Known for her signature necklace NATE, Diana Broussard is a sophisticated jewelry designer with an impressive resume. From Calvin Klein to Christian Dior and Gucci, now she is running a successful brand in her own name. With the artisan craftsmanship in mind, she designs her collections for chic urban women with a modern sense of style. MORE is LOVE discovers an inspiring story and gets an exclusive preview of what is next for Diana Broussard.

MORE is LOVE: Tell us about you career in the industry…

Diana: I was fortunate to work for some great designers, Calvin Klein for many years (designing underwear, shoes, jewelry) Christian Dior (director for accessories, and shoe designer), senior shoe designer at Gucci under Tom Ford. From the really great companies, comes great training and work discipline and collaborating with talented people.

MORE is LOVE: What did you gain from working for other brands?

Diana: A well-rounded idea of how ALL of the aspects of a design company are important. Firstly, great products, and then how sales, advertising, presentation and a good team are all important. Also, it is also important to respect and be gracious to people all of the time.

MORE is LOVE: Why and when did you decide to start your own line?

Diana: I opened my first boutique in 2007. I was still consulting and designing for big luxury companies, so that I could grow my own vision and business slowly. The reason I decided to start my own line is, so that I could make things I wanted to make, instead of someone else's point of view.

MORE is LOVE: Describe a woman who wears your jewelry.

Diana: The flattering fact, is that the jewelry is crossing boundaries of age, style, and cultures. The women are all tasteful, and wearing the necklace to give a lift of sophistication to their outfit without being too garish or "bling".

MORE is LOVE: The most challenging thing you faced in your career…

Diana: Moving to Paris to work for Dior, and I only could speak English and Italian at the time!

MORE is LOVE: What inspired your signature necklace Nate?

Diana: The bold gold necklaces of Yves Saint Laurent in the 80's and how he made women look sexy, powerful, and very female all at the same time.

MORE is LOVE: What is your biggest source of inspiration?

Diana: The materials I use for my designs usually inspire me.

MORE is LOVE: What’s next for your brand?

Diana: The expansion into silver and rose gold, yellow gold fine jewelry. Immediately we are launching my first Eau de Parfum, "Diana Broussard" and soap trio. We are collaborating with a perfume company from Paris from 1920, DETAILLE. The French contessa, who started Detaille was one of the first women to have a car in Paris. She started a line of face cream to protect her face from the wind blowing on her during her drives, and then she made perfume and sold them to the other royal women in town. My first scent is very sophisticated, with a nod to Oud, and lovely complexities of Patchouli and Tobacco...

MORE is LOVE: How long does it take to create a piece? Tell us about the working process…

Diana: There is the idea, the design, the molds (and which technically suits the idea the most), initial prototypes and then the finished collection. This can take three to four months. So, the process is always ongoing.

MORE is LOVE: What is your favourite material to work with?

Diana: Resin utilized in different manufacturing processes, and metal. I am expanding into fine jewelry, which is so rewarding.

MORE is LOVE: What do you miss living in New York?

Diana: Growing up in Texas (the South), I remember beautiful blissful Spring days, Spring fever. We don't have those days in New York City!

MORE is LOVE: Your brand in 3 words…

Diana: Chic, bold, sexy.

MORE is LOVE: What is your biggest achievement?

Diana: The whole life and career process together... Years of building products and personal character. Many more years I hope.

MORE is LOVE: Who is your icon in jewelry making?

Diana: Old Cartier, Van Cleef, YSL fashion jewelry from the 70's and 80's.