hovey lee jewelry

For Hovey Lee, it was quite a natural thing for to start a jewelry design studio. Hovey's Interior Designer father and Hong Kong upbringing bring a unique East West aesthetic to her collections. In October 2002 Hovey launched her website. With her design studio and own business Hovey can be 100% passionate about her work. ItÕs a necessary creative outlet for me...and of course, it's a great excuse for her to stock up on gemstones and amass an amazing collection of jewelry.

What is your inspiration for the latest collection?

My momÕs pearl and gold jewelry, Todd BrownÕs paintings, and my recently acquired collection of uniquely shaped and colored gemstones.

On your path to starting, were there any major challenges in the beginning?

ItÕs a really challenging industry because itÕs often not just about the jewelry, but also about the clothes or hair that go with it. ThereÕs a bigger picture context that a designer needs to be aware of and respond to. One of the major challenges also came from wanting to create a signature style. But soon I realized my customers really appreciate the variety in my collections and they love viewing the new styles added to the website every week. So I guess IÕm really liberated now to allow myself to create freely without so hung up on the idea of creating one particular signature style at the moment.

Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design vision?

I grew up in Hong Kong, and lived in downtown NYC for over a decade before I came to California. The East meets West influence was quite obvious in my early collections. Now IÕm leaning towards styles that involve luxurious gemstone designs that you can wear everyday, simple styles that wonÕt overwhelming the woman who wears them.

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?

Yes, my dad is an interior designer who loves to decorate our home with lots of custom-made furniture and dˇcor pieces. His style is definitely eclectic. I understood early on that it was the design that made the everyday things fascinating. I discovered fashion much laterÉ I was such a good schoolgirl all the way thru grad school!

Favorite designers, places, stores, people, things that were formative to your current creative vision?

Miuccia Prada, Matthew Williamson, Colette Malouf, Tokyo, NYC, Agnes B, my customers, Todd Brown, cashmere sweaters and winter flowers.

What is your vision for your brand and collection?

While trends are important to many people, my customers will always be in need of a great pair of earrings for everyday. I use the highest quality gemstones and I like to offer a lot of different styles, some basics, some beyond basics. If you look at a pair of oversized multi-color gemstone chandelier earrings, and then at the streamlined two gem dangle and canÕt decide which to go for, I know then IÕve done my job.  

What cities, neighborhoods inspire you?

Tokyo and NYC

What about them appeals to you (atmosphere, style, attitude, people, stores)?

Sophisticated cities like Tokyo for its vibrancy in colors and NYC for its diversity in styles. IÕm definitely a city girl.

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

Art Exchange - A new art gallery and shopping oasis in the mission district of SF

Annies -SF

Otto Tootsi Plohound Š NYC

Agnes B Š NYC

Darling Š NYC

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?

Chelsea Market in NYC Š A co-op market made up of small entrepreneurs. You feel like you have access to a farmers market everyday. In New York, thatÕs a precious thing!

Elephant Pharmacy in Berkeley, CA for their alternative beauty products from around the world. Always fascinated by the selections there. ItÕs like Trader JoeÕs for beauty products. Got my must-have lip balm at Elephant.

Re:Fresh spa in SF Š the best Swedish massage and lunch hour getaway.

Favorite stores for clothes, accessories, beauty?
RedDot in SF Š they are very supportive of new designers and small labels. Trendy and very affordable items fill the store.

Favorite shoe, denim, tee, or fashion labels?

Puma sneakers , 39elleÕs French inspired tees, Offhand Designs handbags, Autumn cashmere, Rafe New York heels

Anything new on the horizon for you?

Colors will continue to be strong in our upcoming collection. YouÕll see mixing of palettes with unexpected combinations of lavender with yellow or Kelly green with pink coral. There is still a considerable interest in wearing parure (a word I learned recently for describing matching sets of jewelry) so youÕll see more of that in 2005. More surprises in the accessories area, itÕs our sandbox where youÕll find our new products other than jewelry. Also weÕre conceptualizing a collection for men that incorporates materials like rubber, leather and rust metals.