Spork Fashion

I’ve fallen in love with Twisted Silver jewelry. A complete line of antique-inspired jewelry, creations range from Victorian to Mod. My favorite piece is the Hepburn earrings. They evoke that classic Hollywood style that I adore. Plus they are comfortable to wear and go with everything. These have become a staple in my jewelry wardrobe. Designer Debra Mitchell was kind enough to speak to Spork Fashion.

Tell us about your background. Have you always wanted to be a jeweler?

From as early as I can remember I have had a creative drive- from cutting my dolls hair into the “In” style (which was shag at the time) to designing my own signature look from second hand store finds. I have always loved anything “vintage” – and I particularly love taking something old or oddball and turning it into something fresh and hip. I loved fashion- but never planned to end up in jewelry design.

I was born and raised in Utah, graduated Weber State College with a Fashion Merchandising degree. Through High School and College worked at The Bon, a Seattle based department store - where I became the Fashion Coordinator for their Utah stores. Fashion has always really been in my blood.

I married in my mid Twenties, had 3 amazing kids- and so for a long time all of my creativity poured out in their direction. Twisted Silver just came about almost on accident, when my kids were all in school full time- I began making wind chimes for friends as gifts- they were the vintage silver ware chimes- I made them like you would make a necklace, with the wire and beading. People began placing orders- so a friend and I decided to turn it in to a little business. They were fun for a while, and people would comment that they wanted to “Wear” them – after a while I took that to heart, and made a string of beads with a spoon on it- and jewelry was born.

Soon Twisted Silver ROCKER necklace was selected to be in a celebrity bag for the Extra TV Emmy event, followed by a GRAMMY, and several other high profile events. That is when Twisted Silver really took off.

What is your inspiration? Specifically, what inspired the Hepburn earrings?

I am usually inspired by the unexpected, and driven by the offbeat use of vintage and salvaged elements, raw metal designs and intrinsic parts, that have been long tucked away. My designs come alive in finding just the right benign or forgotten materials and creating them into something entirely new.

I am inspired by base metals in all their varieties, copper, brass, steel, aluminum etc. and in any combination. I love brass, (an often overlooked element) which is so well suited for my line. It gives my line a wonderful distinction, because, like my jewelry, it has a mind of its own. and a vintage feel that does not conform. It ages beautifully, often changing its mind as it takes on patinas and hues that only nature can create. Which then inspires me even more!

The Hepburn earrings are very “old Hollywood” to me. This is a modern twist on what I would expect Audrey to wear.

Do you have any person or type of person in mind when you are designing?

It’s funny, not intentionally, but I do often think of my grandmother. She had so much style. I think I took a lot of cues from her growing up. She was always so well put together- and her jewelry always fascinated me.

Do you have a favorite piece?

I always have at least 1 favorite piece. Right now I have 3. It cracks me up that I have hundreds of pieces to wear, but always go after my favorites day after day. Good thing my Favorites list changes frequently.
Right now if you catch me on the street, you will most likely find me wearing either Knot ring, Key necklace, or Flower earrings. (and occasionally I will have all 3 on at the same time)

What is coming up for you? New pieces, collections, etc.

Modify collection is the 2008 line. Modify has a Mod feel to it, it is very simple- I show case a lot of mixed metals in this collection. I get excited when I talk about it- the metals are incredible! I love simple but statement jewelry, and feel like this line has accomplished that. My practical nature comes through in this fun line, because more than ever I focused on the “Convertible” aspects of jewelry. belts become necklaces become chokers become multi-wrap bracelets. that is why I often tell people that twisted silver is “Above and beyond the call of jewelry” . I just love a hardworking piece of jewelry!

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