Sophie Monet: Designer Interview

Sophie Monet has been making a strong statement with her line of sculptural wood-based jewelry, and we're smitten with the simple, yet incredibly striking results. The clean, geometric lines are a breath of fresh air from layered chains and embellishments, while the combination of elements ranges from the intriguingly earthy—think turquoise, crystals, and unfinished gemstones—to the decidedly modern: sleek shapes with a gilded touch. Her line is growing; you can now buy it at Fred Segal and Planet Blue, as well as her website. We had a one-on-one with the 24 year-old designer, and got the scoop on her budding line.

FabSugar: How did your jewelry line begin?
Sophie Monet: I started experimenting with wood almost 3 years ago. It was my first summer out of college and after interning for Alexander Wang and Nylon Magazine I was kinda like “Now what?" I made one ring, a few necklaces and a line sheet, then all of sudden I was in Fred Segal and Planet Blue. It’s all fun for me. I get to make art all day, get dirty and end up with an awesome-looking end result.

FS: What made you start with woodmaking?
SM: I’ve always loved making things with my hands. I really just started using wood out of convenience. I grew up around it, playing in my dad’s art studio, gluing scrap pieces together.

FS: What was your breakthrough moment?
SM: Probably when I saw my double finger rings in Women’s Wear Daily. I was excited to tell everyone. Doing interviews like this is just amazing and makes me feel so lucky.

For the rest of the interview, and pics of Sophie's incredible jewelry, click our slideshow.