West Bloomfield’s own Samantha Bankle Schefman recently made history in the world of costume jewelry, becoming the youngest designer at the legendary Miriam Haskell company.

Her first assignment? Creating singer Gwen Stafani’s Harajuku Lovers line, set to hit Macy’s in March.

Schefman, who graduated from Groves High School in Birmingham, secured an internship at Miriam Haskell in New York City upon earning her B.F.A. from College for Creative Studies last May. After four months, she was hired full-time. … The company recently signed an exclusive license agreement with Gwen Stefani, who already has successful clothing, handbag and fragrance lines.

MUSIC INSPIRED

Schefman said she grew up listening to Stefani’s band No Doubt, and now analyzes the singer’s solo work.

“I study it for the line I’m working on,” Schefman said. “It’s definitely a reference and everything she sings about is translating into our designs. I’ve taken myself away from being a fan and more of working for her.”

The jewelry, like Stefani’s other fashion ventures, is inspired by the Tokyo street culture embodied by her Harajuku Girls back-up dancers.

“The line has ended up being pieces for the fans that are kind of based around the girls and Gwen,” she said. “A lot of it’s based on what’s trendy and what’s selling, but we’re experimenting with all different materials. The first set is very rock chic.”

After the launch, the company expects to release a new group of Harajuku Lovers jewelry every three months.

“They’ll be very different looks. They’ll be cohesive but they’ll definitely transition for the seasons and our own inspirations,” Schefman said.

According to Schefman, Stefani caused a stir when she visited the Miriam Haskell offices in Manhattan to plan her line. “People wanted to meet her and be there because she’s gorgeous and perfectly put together, so we weren’t even allowed in the meeting,” Schefman said. “I haven’t met her yet, but I have a whole lot of respect for Gwen. She’s definitely driven and talented.”

ARTISTIC FAMILY

Schefman said she was excited to be assigned to the Harajuku Lovers collection and coincidentally, it wasn’t her first brush with Stefani. While at CCS, she interned at Stefani and Company in Keego Harbor, owned by Cary and Jesse Stefani, who are relatives of Gwen and designed the wedding ring for her marriage to musician Gavin Rossdale.

Schefman, whose father Robert Schefman is a painter and Head of Foundations at CCS and mother Christine Schefman is Director of Contemporary Art at David Klein Gallery in Birmingham, said she was raised to be an artist and always encouraged to return to New York City, where she was born.

Although her first love is black and white photography, Schefman decided to focus on jewelry design as a career and targeted Miriam Haskell for employment.

“I’m obsessed with collecting vintage jewelry,” she said.

Schefman currently lives in Brooklyn and plans to launch her own jewelry line soon under the label Samantha Bankle Designs.

Macy’s has locations at Somerset Collection in Troy, Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and Westland Center. To read Samantha Schefman’s blog, visit lovebabybanks.com

by Anne | Gwen Stefani, Harajuku Lovers, news | Trackback