Jewelry Designer and Founder of Designers 4 Africa April Star Davis creates simple, wearable and fashionable jewelry for costume designers, movie and television actors, stylists, designer boutiques, and private clients. She focuses primarily on using sterling silver and 14k gold-filled materials, and follows current trends while also designing for practicality. April works with stylists and wardrobe departments in the TV and film industry. Past projects include: Nip/Tuck, Greys Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Wedding Crashers, Employee of the Month, Boston Public, American Music Awards, Friends, ER, and Melrose Place. - From April Star Davis Jewelry Website Jessica: April, thank you so much for doing this interview. Being a personal fan of your jewelry, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to feature you in TSM. When did you first start making jewelry and what inspired you to become a jewelry designer ? April: I first started fifteen years ago while working at a bead shop and basically the same was then as now, there was no good, affordable jewelry that my friends or I liked so I had to make it. Jessica: Your jewelry has been featured in magazines such as In Style, Lucky, 944, Marie Claire and many more. It has also been featured in various movies including Wedding Crashers and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake and Tommy Lee have worn your jewelry as well. Wow, it’s wonderful! Tell us about how you were able to get your jewelry on shows, movies, etc. April: I worked in costume design and currently do some styling for models & actresses.. I will be in Paris styling a few people and trend spotting. Jessica: What are some of your favorite pieces that you have designed ? April: The lotus shaped or tear drop earrings…They are simple, yet look great on everyone. They’re also a great alternative to basic hoop earrings – much fresher but not trendy. Jessica: Who are some jewelry designers you admire ? April: Antique jewelry, Greek jewelry and American Indian artists. Jessica: What materials do you use to make your jewelry ? And on average, how long does it take for you to create a piece of jewelry ? April: I use recycled sterling and gold. I’m pretty fast, but never time myself as I just go in and make things plus see where it takes me. Jessica: I know you went to Uganda to teach women how to make jewelry. Tell us about your experience there. April: Well, that would be enough for an entire interview lol. Basically, it changed my life and theirs in a positive way. Currently, I have them selling their jewelry in order to be self-reliant. You can check them out here - equatorjewelry/ Jessica: You are also the founder of the non-profit organization Designers 4 Africa. Tell us about D4A and how designers can get involved with it. April: Basically, I’ve been donating jewelry for charity auctions for over ten years and thought, what if ten or more designers donated as a group? We did our first with Drop in the Bucket. A few pairs of earrings and necklaces were turned into a pimp that now pumps water for over 1,200 kids in Uganda. Now I’m looking to do big auctions and projects, but I just need more designers and businesses to join me. – it cost nothing and you get a tax receipt for all donations contact Dep Tuany for tax receipt & info
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 19:06:33 +0000
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