worn well
Palomarie: Architect-slash-jeweler designs for the urban girl who loves Parisjust as much as her boyfriend's shirts
Oct 14, 2011 | 3:03 pm
Concrete Stacking Rings
Palomarie studios
Equilibrium Necklace
Wrap Bracelet
Assorted Necklaces
With its roots in architecture, Palomarie’s debut jewelry collection explores materiality and structure.
A recent degree from the University of Texas School of Architecture helped Katia Davidson transform her love of all things industrial into a 12-piece collection, featuring concrete rings, brass, dip-dyed metals and other raw materials. “Instead of using the words minimal or simplistic, I like to describe the collection as elemental,” says Davidson.
Davidson, a self-proclaimed busy bee, miraculously splits her time between practicing full-time as an architect and developing her skills as a jewelry designer and business owner. Davidson conceptualized Palomarie while living abroad last year and actualized the line once she learned how to work with metal at an industrial scale back in the States. The result is a collection of linear designs that are wearable and simple—lending an edgy feel to an otherwise understated look.
The design blogosphere has responded so quickly and warmly to the line that we jumped at the chance to chat with Davidson about Palomarie's inspiration, her perfect client and personal favorites.
Who is behind Palomarie?
Me! Katia Davidson. It’s been a labor of love squeezed into my spare time... I’m responsible for everything from the website to the jewelry and styling. I’ve gotten some great support and advice along the way… specifically from my friend Christina Clark.
Can you explain the meaning of the name Palomarie?
Palomarie is a combination of the middle names of the women in my family—Paloma and Marie. Also, separated in a different way "Paloma rie" means "Paloma laughs" in Spanish. I like that it can be personal and lighthearted at the same time.
What is your architecture background?
I just graduated from UT Austin with an architecture degree in May. I’m currently practicing in Austin.
How can we physically see how your architectural skills have translated into the pieces?
The attention to craft and detail—the way things are constructed is very important to me! Also, materiality. Absolutely.
How many pieces are in your first collection?
I was planning on having 12 but a friend ‘leaked’ the collection out to a few blogs before they were all complete. I was so happy they wanted to feature the jewelry I didn’t dare ask if they’d postpone! With that being said, I’ll be releasing a few more pieces in early November.
Can you name some Palomarie pieces that are your personal faves?
The concrete rings. I’m wearing them now!
Your fashion-forward blog is really fantastic; does it serve as your inspiration board of sorts?
Of course it does. The blog is not just about sharing beautiful things with others but also to keep a record of them for myself. I’m amazed by a given piece of work on a daily basis and I think blogs in general provide a platform for such inspiration and influence to be shared.
What kind of style does the Palomarie gal have?
She’s definitely an urban girl… probably wears her boyfriend’s shirts out more often than she’d like to admit. Rough around the edges but at the same time gets excited about the Paris Couture shows.
What can we expect in the future?
I’ve been playing around with some new tools (the torch is my favorite!). Expect mixed metals and more concrete!
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Palomarie purchases are avaible via the website. Davidson is currently working on introducing the line to Austin boutiques.
