Leslie Safley – Connecting to Women of Other Places
It started … with the wedding bouquet in the last minute for a close friend getting married. The idea of creating something that was personal, that came from the heart and from pure inspiration of the moment, but with lasting meaning, was something she loved to share.
After 10 years of career in the Visual Effects Industry, working for both TV and Feature Films – among others with George Lucas’ ILM Company and other companies in Los Angeles – Leslie Safley got an impulse to start a small floral design business. With love for color, design and rich in her own life experience, she developed further and decided to launch a jewelry line.
Leslie Safley: My greatest gift is that I have been told my pieces are both beautiful and strong: two qualities that I believe every woman is blessed with.
My intention is to create a line that is simple, but with a twist. To create pieces that are both personal and universal at the same time. Each piece is a unique and original, like every person: unique in their own way. My goal is to add a bit of each person’s “being” into a piece of jewelry.
All of the clasps I use in the necklaces are magnetic and many of the chains are too. It creates variety and enables to wear each piece both as necklace and a bracelet. I think it is important especially today to create jewelry that is both beautiful, versatile and unique. Each one is a one of a kind and many of the necklaces can be worn as a bracelet as well. Versatile and practical. Beside my own pieces, I love to customize and handle each ordered piece personally from conception to completion.
W-Women Globally: What is your jewelry alike?
W-WG: Your source of inspiration?
LS: Two countries have had a huge impact on my art: Africa and Italy. Africa is truly a beautiful continent. And despite troubles, crisis and hardships – the people there remain so gracious and warm. African women love the art of adornment and exchanging pieces with each other. Those items are usually simple, but beautiful in color and design. I love to put the pieces of African coil into my jewelry; it is like adding a piece of personality of those beautiful and strong women.
I spent also some time in Italy and it influenced my life both on a very personal and creative level. In Italy – there is a great sense of passion, LOVE, an eye for detail and high quality in everything that is created by Italians. They have a great admiration of beauty, which includes jewelry. When I came across the art of hand blown glass, I knew I would love to incorporate it into my own designs.
I love to bring these elements into my art, also to vary metals. I aspire to create pieces that are unique, but carry a feel of connection to women of other places.
W-WG: Plans for the future?
LS: I would love to continue developing my line and growing in customizing jewelry for US and international buyers. I would like to develop, but still keeping the line original and personalized. I have also been considering joining forces with other fashion designers. I would like my company to be continuously growing and developing and at the same time being able to share profits with organizations and groups that support and help women and children, worldwide.
Visit also Lesley’s website.
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Very beautiful ! I visited Your website and found very inspiring necklaces, that look like in ancient times. I am also designer ( media and fashion ) and like to join with other inspiring designers on my label ( in developement ) KULTLABEL. If You are interested contact me ! With love Katharina
The jewelry is magnificent. I’ve never thought to describe a piece as strong, but it is perfect description. I do jewelry as a hobby. Now, I’ve a new way of looking at future designs.