I contracted with Paisley Park in the early 90's and worked with the designer Stacia Lang. Prince wanted decorative boot tips and heel decorations for his signature heels during the Batman era and the Diamonds and Pearls Tour. I was fortunate to travel to London during the tour to meet the boot makers. Being backstage with all the awesome costumes and accessories during that tour was incredibly inspiring. I always admired Prince's fierce fashion sense. He was always very involved with his clothing designs and jewelry, often making notes on drawings and fabric samples. As a jewelry designer, I've used that experience to nurture and curate my own creative flame when designing some of my own elaborate pieces. Prince used his physical body as a creative landscape for his personality. I also view the human body as a canvas, where I explore the interconnectivity between adornment and the magical influence jewelry imparts on the wearer. My Heart of Ellida body jewel is comprised of handmade silver filigree, Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper, carnelian, yellow jade, and freshwater pearls.
