Tiia Mandell of Tiia Design
Interviewed by Yuliya Jade
Winter issue 2010
YJ: How did you discover your aspiration to be a jewelry and accessory designer?
TM: After working with several Fashion Designers in New York City (Carolyne Roehm, Adrienne Vittadini and St. John), and later working in the Interior Design field in Los Angeles, I decided to focus my creative energies on jewelry and clutches, and have continued to evolve it to where I am today! I actually started designing and making creations before I was a teenager. This interest continued and I eventually attended art and design schools (Skidmore College, Parsons School of Design, The Art Students’ League in New York), and later earned a degree in Interiors from UCLA.
YJ: D: Do you remember the first jewelry piece you’ve designed? (describe it)?
TM: The creation that more or less launched Tiia was a clutch covered in turquoise nuggets with jasper accents and lined with a muted turquoise and taupe zebra patterned fabric. Whenever I went out with this clutch, I would get so many comments and offers to purchase it that I decided to start my business. Since I love stones and fabrics in all their different colors, textures and shapes, I naturally started designing jewelry as well.
YJ: How many pieces are in your collection now?
TM: At any given time, I am likely to have about 40 necklaces and 15 clutches available for sale, as well as several other designs that are in progress at varying stages. They are one-of-a-kind and the collections are small, geared towards women who want something that expresses their own individuality.
YJ: Where do you get your inspiration from?
TM: A lot of my creative inspiration has come from traveling to some of the most interesting places in the world – be it Patagonia, London, Australia, Northern Africa or Hong Kong. Through these life-enriching experiences, I have been immersed in different cultures, and inspired by what I have observed, be it a historical detail in a museum display, an architectural flourish on a building, or unique styles of dress worn by a local.
YJ: Describe your designing process. Do you start with the materials or a drawing? How do you go from an inspiration to the finished piece?
TM: Usually, when I am struck with an idea, I sketch it out in my “process” sketch book. Frequently though, my ideas come to me while I am at the gym either on the treadmill or in spinning class. Even though I cannot sketch at that moment, I am able to visualize the design and “problem solve” how to actually construct it and bring it to life! I am also constantly searching for stones based on their intrinsic beauty or uniqueness which in turn will drive the design process; I try to create something that is inspired by the elements themselves rather than force a design. You could say my approach to design comes from both directions.
YJ: What are the most favorite accessories you’ve created and why?
TM: My favorite piece is the turquoise nugget clutch (pictured) that I mentioned above. Not only is it a great looking bag to use with any outfit, I really enjoyed designing and creating this piece. My other favorites are some fun and whimsical coral pendants I have created using coral branches that I have found on the beaches in Miami to which I have added semi-precious stones. They are easy and light necklaces with just a bit of sophisticated sparkle; a wonderful reflection of Miami. They have been some of my most popular pieces.
YJ: Are you working on any new designs that you’d like to tell us about?
TM: I am in the midst of planning a trip to India including a visit to Jaipur, known as one of the gem centers of the world. So, I expect to be full of ideas for exciting new clutches and necklaces inspired by what I see!
Visit Tiia Design at www.tiiadesign.com