A timeless collection
Ivanka Trump needs no introduction. An iconic fashion model, astute businesswomen and world-renowned socialite, Ivanka has been a much sought-after personality in the social circles – not just in the US - worldwide. The latest feather in her cap is her jewellery line for the modern, sophisticated and self-purchasing women of all ages and types. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine, the daughter of billionaire Donald and Ivana Trump shares her love and passion for jewellery that – in her own words - pays homage to the past while embracing the future. Not just a piece of the finest jewellery her collection is an investment that women can keep forever. Ivanka is partnering with Harvey Nichols to open shop-in-shops in Dubai. So let Ivanka’s fashion jewellery feast your eyes and beautify your life. Excerpts from the interview:
Ivanka Trump jewellery is only a few years old, in your own words what is the DNA of the brand?
My jewellery line's vision of "Rock Tradition" plays a vital role in my design aesthetic. It’s a modern twist on jewellery's most important classic. Heirloom chic is the creative vision behind my jewellery line. It's the youthful reinvention of legacy jewellery. The jewellery captures a sense of fine workmanship, tradition and off-hand elegance. I wanted to design jewellery for the modern, sophisticated and self-purchasing woman of today. I wanted women to see it and be able to buy themselves an important piece of jewellery right away - without asking "him." My audience includes women of all ages and types - who know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to express themselves through jewellery.
When did you realise your passion for jewellery?
My mother’s legacy jewellery collection always inspired me. And my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewellery market was missing a fresh and young design approach. Most of my influence has come from my mother’s legacy jewellery, travel destinations, architecture, and different cultures and languages. My design philosophy is simple: Jewellery should pay homage to the past while embracing the future. The first piece of jewellery that I loved was a diamond necklace my mother gave me from her collection when I turned 21 – it’s the most inspiring piece I own. Also, a pair of classic pearl studs my grandmother gave me when I was 10 has always been my favorite.
Do you design your own jewellery line?
I work closely with an in-house designer who is able to take my vision and inspiration and create sketches. I am deeply involved in approving sketches, making changes and adding and subtracting from the designs before they are finalized.
How has your career in real estate helped you with this jewellery line?
My career in real estate has taught me to plan, organize and be prepared for every meeting, every encounter I have. I use my forward-thinking skills to plan out the global jewellery expansion. I use my understanding of economy and local markets to handpick the best retail partners in each region of the world.
What style are women today particularly looking for?
Women today want to invest in jewellery they can keep forever. They want modern yet classic, statement making pieces that are also functional and transitional from day to night.
Your jewellery company is in the process of expanding throughout the GCC. What are your expectations?
I think my jewellery line will be very successful in the GCC region – women here are looking for powerful jewellery that can translate their own style. We are launching this fall in the Middle East – in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Turkey, Bahrain and Kuwait. In addition, we are partnering with Harvey Nichols to open shop-in-shops in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
Have you been to the Middle East before and how do you describe the taste of the Arabian women?
Arabian women are looking for modern jewellery that they can pass on to generations. They want to make an investment in a high-quality and high-style piece. That’s what I’m offering.
If you want to introduce your jewellery to women in the Middle East how would you describe it?
My jewellery has a very high quality of craftsmanship with an old Hollywood art deco glamour – inspired by the style of the Hollywood screen goddesses such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelley. My jewellery is statement making yet classy – you can wear it from a luncheon to a fancy wedding. You can wear it every day.
Numerous celebrities have been seen wearing your jewellery. Are there any Arab celebrities? Who would you most like to see wearing it?
I am very fortunate that starts like Bridget Moynahan, Evan Rachel Wood, Leighton Meester, Elizabeth Hurley among others have chosen my jewellery to grace the red carpet.
Do you wear your own designs?
Yes, everyday! My favorite pieces are the tassels, mixed bead necklace in black onyx with diamond oval clasp and the signature ovals. The Rough Diamond Multi-Strand Tassel Bracelet is definitely a show-stopper and an architectural achievement in jewellery design.
You are preparing to launch a bags and accessory lines, when will that be and are they also going to be represented here in the Middle East?
The shoes and handbags launch are in the US only this spring 2011.
You have tried a lot of different things in business - real estate modeling and designing; you are an author of a book… what are the common things between them all?
Being honest, being well prepared, being creative and being practical. Every day is different for me. I generally wake up, exercise and read through a copious amount of newspapers. I arrive at the office somewhere between 7:30 and 8:00 am – my brothers and I are always the first ones in. My days are often filled with a large volume of meetings – everything from hotel design to building management to jewellery initiatives to new deal development to marketing strategy and often, filming for the Apprentice. I try to stick to a very strict schedule and I am never late – this is something that I learned from my father. I also try to schedule some time between those meetings to return phone calls and emails, as I think that it is very important to respond to direct correspondence in a timely manner.
My main focus will continue to be on expanding the Trump brand globally through real estate and hotel ventures. Additionally, I would like to continue to grow my personal brand in a wide variety of luxury lifestyle businesses including the fine jewellery line, a footwear and handbag line, my book The Trump Card (NYTimes Bestseller).
How did the fact of being the daughter of the famous and rich Donald and Ivana Trump affect your career?
My parents always taught us that hard work never goes out of style! My upbringing has prepared me for a challenging career that requires ambition, a strong work ethic and determination. I wake up every day with a focused, organized plan to meet all my professional, personal and lifestyle goals – that is the invaluable lesson my parents taught my brothers and me.