Jewelry designer Karen Ko Exposed

The other day my friend Sara sent me a link to a jewelry website, it was for a young designer based in New York K2o. K2o has a fun yet modern look to it with an edgy twist. My favorite is the MOD BALL Collection (see below). I was able to meet the designer over a early cup of coffee at Friends of a Farmer. Check out what she had to say about her collection, fashion, and this seasons must haves:

1. Where were you born and where do you live now?

Born in Houston, TX, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and have lived in NYC for the last 10 years.

2. How did you end up being a jewelry designer?

My family ran a fine jewelry stores and after moving to NYC, I was searching for fashion forward statement jewelry which was difficult for me to find. So I ended up making a career change from Finance to Fashion Jewelry and got my jewelry design degree from FIT.

3. How did you come up with the name K2o, is there a meaning behind it?

I wanted a short and catchy name. The brand name is derived from my nickname which is "KK" or sometimes "KKO" and from those nicknames I came up with K2o.

4. What are your 3 must haves for Spring?

1. Sparkly Gold Statement Ring (Mod Ball 2 Ring)

http://www.mmixshop.com/collections/mod-ball/products/mod-ball-ii-ring

2. Long Dangling/ Fringe Earrings ( either the Mod Ball VII Earrings or DIAG III Earrings)

http://www.mmixshop.com/collections/mod-ball/products/gold-mod-ball-vii-earrings or http://www.mmixshop.com/collections/diag/products/diag-iii-earrings

and definitely:

3. Spike Ankle Cuffs (The Avant Rock Spike I Cuffs in all gold)

http://www.mmixshop.comcollections/avant-rock/products/avant-rock-spike-i-ankle-cuff-set

(Spring/ Summer is the perfect season to wear them with sky high heels and a white mini dress because no leggings or boots are required!)

5. What inspires your designs?

NYC social scene for sure, many of my designs were initially made for myself to wear out to an event, during fashion week or to a party.I am naturally drawn to geometric- structured shapes and I like to design statement pieces that will stand out in a crowd. I like to keep on top of current fashion trends which also influence my designs.I am a huge fan of versatility in my jewelry, such as earrings that can be worn in two different ways, ankle cuffs that can be worn with any pair of heels, harness necklaces that can be attached any dress, etc.

6. What accessory cant you live without?

Earrings!! They are very easy to wear and always an essential staple for going out.

7. How would you describe your style?

Definitely Rock Glam - I like to mix and match styles that are feminine/ lady-like and contrast them with a strong edgy statement. I often select outfits that are either minimal or structured with solid colors (I love black, white and red), essentially styles that compliment and showcase my jewelry best.

8. If you had to choice one designer to wear everyday who would it be and why?

Ooo that's a tough one. Currently I am in LOVE with Camilla Skovgaard shoes - I would wear her classic patent black pumps with a SAW sole (a nice twist to what would otherwise be a very simple pump). And of course, I would pair those heels with my ankle cuffs :)
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/camilla-skovgaard/black-stiletto-saw-sole-pump-586660?c_id=wgusd&utm_source=webgains_affiliate_usd&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=webgains_affiliate_usd&_$ja=tsid:9732&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-webgains-_-US-_-my-wardrobe

9. What’s your favorite piece from your collection?

Right now definitely my ankle cuffs. I can't tell you how often I get complimented on them by both men and women.This one is my personal favorite (in gold with chains):http://www.mmixshop.com/collections/avant-rock/products/avant-rock-spike-ii-ankle-cuff-set-2

10. How would you describe your jewelry line?

Edgy, Rock-Glam in Black, Gold & Silver.

11. Who’s your favorite fashion blogger at the moment? :)

My Little Secrets of course!