Echo of the Dreamer

Margaret Thurman and co-designer Myoshin Thurman

Echo of the Dreamer's mother and daughter design team are a study in contrasts. Margaret's bold dramatic style paired with Myoshin's delicate worksmanship result in a bold collection of jewelry with an organic design sensibility.

When and why did you start your company and collection?
I was a painter, managed a rock band, made underground movies, raised a daughter and all the while made and sold jewelry - my real joy and passion. I have a mad love for stones. In 1993 I started Echo of the Dreamer with my daughter, Myoshin, and began to concentrate exclusively on jewelry design. Myoshin and I are a study in contrasts.  She was an actress, musician and model, she is refined and delicate, and her designs reflect that. I am bold and dramatic, my designs are the same. We often use rare and exotic stones in unusual combinations. Tourmalines, Laguna agates, druzies, shells, opals and rough diamonds. People say our jewelry compels them to buy it. I know itÕs all the love and care that we put into each piece. I often hear from people many years later who tell me they still treasure their timeless talismans. Our jewelry has been aptly described as modern organic and bohemian chic.

What is your inspiration for the latest collection?
Fall 2005 Fashion Week has been taken by storm (or rather by sea!) with the debut of Nicole MillerÕs Viking-inspiredfashion show featuring custom jewelry by Echo of the Dreamer.  Designer Margaret Thurman interprets VikingsÕ famed Nordic moxie of facing difficulty with spirit and courage to create a strong, exquisite jewelry collection featuring materials such as silver, brass, amethyst, citrine, smoky topaz and biwa pearls in wine and gold.  Pieces such as ThorÕs Hammer, Swallow Bird Amulet and the Nordic Cuff celebrate the supernatural strength, feisty humor and armored independence of todayÕs Viking woman.  Echo of the DreamerÕs Viking Collection expertly weaves high fashion and Nordic style to release the inner fashion warrior in each of us.

On your path to starting, were there any major challenges in the beginning?
As an artist I found business a real challenge, but IÕve enjoyed learning how to combine my natural inclination for an unstructured, unconventional life with the constraints of a running a busy company. It is possible to blend the two extremes into one mellifluous whole. IÕve learned so many rich lessons from every twist and turn and have surprised myself by accomplishing things I thought were way beyond me. I am very grateful for the experience. It makes me extremely happy to share the abundance that has come from all this. Life is such fun and Echo of the Dreamer reflects that. We laugh here all the time. The atmosphere is comfortable, relaxed and unpretentious, yet we maintain great professionalism. I have a different criteria for hiring people. A personÕs education or lack of it is not nearly as important to me as their character. Honesty, kindness and awareness are the main attributes that I look for. If someone is smart and has a zest for life we can teach them whatever they need to know. WeÕre not involved in mere commerce, weÕre creating a lifestyle, a family, a safe haven for sensitive, artistic souls. No oneÕs job is strictly compartmentalized. We encourage everyone to contribute to every aspect of the business. Surprising talents often emerge from unexpected places.

Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design vision?
I grew up on the east coast, Washington, D.C., the Jersey shore, Philadelphia, Conneticut, my parents moved frequently. As a young teenager our family moved to NYC. I was home! I studied fine art for 6 years with the eccentric artist Nicholai Abracheff in his roach infested studio on West 110th St. They left the window by the fire escape open so stray cats could come in for food. All the students took turns painting and posing. That entrˇe into the New York art scene led me to making experimental films with my husband, photographer David Thurman. These films were shown at the prestigious Jonas MeekasÕ FilmakerÕs Cinematique. Andy Warhol was often in the audience. NYC in the sixties was magic!

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?
Our very popular river rock collection started out with stones I found on the beach. We are constantly on the lookout for unusual minerals and stones and we like to deal directly with small individual miners. Once a man called me from his cell phone outside of a tiny mine in the Hinterlands. He had found a deposit of a strange stone but wasnÕt going to dig it out unless I wanted it. I donÕt think anyone else will appreciate this he said. ŅSounds fantastic, IÕll take itÓ was my reply! ItÕs often a challenge to try to set in silver or gold the odd shapes and textures of these rare stones.

Favorite designers, places, stores, people, things that were formative to your current creative vision?
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helmut Newton, the Buddha, Picasso

What is your vision for your brand and collection?
We want to remain in touch with trends, but not a slave to them. Our style is current but timeless. Each piece feels as though it came out of a treasure chest. I have always had a very active dream life. It is as important, productive and interesting as my waking life. A dream is an infinite extension of the artistic impulse. Endless ripples in the mind. Hence Echo of the Dreamer.

What cities, neighborhoods inspire you?
I live and have an additional studio in my large upper west side apartment. I love the neighborhood. In my building alone there is a well known poetess, not so well known opera singers and a first chair violin player who performs at Lincoln Center, to mention only a few. If I have a craving for anything itÕs only a few blocks away no matter what time of the day or night. IÕm between 2 large parks and I see a wide variety of birds flying past my windows. I see white cranes often.

Name a few of your favorite stores in LA, NY, San Francisco, London, Paris or elsewhere?

Eva at 227 Mulberry Street in Nolita has such a wonderful assortment of vintage and new pieces. It is always a treat to go in and see what new designs they have found. It seems to really reflect what is new and fresh.

I Heart  at 262 Mott Street in Soho is a very cutting edge store that has quirky array of emerging artists. Everything from one of a kind pottery to new underground music and great books

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?

Whiskers Natural Pet Supply, 235 East 9th Street- They deliver!
For natural and organic pet products.

Evolution- An amazing collection of fossils. It is like a small natural history museum. It reminds me of our showroom, with our collection of specimens and crystals.

ABC Carpet- Kevin OÕBrien has his amazing textiles there. Pillows, curtains and incredible bed throws. His work is also at Takishimaya.

Chelsea Flea Market- Always a great treasure hunt.

OM Yoga

Favorite stores for clothes, accessories, beauty?
Alkaitis- Holistic Organic Skin Food- www.alkaitis.com

Favorite shoe, denim, tee, or fashion labels?
Merrell clogs are THE most comfortable shoes IÕve ever worn!

Anything new on the horizon for you?
WeÕve begun a collection of funky high carat gold with rough diamonds, opals, green moonstones and other fantastic stones. Maintaining an exciting balance between raw and refined.We will be working on a collection of objects for the home in the near future.