Born in Germany, Micha Kuchenhoff, made her move from Berlin to California 10 years ago and ever since she has been putting her creative mind to good use. Not only can Micha turn any trinket or charm she finds into a wearable masterpiece, she also keeps a “Go Green” state of mind. Using materials such as recycled fabrics, home decor, and worn fabrics, her designs make a statement. Also in her line are, bracelets, jeans, rings, and earrings. Have a sentimental attachment to a piece of jewelry, but want to spice up the look? Micha will customize and integrate it into a creative piece for you!
h: How did you get started with jewelry design?
M: I made my first necklace with unwanted jewelry from friends and then people starting complimenting me on the piece so I started doing more for Birthday presents. Then my friend Lara Matthews, founder of the Thread Show, pushed me to have a table at her show and sell some designs to see if there was a response. People loved it! Even people who never wore jewelry bought my designs – especially men. After that I started getting calls to participate in events, fashion shows and photo shots for magazines and here I am … still doing it!
h: Which magazines and celebrities have you worked with?
M: It has been an exiting ride thus far… Ocean, Woman’s Wear Daily, Pacific Beach Magazine, and Riviera to name a few. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to work with the rockin’ Gogol Bordello, Oprah’s Big Give Contestant: Rachael Hollingsworth and Jessica Simpson.
h: What are some of your greatest achievements?
M: So far… till today… that I am really able to live from doing jewelry. It’s a blessed experience to be able to do what you love!
h: Who would be your dream client to work with?
M: Gwen Stephani! She is one fierce chica – amazing style, creativity and the looks. I’d be honored to have her wear one of my pieces.
h: Where do you recommend shopping for fashionable people on a budget?
M: You’ve got to mix and match – take an old favorite from your closet and make it new with some budget fashion from places like Forever 21, Charlotte Rousse, Closet, Twirl Boutique or some of the stores in the LA Garment District if you happen to be in that area. The key is to own your look – don’t stroll down the street looking like an ad for one of those stores. Some accessories like one of my necklaces are a great way to spice up a simple dress and cause others to take interest in your look.
h: What do you think about the trend towards sustainable living?
M: Love it and I am doing it! I use almost every material from broken necklace pieces, home décor, old hardware, vintage pearls/chains and whatever …I am all for reduce, reuse, recycle! I’ve even start a campaign where people can donate their unwanted or broken jewelry to me and receive a discount when purchasing a Micha Design Piece. Also I do commissioned statement pieces; meaning people can give me their grandma’s broche or bracelet that they love for sentimental reasons but would never wear for style purposes and I will evolve it into a more modern Micha Design piece-ready to wear.
h: Who are your major artistic influences and why?
M: I honestly don’t have any… I design what comes into my mind. I go by shape and colors and do not care it is real gold/silver. The ideas come to me when I see an item… I begin to visualize it as a necklace! People like to challenge me with random items…and are always surprised by the finished piece. A personal favorite is my chicken necklace… the silver chicken was part of a garden planter at a friend’s house. I saw it and was in love with it and had to beg him to give it to me. He was very surprised about the finished piece and gets a kick out of how people always want to buy it off my neck when we go out together!
h: Where would you like to see your design career go?
M: I want to be known as a jewelry designer who creates extravagant designs for people who are not afraid to stick out in the crowed and love to have fun when getting dressed!
h: What are your other interests?
M: Love going out dancing! First it allows me to test my new designs by wearing it, second it’s relaxing for me since it lets me forget about everything we all have to deal with on a daily basis. Also enjoy snowboarding and wake boarding.
Check Micha out at www.designbymicha.com and www.myspace.com/michadesign
