For the past four years, jewelry designer Dana Lorenz has been well acquainted with the word "obsession." And no, we're not talking about the Calvin Klein perfume. Originally creating pieces for herself, Lorenz eventually drew the eye of Alexander Plokhov of Cloak, with whom she collaborated for a runway collection— a flurry of press and retail interest followed, and suddenly Fenton (and an obsession), was born. We're talking about a CFDA nomination, a lower-priced diffusion line, collabs with J.Crew and Opening Ceremony, and a flasghip store on Freeman Alley. Unfortunately, our budgets don't always let us just stroll into Colette and pick up one of her signature, fantastical statement necklaces. But, let it be said that Lorenz is fiscally egalitarian—she sat down with us to share a DIY that'll have you lookin' like a million dollars. Obsessed yet?
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Here's how to make the "mixed deadly choker," in four steps:
Step # 1: Gather all your elements. In this case, a choker strand of fake pearls, four different color chains, and three jewel strands. You will need pliers, 12 jump rings, and a clasp.
Step # 2: Create two different pieces with the strands. Here the first piece consists of the pearls, one of the jewel strands, and two chains. The other piece consists of two jewel strands and two chains. Using pliers, open a jump ring and attach all four strands to it for the first piece. Then place the clasp on the jump ring, and close the jump ring. For the second piece do the same, but a clasp is not needed.
Step # 3: Clasp the two pieces together and hang on neck. Take the pearl strand, wrap around the neck, and attach an open jump ring. Hook the pearl strand's open jump ring to the other piece's closed jump ring using pliers.
Step # 4: Begin winding individual strands around the pearl strand. Attach a jump ring to each individual strand, and attach that to the pearl strand's jump ring. Do this until every strand is wrapped around and attached to the pearl strand's jump rings.
Dana's Materials are available at M&J Trimming, 1008 Sixth Avenue (between 37th & 38th streets); 212-391-6200.
R29 GIVEAWAY:
If you're inspired by Dana's DIY, but don't have the time to make a craft store run, never fear, Refinery's here! Just post a picture on our Facebook page of you're favorite Fenton piece. We'll pick our top snap and send the winner everything needed to make your own choker.