with Leila Kashnipour
|
We are honored to have Persian Leila Kashanipour, designer behind the London-based jewelry brand LeiVanKash as our first guest in the TALK. After graduating London’s Central Saint Martins in Jewelry Design and working for Stephen Webster, Leila launched her own jewelry line LeiVanKash in 2011. With her signature exotic and in a certain way eccentric designs she has instantly become favorite with fashionistas all over the world. Leila tells MORE is LOVE about her route into the jewelry world, Persian heritage and global inspiration. |
|
MORE is LOVE: Why LeiVanKash? Leila: Lei is for my name Leila, Van in Dutch means 'from' and I wanted to make the brand name sound catchy, Kash is from my family name Kashanipour. And so, Leila from the Kashanipour family that gets abbreviated in LeiVanKash, my brand name. For someone who knoes my name, it is easy to associate. |
MORE is LOVE: What originally made you want to study art of jewelry making? Leila: It was during my foundation year at Central Saint Martins, that my tutor at the time directed me to take a short course in jewelry, after a project that involved attention to detail. I had gone in thinking fine arts in specific painting was what I wanted to do, but things changed as they naturally do! |
It makes me happy to see ladies from all corners of the world wearing, loving and appreciating LeiVanKash.
|
Leila: LeiVanKash is when West meets East, its timeless and not dedicated to a season, it's rich in color and texture and has a distinct luxury of hand made finish. MORE is LOVE: How does rich Persian culture influence your work? Leila: The color of the gemstones I use reflects a lot on my Persian culture, especially the combination of Turquoise, Lapis, Carnelian Agate with the rich 22k gold plating. MORE is LOVE: How much have you evolved since your first collection? Leila: A lot, its only natural and it will be a never ending evolution process. For SS15 I am working on something completely new in terms of feel, but that is part of the growth of a brand and its all very exciting! |
|
MORE is LOVE: How would you describe a woman in LeiVanKash jewelry? Leila: LeiVanKash ladies like to stack their pieces, they are of all backgrounds and age groups. They like attention to detail and appreciate the luxury factor in hand made jewelry that is not necessarily fine. MORE is LOVE: What are you working on at the moment? Leila: My SS15 collection and our presentation in Paris for October! |
MORE is LOVE: The best advice anyone has ever given you... Leila: Don't rush into it, take it slow and breathe as things happen at the right time for the right reason, don't burn out and do not forget yourself. MORE is LOVE: What do you love most about your profession? Leila: Being able to manage my own time and to be my own boss. |
Take it slow and breathe as things happen at the right time for the right reason
|
Leila: My surrounding, friends, fashion, my Persian culture, London cosmopolitan living, colors in nature, Islamic art and architecture... MORE is LOVE: What is the most important thing in the working process? Leila: Time management, discipline and communication. MORE is LOVE: Tell us about your future projects or collaborations... Leila: New collection and hopefully 2 new accessory collaborations for SS15! Watch this space. MORE is LOVE: Your jewelry has a brilliant success worldwide. What does success mean to you? Leila: It makes me happy to see ladies from all corners of MORE is LOVE: Your greatest passions... Leila: Traveling around the world with LeiVanKash jewels, getting together with close friends over really good food and discovering new things! |
LOVE is… "Accepting, Generous and Liberating"
