: What made you want to start making jewelry?
WB: I knew exactly what I wanted to wear and I just needed someone to make it for me!

MC: What inspires you?
WB: Medieval history and social media — opposites attract.

MC: How do you stay creative and unique in such a competitive industry?
WB: If you chase every trend, you’ll never catch up. It’s better to stay true to your own vision. Let the trends chase you!

MC: What do you do when you’re not designing jewelry?
WB: Instagram pictures of FitzRoy, my Exotic Shorthair cat.

MC: What advice do you have for young designers?
WB: Don’t make anything you wouldn’t be thrilled to wear yourself.

Check out Wendy Brandes’ jewelry!