CHIT CHAT- MUST HAVE STYLE…DANIELLE SCHWARTZ
1) What is your name and occupation?
My name is Danielle Schwartz and I am a designer. I created a bag line called Cauldron which will be out this summer (www.creaturesofcauldron.com). It is a high end, sustainable line of one-of-a kind scrap leather treasures. Lots of adjectives for one sentence!
2) You have an amazing sense of style, how would you describe it?
My style is an expression of all things that I find interesting. Beautiful, ugly, dark, light, scary, animalistic…dressing for me is a form of performance and therefore my style tends to be a bit theatrical. I always gravitate towards vintage because I like things that have a story. I like to mix concepts to a point that it is almost confusing. However I cant deny my affinity for beauty. So no matter how bazaar the outfit, I somehow tie it back into femininity and try to make it beautiful.
3) Who are some of your favorite designers?
Im not really one to keep tabs on my “favorite designers”. However I am quite fascinated by the Mulleavy sisters and their dreamy line, Rodarte. I think it’s amazing that they have created such intricate and exquisite collections having had no training at all. The combination of believing in your own ideas and not taking them too seriously is a delicate balance. They seem to me to have accomplished this.
4) What are the top three most valuable pieces in your closet?
Black velvet drindl mini skirt, very high wooden Chloe booties from years back, and a number of vintage dresses–long and short, faded-funny prints and pokodots.
5) Shoes or bags? Or both? Why?
Both. I love wearing quirky shoes. It’s so amusing when you see someone wearing a cool outfit and then you look down at their feet and they have on some absurdly awesome kicks. But Im also a bag designer so I obviously have a special interest in that department. Bags can be so rich and timeless. Especially leather bags. The longer you have them the cooler they get. My Cauldron bags, for example, are so specific and intricate that they tell a story about you just based on which one you pick.
6) Can you describe your ideal night out?
Seeing music at a rad venue (preferably outside), followed by good food and wine (preferably outside), then on to a gathering of friends and lovely new acquaintances (preferably outside, on a rooftop). Lots of tambourines. Im DJing. You can tell Im craving summertime–long fun days leading into long nights. Rock and roll and romance.
7) What does music mean to you?
Music is the universal language. It is our most powerful form of communication. It’s uplifting, cathartic, healing and it brings people together. Everyone is a musician. Even if they don’t recognize it.
What inspires you, and why?
Nature, first and foremost. Everything revolutionary anyone has ever thought of can be traced back to nature in the most unexpected of places. Earth did it first.
9) What are you greatful for?
In one word–Love.
