Prism Jewels explodes with vintage sequins, and the Fourth Street Maker’s Row introduces live music and food trucks.
There is transformation afoot for local design house Gina Di Girolamo. This summer, clothing line owner Di Girolamo moves from La Loba, the company’s brick-and-mortar shop, to sell exclusively online.
“I’m really going to miss the space at 644 40th St.,” Di Girolamo said. “It was a little dream come true.”
For fans of Di Girolamo’s timeless styles, her beautiful, handcrafted clothing remain available on her website, GinaDiGirolamo.com. Her clothing, characterized by clean lines and comfortable styles, uses luxe fabrics to create everything needed for a capsule wardrobe.
“Coming up, I’ll be putting out new styles with a focus on my beadwork,” said Di Girolamo. “One of my great passions is tambour beading and embroidery. It’s a French couture technique that I’d love to foster an appreciation for in everyday wear.”
In 2016, Girolamo and Beth Naumann of Hellbent Jewelry opened La Loba in Oakland as a storefront for their artistic creations. Naumann moved to a new space in 2017 to focus on her large-scale brass sculptures, and Di Girolamo moved her industrial and tabletop sewing machines into La Loba to create her trademark chic looks. While this summer will see the doors of La Loba closing since Di Girolamo is having a baby, that will not impact the design that has come to define her oline brand.
“Thanks so much for taking the time to share my story,” said Di Girolamo. “I’m going to continue working. I have a home studio in a big, dreamy loft in West Oakland. My company has always been my namesake, and online that’s where you can find me.”
Online at www.GinaDiGirolamo.com, Instagram @ginadigirolamo.
Sequins Abound
Vintage sequins and pink crystals are making a splash in the Prism Jewels summer line. East Bay-based jewelry designer Jennifer Biddle has been creating wearable art for years. She sells her jewelry online and at street fairs, such as Oakland First Fridays and Urban Air.
“I love geometry and raw crystals. My background is in architecture and design, and I grew up in Santa Fe, which lends itself to my fascination with rocks,” Biddle said.
She sources unique and beautiful materials from all over, so her signature geometric styles often have pops of playful color, depending on what she has discovered. A treasure trove of straight, rectangular vintage sequins in brilliant pinks, oranges, and yellows inspired her current summer collection made with sterling silver or gold-filled wire. Her summer fashion catalogue also features elaborate hoop earrings with stunning pink crystals, recycled African vinyl wrap, and hammered recycled brass moon or brass lightening. Biddle does custom work as well.
Find her at www.PrismJewels.com or Instagram: @prismjewels.
Shop Local
Shop at the Fourth Street Maker’s Row for up-and-coming local designers and one-of-a-kind handcrafted finds. Lina Shatara created this unique open-air shopping experience to showcase her contemporary jewelry line, as well as create a retail environment for other artisans.
“I created this accessible outdoor market to give designers an opportunity to be in a retail pop-up.” she explained.
Working in partnership with Fourth Street management company, Jamestown, Shatara has been transforming The Paseo at 1910 Fifth St. in Berkeley each week since November 2017. This summer’s Maker’s Row will feature food trucks, such as Dojo Dog and Brown Cap Organic Soft Serve, and live music by local musicians. Come support Bay Area fashion design talent and discover gifts, clothing, home décor, and much more.
Year-round, Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 1910 Fifth St., Berkeley, www.StyleLoungeEvents.com/events/makersrow.
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Do you have East Bay retail news to share, including openings, expansions, trunk shows, sales, or other in-store events? Email news to the editor at Judy@TheMonthly.com.
