Designer Dish: Yumnah Najah
18 year old accessories designer, Yumnah Najah wearing her own designs..
FFB: What motivated you to start your own jewelry brand?
Yumnah: I started painting again during my last year in high school, and during that same time I was looking for bold and unique accessories to add something different to my outfits. I had this image in my head of the kind of jewelry that I wanted and I couldn’t find any thing to match the vision. That’s when I decided to merge my love for painting with my love for accessories. First, I started painting pieces inspired by paintings that I’d done in the past, and then I started to really let my creativity run free and in November 2010 I launched the first collection.
FFB: When you’re designing new pieces, what’s the concept and design process like?
Yumnah: The design process would happen very spontaneously because I get inspiration from everywhere! I can be outside looking at a flower or in a bookstore looking at a book cover and I’ll get an inspiration for a color scheme or a pattern. With the most recent Spring collection I focused in on two major influences and designed a collection featuring different interpretations of those inspirations. With those two concepts in mind I just sat down in my art room and started playing with different colors and let my hands just have fun :)
FFB: We see that everything in your line is 100% hand painted. What made you decide to handcraft each piece yourself? Do you think this sets your brand apart?
Yumnah: I think its so important for every woman to own a piece in her fashion collection, whether it be jewelry or clothing, that is truly one of a kind and that no one else will have. With each piece being hand painted, every piece that goes out is created differently. Even if someone orders the same design, the nature of the work is that the strokes and textures will be different. Every piece that goes out is as unique and different as the person who will wear it, and that sets my jewelry apart. I want the women to feel like they are wearing a piece of jewelry that is as special and intricately crafted as they are.
FFB: Tell us about your latest spring collection. What can we expect to see and wear?
Yumnah: The latest spring collection was so much fun to work on! I always have so many ideas and inspirations on a daily basis and it was nice for me to focus on a few at once and let each piece be a different representation of those inspirations. This spring collection was inspired by the bold and whimsical fashion and patterns of the 70s as well as the grid style paintings of artist Piet Mondrian, whose influence you’ll see in a lot of the necklaces and rings. You can also see a lot more beading in different styles on a few different necklaces and earrings.
FFB: What is your favorite accessory to wear and why?
Yumnah: I love statement pieces. Whether the statement is being made with a pair of over-sized stud earrings or a bright cocktail ring. Recently, I’ve been wearing a lot of statement beaded necklaces from the Spring collection. They’re the perfect piece to pair with an already fun outfit or add some pop to a casual one.
FFB: What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Yumnah: …Paint! I know that’s the expected answer, but I love working with both acrylic and watercolor paints. The colors, patterns and different designs I can come up with are limitless. I have so much fun when I’m working on a new piece with no concept before hand and I just let my hands guide me..at the end when the piece is done its amazing to see what I’ve created with such a simple material.
FFB: What’s next for Yumnah Najah – the person and the brand?
Yumnah: There are so many things in the works and I’m so excited to see what comes of it all! Right now, I am excited about the Yumnah Najah line continuing to grow and be recognized as a brand that represents elegance, creativity and individuality. I want to continue to inspire young people through my line to know that no matter what field you’re in, you’re never too young to start working towards your dreams.
To purchase pieces from Yumnah Najah’s latest collection, visit her official website by clicking here.
