Justin Giunta's Subversive Jewelry

Subversive Jewelry's designer Justin Giunta was recently named best accessories designer by the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation at the Spring/Summer 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. What's Giunta showing for the upcoming season? High fashion it's magnificent embroidered chest plates. For the rest of us, he has a fabulous line of jewelry marketed through both his website and Target Department Stores.

Elaborate pectoral plate style necklaces filling in the front of the outfit with which they are worn have been very popular this year to date. Those shown by Subversive Jewelry differ from other design styles both in the materials used and the wrap effect extending around the neck.

Runway with a Kick at 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Guinta's presentation at Fashion Week was as unique as his jewelry. Instead of having his models do the tried and true stomp down the runway, Giunta showcased his jewelry using dancers in black. It was very 19th century Paris complete with Marcel Waved dancers performing the can-can in true chorus line style. It was quite spectacular to watch.

The Design Process of Subversive Jewelry

Extensively educated in the fine arts, Mr. Giunta approaches his jewelry design in the same manner as his painting or drawing, “ I lay out the materials like paint on a palette, and draw together desperate elements of color and texture….morphing them to ensure they land appropriately into the composition".

An excellent example of that design approach is his Degas Necklace, the image of which accompanies this article. This necklace layers unlike materials such as faux pearls, metal chain, rhinestone banding and ribbon to create a necklace that is both beautiful and contains texture and depth.

There is also a Mr. Subversive design line. Representative is the Cha-Ching necklace shown on this page. Layered necklaces have become quite popular for men. This necklace combines the old and new: antique and oxidized chains hung with masculine charms.

Recognition From Peers and Celebs Alike

In addition to the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, Mr. Giunta has also been nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in both 2008 and 2007. His jewelry designs have been prominently featured in such publications as Vogue, Elle, W and Harpers Bazaar.

Celebrity clientele includes Sting, Courtney Love and Her Majesty, Queen Noor.

How to Wear Subversive Jewelry

Flipping the process, many Subversive Jewelry fans buy the jewelry first and tailor their garment selection to the jewelry. With gorgeous, affordable pieces such as these, who can blame them?

Where to Buy Subversive Jewelry

The artist's ready-to-wear collection is available online. Want to touch and feel prior to purchasing? Good news! Justin has created a line of jewelry for Target. reasonably priced at under $100.

degas necklace

cha-ching necklace

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