Pua Jewelry by Lauren Hewett - StyleMaven Emerging Designer Interview

Lauren Hewett's laid back Hawaiian lifestyle allows her to appreciate the beautiful things in nature. Sun-filled beaches, surfing, and simplicity are an inspiration to Pua jewelry. You'll find Lauren's collection at Ron Herman and Fred Segal in LA, as well as TG-170 and Poppy in New York.

When and why did you start your company and collection?
I started making jewelry for fun out of my bedroom. At first it was just for friends and family, but then people started noticing my work and the orders began to roll in. I used to be a teacher but when places like Ron Herman and Fred Segal started ordering jewelry, I quit my job and jumped in to jewelry on a full time basis.

What is your inspiration for the latest collection?
I am always inspired by my life in Hawaii. I feel very lucky to live in a place where you can ride your bike to the beach and gaze at sunsets, sea birds and shells rolling in the ocean.

What inspires your design vision?
I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. My family has always collected shells and appreciated the beautiful things in nature. This has definitely influenced my design vision. In Hawaii we keep fashion very simple. We are always wearing bikinis and flip flops so ornate, elaborate jewelry would look silly. My personal style for jewelry is clean, minimal pieces that I could wear to the beach or out at night. This is the epitome of island style.

I love the style of the people in the South Pacific, especially Tahiti. They are so removed from the fashion world but they create beautiful things with fabric, shells, black pearls and flowers. Tahiti is fairly close to Hawaii and I have been there four times. The Tahitian women who wear hand-sewn dresses with bright fabric, black pearls, gold, always stun me and giant flowers in their hair. That type of effortless, beautiful style is amazing to me! I love simple style that lets natural beauty shine.

Favorite Stores
New York has all these little boutiques where people can find really unique items. I love Purl the knitting store and Clio for home wares. I also really like Borealis; their jewelry collection makes me feel like unworthy!

Havaianas Flip-flops $12 Havaianas Flip-flops	James Perse Brushed Jersey Cami Dress $87 Brushed Jersey Cami Dress
Brazilian Tie Bikini in Mocha $55.80 Brazilian Tie Bikini in Mocha	Big heart necklace Model: n-103 starting at $310 at Pua Jewelry
Baby heart earrings Starting at $70 for Silver at Pua Jewelry	Hoku Ring 14k yellow gold dome ring with tiny star carving starting at $575 at Pua Jewelry

Pua Jewelry by designer Lauren Hewett