California girl by way of Oklahoma, jewelry designer Cheryl Dufault rocks, literally. Her vintage-crafted pieces incorporate leather, wood, pearls, silk tassels, and even antique perfume bottles for a unique, bohemian aesthetic. Dufault's long necklaces are among our favorites, as are her oversized rings. We were lucky enough to catch up with the designer during her recent Dallas trunk show, and Dufault shared her take on what she's wearing this season and where she shops for clothes that are as cool as her jewels.
We love the necklaces with vintage charms. Where do the antique coins, scrolls, and perfume bottles come from?
"I source them in California at the flea markets in Irvine and Pasadena, but I'm also fortunate to have buyer connections that find special items for me all over the world. Many of the vintage wooden pieces, coins, and leathers come from Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco. I love using unique materials because then each piece is really one-of-a-kind."
What items from your Spring collection do you think you'll wear the most this season?
"I'm obsessed with the necklaces with pearls, brass seed beads, and all of the chunky wooden pieces. Especially the pearls, I've been wearing them daily."
What or who do you envision when you design your pieces?
"I always think about something that would work for a really laid back vibe; what would dress up a chic relaxed look like denim or a maxi dress. I don't really think about one person or place necessarily, I just go with what moves me at the time. But I definitely think about what would be really wearable for a woman everyday, that can just be thrown on and instantly make a tee really cool."
What shops or designers are among your favorites this season?
"I always wear lots of Mark & Estel; their long and short t-shirt dresses are amazing to travel with. Just throw on flats for day and maybe a soft, leather belt, and for evening, add heels and jewels and you're ready to go. I love versatility and comfort, above all."
Shop Dufault's label via her website or in Dallas stores including Blinc, Cotton Hearts, Sebastien's Closet, Centre, Elements, Cowboy Cool, MINE, and Dean Kingston. You can also check out her line during her next appearance at F.I.G. in June.
