Interview
Spiritiually Designed: Mathew DiSpagna Interview
Tenisha Anderson
PD: What has been your favorite or most sentimental piece created?
MD: Pleiades. Pleiades was a piece I did last fall and it was sold to a light worker in Massachusetts. The interesting quality about Pleiades is that when I finished it and named I later discovered that on that particular day the Pleiaden Portal of Light opened. This discovery was made after I named the piece. On top of that, the piece was sold to the wife of a Pleiaden light worker, who bought the piece as a gift for her husband. It was one of those unique situations where the stars were lined up perfectly. In addition to this I have had numerous “coincidences” such as a girl who was given a pendant named Lily, and her mother is named Lily, same spelling and all. These coincidences are another reason why I continue to do what I do.
PD: Do you really believe that diamonds are the only jewel that can be a girl’s best friend?
MD: Not at all, diamonds may be forever, but I feel that Pink Tourmaline and Tsavorite Garnets are worthy candidates.
PD: Would you ever consider using diamonds, rubies, emeralds, enclosed with platinum or white gold, instead of the lesser luxury stones and metals?
MD:I have used rubies and emeralds, which are amazing to work with. The difference between the stones that I use in my jewelry and most other the high end
jewelry in the market is that my stones are in raw form, meaning they are naturally formed and unaltered opposed to many jewelry designers who use cut and faceted stones. In my opinion, stones in their natural form retain their beauty and energy, more so than those manipulated by machines. I do offer Platinum and White Gold for custom orders. I also have access to red and green gold.
PD: Do you plan to create other jewelry designs than just necklaces?
MD: I recently released my first set of rings. My first ring was done over one year ago and in May of this year I began to do more rings and I am beyond satisfied with the results. Beyond rings, I have done a couple pairs of earrings, another item I plan to expand on. Further down the road I also plan on creating belt buckles, navel rings, broaches and bracelets. I also have a few accessory ideas in the works that I believe will transform the industries perception of accessories.
PD: You mention in the company bio that DiSpagna Designs offershandmade, limited edition jewelry with the intention to expand into other forms of fashion and art in
the upcoming year. What other forms of fashion and art are you looking into and why?
MD: I’ve mentioned some of the accessories I plan on expanding into, however, you will have to wait and see what I come out with next.
PD: I was reading your mission statement on the website (abbreviated from the actual mission statement on the website) — DiSpagna Designs LTD is on a mission to put you on a mission… Our Mission, Your Statement.So, Mathew, explain what is the mission and what statement does a DiSpagna client make from it?
MD: The mission of DiSpagna Designs LTD is to create pieces that are completely exclusive to each individual, but what remains constant in each piece is it’s exclusivity, as well as the raw stones and metals. Everyone who wears a DiSpagna makes their own unique statement because no one has a piece exactly like theirs, they can not be exactly reproduced. However, what is constant between all the statements is that they are being made with a DiSpagna. Ultimately it’s a cycle.
PD: I see you dabble in painting.Who are your artistic influences in painting world? Tell us more about your oil pastel abstract paintings.
MD: I am influenced by my past experiences with my oil pastel work. This art form has been a very powerful outlet for me. My style can best be described as a psychedelic checkerboard. Each piece has a different color pattern, my first one ever done is still my favorite with a rainbow color pattern. I keep these painting to myself as they are just for personal pleasure. I sometimes find myself doodling checkerboards when I am waiting for any random reason.
PD: How was it hanging out with Phil Lesh (bass guitarist of The Grateful Dead) ?
MD: Better for me than him, I met Phil at his book signing last summer and I was so excited to be in his presence that when I shook his hand I actually hurt him. I have since been labeled as “The Guy That Hurt Phil.”
PD: What is something, anything that is different/off-the-wall/unconventional about you that no one would dare think to associate it with you?
MD: I am a dopeless hope fiend, sober since December 7, 2002.
Mathew’s beautiful collections and purchase information can be viewed at www.DiSpagnadesigns.com
tenisha@papierdoll.net
The Daily
Fashion Rocks Performers Announced
The Conde Nast extravaganza that is Fashion Rocks is returning again for another season. Normally taking place during New York Fashion week, Fashion Rocks melds the entertainment industry with the spectacle behind the Spring
July 23, 2008
Gwen Stefani Designs for Oz
Gwen Stefani has done almost everything that can be done. She's been the front person for a major rock group, she's had major hits as a solo artist, she's played the role of actress all while designing a popular fashion line.
July 22, 2008
Model Ben Grimes Enters the World of Design
One of the former faces of the Burberry brand is looking to branch out on her own and create a line. Ben Grimes is taking her love of fashion to the runway, only this time she won't walk in a show, her collection...
July 21, 2008
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim Makes a Splash
Mercedes-Benz is returning to Miami to heat up summer with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. July 17th to July 21st, the historic Raleigh Hotel will host 15 of the hottest swimwear designers including Red Carter, Poko Pano...
July 18, 2008
Marilyn Monroe's Fashion Line from the Grave
Bradford Licensing, a company known to revive brands using dead celebrity names has taken their passion for Marilyn Monroe and transformed it into a ready to wear line. The collection will feature the iconic actress'...
July 17, 2008
see all daily headlines >>
