In just two words, describe your jewelry line.

Cutting Edge

When did you start designing? Has this been a lifelong passion?

I was designing before I really knew what it was to be a designer. I remember sitting on the floor of my living room at 5 years old with embroidery thread tied to my toe creating my first "collection" of friendship bracelets. When I was 11 I learned I could one day make a career out of it. Since then I made it my mission to take every step possible to make sure I could make my dream of being a designer a reality.

Describe the Erica Klein customer.

The Erica Klein Women is all about making a statement through her personal style. She is confident and independent. A risk-taker. She has an eye for detail and is one step ahead of the curve.

You are a New York designer but many of your pieces are inspired by nature and wildlife. Where do you go to get inspiration?

Living life is my greatest inspiration. I never really know where my ideas come from exactly, I guess from a collective consciousness of my experiences. Ideas pop into my head at any given moment. It's when I can't stop thinking about something that I know I have to run with it and it becomes the foundation for a collection.

The Australian sisters - Lisa Brooks and Lyn Wills - made an exception to carry you, a non-Australian designer, in their store Damsel in Distress. What was the one pivotal moment you knew you had made it big?

Lisa and Lyn both have amazing Style! Their boutique is beautiful and their merchandise is amazing! It was flattering to know that they believed in my brand enough to make such an exception. As far as one moment is concerned, It's impossible to pin point one. There are two major events that really stick out in my mind. One was when Shopbop.com picked up the line. They are so on trend and being featured along side so many names in the design world that I look up to is a wonderful feeling. They were also my first major and gave me such great exposure as a new brand. Also, having a piece featured in the New York Times Styles section. To know that I was on their radar was definitely a major moment for me!

Your Dragon Bangle with Green Tourmaline is one of a kind. If you had to choose, what piece is your favorite?

I am really into my new DRIP collection. It reminds me of life. Kind of a controlled chaos. Each piece is made from drips of wax formed organically and strategically put together to create one beautiful and harmonious form. If I had to pick one piece from the collection I would have to say my Drip Bangles. They are beautiful by themselves or in stacks. I love to mix and match the three colors.

What jewelry trend are you loving right now - chunky necklaces, all metal, fringe, or oversized rings?

I'm loving the all-metal trend at the moment. I find there is a fantastic effect when mixing different color metals. In my latest collection I am offering Rose gold, Yellow Gold and Gunmetal. Between the inherent sheen of metal and mixing the colors, an amazing depth and texture can be created.

Another inspiration of yours is "Victorian sensibility." What is your favorite Victorian novel?

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

What song would be the first single on the Erica Klein soundtrack?

Pendulum - "The Island"

How do you see Erica Klein growing in the future?

I would eventually like to go back to my roots in fashion design and be able to create whole looks that can fully compliment the lifestyle of the Erica Klein women...The Sky is the limit!

Famous last words?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have always imagined." -Thoreau

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