Q&A with Meghna Patel, Meghna Designs

Green Quartz Ahalei Earrings (featured in Glamourai)

Only in her 2nd year as a jewellery designer and Meghna Patel's work has already landed in the pages of Vogue, Elle, and on our small screens, adorning the gorgeous stars of Gossip Girl. Originally from India, this US-based designer is inspired by her homeland, bringing us a colourful array of jewels that would brighten up anyone's day.

 

Circle of Life Earrings (featured on Gossip Girl)  

A few years ago you left your corporate job to focus on jewellery. What prompted make the big switch?
I was always inclined with fashion and art. I am a natural with art (drawing) and wanted to do something with fashion which I am passionate about. That's when I thought about launching my collection and designing jewellery.  

Your collection is inspired by the Taj Mahal -- what is it about its architecture that grabbed your attention?
India has so many marvelous monuments and the Taj Mahal is so intricately designed by great artisans, with amazing carvings -- I love that part.

 

Red Carved Earrings (featured in Ladygunn Magazine)

Who is your ultimate style icon?
Blake Lively and Jessica Alba.

Growing up in India, you are attracted to bright, vivid colours. Do you have a favourite stone?
I love colours so it’s difficult to choose just one colour. I like creating unusual colour combinations that catches someone’s eye in my jewellery.

 

Saya Earrings (featured on Gossip Girl) 

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
I would definitely say being featured in Gossip Girl several times, my designs worn by Blake Lively and Kelly Rutherford -- it’s a great fashion forward show. Also being featured in magazines like VOGUE, ELLE, O and many more.

Describe Meghna jewellery in three words.
Bold, Beautiful and Chic.

TRIBAL Chic

Marie Claire (March 2012)

Last year's bohemian is this year's exotic traveller. Borrowing from indigenous cultures, the jewellery takes on tribal-like shapes and patterns, from bone fragments from Michael Kors to wooden feathers from Donna Karan. 

Michael Kors S/S 2012

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian Signature Gold Disc Necklace

Less monumental but similar in shape to Michael Kors' runway neck piece is Belle Noel's disc necklace, with a black bone-shaped resin element. We love this statement piece, as it could make even a simple white t-shirt look like a million bucks.

Donna Karan S/S 2012

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian Mini Dagger Necklace

This dagger necklace is also from Belle Noel and has that warrior-like quality similar to the jewellery Donna Karan used on her runway. They might be of different materials, but the mood is very similar. 

Marni S/S 2012

House of Harlow Stack Bangles

Nicole Ritchie uses a lot of Aztec references in her House of Harlow jewellery. It works for her bohemian flair, which never really goes out of style. We love the look of stacked bangles from Marni's runway -- the more, the merrier. 

NEON Spring

S/S 2012: Peter Som; Rodarte; Jason Wu;
Casadei; Roberto Cavalli; Christian Louboutin

When was the last time you wore neon? Well, you'll want to this season as these intense hues pop up in our favourite designer collections from Jason Wu to Christian Louboutin. Of course, if you kept an eye on Fashion Week Street Style, you may have noticed that neon accessories are must-haves for spring.


DANNIJO 'Delfine' Neon Green Bracelet
LEIVANKASH Feather Neon Green Cord Bracelet

Delicate little feather bracelet by LeiVanKash is being given a dose of neon with a vivid green cord, and Dannijo is brightening up their sparkly baubles with a fluorescent touch.


CC SKYE Neon Pink Portico Bracelet
DANNIJO Maui Neon Pink Blue Bracelet

The girliest of the neons is this bright fuchsia. For a hefty dose of neon pink, we are loving CC Skye's wrap bracelet and for a more subtle approach, we are loving the elegant pink and blue bracelet by Dannijo.


ERICKSON BEAMON 'Color Me Crazy' Earrings
CC SKYE Neon Yellow Screw Bracelet

Is there anything brighter than this intense neon yellow. (Okay, how gorgeous is this Jason Wu gown?) For a touch of glamour, we are coveting the super colourful 'Color Me Crazy' earrings by Erickson Beamon and for more casual days, one can't go wrong with a classic screw bracelet by CC Skye.

ON THE RED CARPET: The Oscars

THE LOOK: Penelope Cruz wearing Chopard diamonds
TRY: Dannijo 'Garbo' Earrings

The most glamorous Hollywood event happened over the weekend, The Academy Awards. These five actresses not only dazzled with their gorgeous gowns, but with their lovely jewels too.

Penelope Cruz is that classic beauty that echoes Old Hollywood. And she did just that with her gorgeous grey/blue silk chiffon Armani gown and pretty Chopard diamonds. Penelope chose classic flower-shaped studs for the occasion, not distracting too much from her glamorous gown.


THE LOOK: Jessica Chastain wearing Harry Winston drop earrings
TRY: Bounkit Lemon Quartz Drop Earrings

Newcomer and Oscar nominee, Jessica Chastain, made a red carpet statement in an embroidered black and gold Alexander McQueen gown. Her beautiful red hair was in that effortless half up/half down up-do, with little citrine Harry Winston drop earring peeping out.


THE LOOK: Rose Byrne wearing Chanel earrings
TRY: Badgley Mischka Deco Redux Tassel Earrings

Australian knockout and star of Bridesmaids, Rose Byrne, dazzled in a sparkling Vivienne Westwood gown. She also had the chicest hairstyle of the evening, a sharp little Anna Wintour-like bob. Her earrings of choice: pretty tassel chandeliers by Chanel.


THE LOOK: Michelle Williams wearing a vintage Fred Leighton bow brooch
TRY: Kenneth Jay Lane Bow Drops Brooch

One of our favourite gowns of the evening belonged to Michelle Williams who wore a stunning, and very girly, Louis Vuitton, featuring a peplum detail at the hip and many cascading ruffles. But what we loved the most as the little bow brooch at her waist -- just lovely!


THE LOOK: Emma Stone wearing a Louis Vuitton cable chain bracelet
TRY: Zirconmania Gunmetal Pave Link Bracelet

Speaking of bows, we adored Emma Stone's Giambattista Valli gown. Emma went light on accessories, opting for tiny ruby earrings and a Louis Vuitton chain link bracelet. But really, the bow was everything! So fun; just like her style.

Celebrity Style: RIHANNA

Okay, so the dresses are a tad bit skimpy, but we are loving Rihanna's new sleeker style. Sure, she's only made two public appearances with her new look, but both were incredibly chic.


CC SKYE Love Me Knot Bangle Set
CC SKYE Pave Golden Nugget Bracelet

At the Grammy Awards, she walked the red carpet in a Giorgio Armani black halter gown, paired with shiny gold accessories. She is actually wearing a lot of jewellery but, because it's all in one shade, it appears really minimal.


NOIR Triple Cubic Zirconia Ring
MELINDA MARIA Python Pave Ring

The layering of multiple bangles and rings is really chic, making the ensemble modern and edgy. We're thinking a combination of CC Skye, Noir, and Melinda Maria should do the trick -- python is a must!


BELLE NOEL Mini Dagger Necklace

During London Fashion Week, Rihanna was a guest at Stella McCartney's aftershow, wearing a dark teal Stella McCartney spaghetti strap gown. Again she brought gold accessories to spice things up, pairing not one but two gold chokers. We would probably just stick to one statement piece, like Belle Noel's dagger necklace.

We doubt she'll be at the Oscars this weekend, but we are looking forward to seeing what she wears next!