Dominique Cohen Bangles
Dominique Cohen
Dominique Cohen would rather you dress for your jewels, not the other way around. After a decade in the business of giving finishing touches to red-carpet regulars and embracing the designer collaboration long before it became de rigueur, she hasn’t just set some of the biggest trends in jewelry, she’s made them go from trendy to classic.
Our motto is that jewelry is the wardrobe, and clothing is the accessory.
But you won’t find a statement ring or necklace in the collection — Cohen is all about layered looks and adding pieces in a more-is-more approach that’s studied and careful, not a chaotic mashup of metals and sparkle.
FTD: Were you always interested in jewelry?
DC: It happened naturally. I made some pieces for myself, just playing around, and people kept asking to buy them. I was a fine art photography major, so was already very interested in texture, scale, shape and composition. I began learning all I could about the art form of jewelry design from the ground up, and now here I am today. I still learn every day, which is exciting.
Dominique Cohen for Target
FTD: You were the very first brand that had an accessories collaboration with Target back in 2007. We’ve still got a few of those pieces in our jewelry boxes, actually. Would you do something like that again?
Emily Mortimer in Dominique Cohen chains
FTD: Your brand has been around since 1999, and we’re sure you have women that have been collecting since the beginning. What are some pieces that everyone needs to get started?
DC: Our fabulous, iconic, completely hand-made artisanal chains are the great “go to” item — the most versatile wardrobe investment for any woman. A great starter piece and a great stand alone. You can build anywhere, in any direction from one of our classic chains. We are known for being a very feminine collection.
FTD: You make all your pieces in Los Angeles, which isn’t just good for Hollywood actresses, but for people who really want to add to their collections. How can people add to their collections in a way that keeps everything working together?
DC: It is really easy to add pieces, easy to layer many and rewarding to build your collection over time. It helps to have us assist in curating it for you so that your investment is cohesive. It should all work together, specifically to flatter and please you. I love knowing that our client can buy a classic chain now and in five years she can be wearing it paired with a new item.
FTD: It’s really trendy now to really just stack on more and more. If people are just starting out or they’re just used to wearing one or two things like a watch and a wedding ring, what can they do to ease into the idea of jewelry?
DC: Well our motto is that jewelry is the wardrobe, and clothing is the accessory. This is really just a very European mindset. For European woman, it’s the accessories that always define their personal look and style. I would like to see American women thinking more about what is most flattering for them, and not to try to adhere to some trend that may not be a great look for them.
Dominique Cohen 42" Soufflé Pearls and Fireball Pearl Drop with Diamond Insert
FTD: Your boutiques offer wardrobing appointments. Is that where women can learn the more European approach to dressing and jewelry?
DC: Our staff is really great at working with our gals to help define what the best choices for each customer are. It is intensely personal. Everyone is unique and while their jewelry should enhance them, it is also a subtle opportunity to express who they are in a very feminine way. And, this changes over time too, which keeps it interesting. We try very hard to understand our clients and curate their wardrobes with them, slowly over time. We love to work with clients one on one.
FTD: When we’re getting dressed, should we match our jewelry to what we’re wearing or create a contrast?
Dominique Cohen Bloodwood Champagne Textured Hoop Earrings
FTD: What are some trends you’ve integrated into the new collections for your own line?
