Preview and Interview: Suzie by Suzanna Dai

It's been a while since our interview with friend and jewelry designer Suzie Gallehugh for Suzanna Dai. She just launched a hot new diffusion line, Suzie by Suzanna Dai and I got the chance to preview the pieces a couple weeks ago.

I was super excited for the launch as I love Suzie's jewelry but unfortunately haven't been able to afford any pieces of my own. Perhaps that will change soon :) The diffusion line will retail for $175-200 for necklaces and $65-75 for the earrings. It's hard for me to pick my fave piece but for now I think I'm gonna have to go with the circle necklace pictured above with pewter studs, rhinestones, and brass tube beads.

I thought with the launch of her collection, it would be the perfect time for me to check in with Suzie and see what's been happening since March, about her line, her must buy for Fall and her top 3 NYC things to eat/do. Hope you enjoy!

SRC: Hi Suzie, I'm so glad to have this chance to finally catch up with you. So much has happened since our interview back in March; your pieces were worn on Gossip Girl and featured in InStyle Magazine! What’s been the most exciting part of it all?

SG: I know, a lot has happened - I can’t believe it’s already almost Christmas! I think the coolest part has been that people are starting to recognize my pieces and my line - it’s very exciting.

SRC: I'm in particular excited about your new diffusion line Suzie by Suzanna Dai! What prompted you to start a diffusion line? Suzie by Suzanna Dai seems bolder, chunkier and brighter to me. How do you think it differs from your signature collection?

SG: Well, everyone knows how the economy has been doing, and most people have had to re-adjust their budgets and shopping habits because of it, so it only made sense to offer a diffusion line. The Suzie line still features the same aesthetic, but with a younger vibe...It’s kind of the fun younger sister to the more sophisticated Suzanna Dai line.

SRC: I really feel you've grown so much as a designer with each collection! Has anything in particular spurred your growth or given you new confidence?

SG: It’s very important to me to always maintain my own vision and translate current trends, that I may or may not love, into my own viewpoint, and present them in a way in which I would wear them. I want to be free to explore and create in different ways and not be boxed strictly into a specific category, so my aim is to constantly be evolving. In such a competitive market, I think it is the only way to stay alive.

SRC: Aside from one of your gorgeous statement necklaces, what is one investment piece that every girl needs for her closet this fall?

SG: Obviously, I think a big necklace is neccessary. Other than that, I have been dying for a pair of over-the-knee boots. They look so great.

SRC: You mentioned last interview that your travels were a huge inspiration; do you have any upcoming trips planned?

SG: I have been thinking about going to Russia this summer - St Petersburg and Moscow. I’ve never been, and I took 5 years of Russian in high school and college, so I think it’s high time I go!

SRC: When you're not working what are your top 3 things to do/eat in NYC?

SG: 1) thrift shopping in Brooklyn - I usually go every other month to Beacon’s Closet to trade out clothes and find new projects to work on; 2) LOVE Thai food, so friends and I sometimes meet up at Room Service for dinner; 3) seeing foreign/independent films at the IFC Center, the Angelika, or the Landmark Sunshine.

SRC: Thank you for joining us once again! You’ll definitely have to let us know what you have in store for Spring 2010!

SG: Definitely! Thanks for having me!