It’s the detail work that goes by unnoticed until you stop to look or someone points it out. Have you noticed the jewelry your favorite TV show character wears, or is it that the beautiful outfit befits the beautiful heroine? Jewelry designer Peggy Li handcrafts gorgeous creations and her pieces have graced strong, beautiful women on television in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Without a Trace and Grey’s Anatomy. Her designs even made a jump to the big screen in last summer’s hit movie Superbad. Peggy followed her heart, changing her life course from Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley to creating captivating jewelry, and she succeeded with soaring colors.

“I enjoy designing handmade jewelry, making things that help women feel beautiful. When women feel beautiful, they feel powerful and have more confidence.”

When did you realize that Chemical Engineering was not the career for you? Why jewelry?

I realized it wasn’t for me when I was struggling with my physics classes in college. I have always been interested in so many different things, from literature to botany to cooking to crafts. Jewelry was something I had always played with over the years. It’s so easy to begin making jewelry; the startup costs are low and the result can happen quickly and is so fun!

Your designs are simple yet beautiful. How do you manage to balance the two?

Thank you! My jewelry is really a reflection of my own style. I like things simple, with clean lines and quality materials. The natural materials I use I think are so beautiful they can often stand on their own, so I let them.

What was the first television show to feature your jewelry? How did you feel about seeing your piece on TV?

“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” was the first show to use my designs. It was wild to see them on TV, knowing I had made those pieces with my own hands, and on a show that I loved!

Superbad has as a huge fanbase - how do you feel about being a part of that?

Fantastic! When I was told that the project was “Superbad”, at first I had no idea what the film was. As it got closer to the premiere, I began getting an idea of how big this movie would be. It was awesome to know I’d be a part of it.

How did your jewelry make its way to the big screen? (were you notified about it beforehand?)

Yes — a costume designer I’ve worked a few times with tapped me for her work on this movie. I am forever grateful!

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Favorite material to work with?

I have no favorites! Usually my most recent design is my favorite, so that changes fast! Silver is a great material because it is so easy to work with, whether it is wire or sheet, sterling or fine silver. There are many options and it is readily available.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I always say that my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. Beautiful stones and fun charms are always easy to work with. I choose things for their color, unusual shape, or some whimsical idea. Jewelry should be fun and make the wearer happy!

You feature one of a kind pieces on your site - do you feel that it’s important to reuse “used” items?

Absolutely — I love working with vintage items. What’s old can definitely be new again — and there are certainly styles and cuts that will never go out of style. I recycle all my metal scraps and reuse packing materials from all the shipments I constantly get. Not only is it efficient, but it’s good for the planet!

For more about Peggy, click here.

The Crinkled Link Bracelet ($42) is made from small and large beaten circles that provide texture and an eye catching glint in the light. This bracelet lies flat on your wrist so the metal can contrast against your skin. Available in either gold fill or sterling silver, this bracelet invokes an ancient civilization craftsman feel while maintaining a modern presentation. [buy it]

Though small, the Orange Sapphire Cluster Earrings ($110) emit a dazzling energy. Bright orange gems are bound together with either gold vermeil or sterling silver and dangle off a fishhook earring. When worn with an understated outfit, these little fireballs are sure to add some fire to your look. [buy it]

The limited edition Amethyst Bubble Necklace ($59) features a light spectrum catching purple gem that dangles off a gorgeously patterned chain. Available in your choice of length and metal, this necklace empowers women by bringing out their natural beauty. This piece will easily become a favorite in your jewelry collection. [buy it]

Graciela Fuentes, the designer and creator behind Tirana Jewelry, recently answered a few questions about her 2006 launched jewelry company. Her pieces include one-of-a-kind designs as well as limited edition works, both of which are conceived with environmentally friendly practices in mind. As her website claims, all her pieces are “biomorphic,” for an undeniably unique look, with handcrafted appeal. By producing pieces with vintage components and post-consumer metals Graciela is making her statement as a forward thinking designer. Originally hailing from Mexico, Graciela now resides in Brooklyn, New York where she produces her works out of her studio.

What inspired you to go ecologically friendly with your works?

I’ve been interested in ecology for a long time but right now being environmentally minded is a matter of urgency not of choice. By offering jewelry made in a conscientious way I am not trying to offer “guilt-free” pieces, but to highlight an awareness that our choices matter and that it is possible to find exciting products that don’t have a heavy impact on the environment. Having grown up in Mexico I am used to repair what gets broken rather than buy a new one, and if it’s not possible then you find alternative uses for it. I love to go to antiques or flea markets and search for what’s nearly rubbish like broken chandeliers, small pieces of lace, random pieces of watches or buttons and design jewelry around those salvaged objects.

The pieces that don’t incorporate vintage components are made of recycled gold and silver. Looking for suppliers that are also environmentally friendly is not always the most cost effective solution but like I said that’s not a matter of choice is a matter of responsibly to our planet.

Have you always wanted to design jewelry?

Not exactly, but now I know it has always made sense. I have been a photo, video and installation artist for several years, but I wasn’t satisfied with the way the audience interacted with my work. I was looking for a more personal and direct contact. I was also growing tired of working on my computer all day; I wanted to go back to more hands-on practices. Jewelry became the perfect medium to tackle all this issues.

Spending time in my studio designing or working on a piece is extremely fulfilling and when someone gets equally excited about the piece and wants to wear it, it’s one of the most satisfying experiences ever

Where do you draw ideas for your designs from?

A lot of them come from architecture, particularly Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings and artifacts. I’m also fascinated by web-like structures such as antique lace or coral formations. I also have a weakness for graphics from old chemistry books.

Do you have a favorite piece from your collections?

I love wearing the Amoeba ring. It makes me feel empowered and it has sparked several conversations with strangers on the subway. It’s a fun piece to wear.

Why did you choose Brooklyn as the home base of your work?

At first moving to Brooklyn from Manhattan was a financial decision but over the past few years I’ve felt a real sense of community here, and I enjoy being surrounded by like-minded people whose drive is not purely economical. Knowing there are other artists working nearby is motivating.

What does the name Tirana Jewelry represent?

Tirana means female tyrant in Spanish. A while ago a group of Mexican friends started organizing parties in NY for other nostalgic Mexicans. It was fun and kind of a joke. My DJ name was Tirana del Amor (Tyrant of Love) which is the title of a Spanish song from the 60s. People started calling me Tirana and one thing led to the other. I like it because it’s a strong sounding name and it doesn’t have the historical connotations that a male tyrant has.

In an artistically stylish twist, the La Negra Flor Earrings ($60) are actually carefully cut out pieces of vintage Spanish Lace. These black flowers are sure to create that dramatic look to enhance a night out. Benefits include a lightweight alternative to heavy chandelier earrings and extraordinary sex appeal. [buy it]

Like tiny metallic bubbles suspended in time, the Murcurio Ring ($200) is a chic, handcrafted piece of jewelry. This playful accessory seems to capture the fluidity and sheen of the intriguing metal mercury, but in a non-hazardous and beautiful sterling silver form. [buy it]

In furthering the reuse of classic materials, the Old Bling Necklace ($90) captures this idea flawlessly. Antiquated chandeliers from London and Spain have had their diamond crystals salvaged into this necklace, which links each sparkling piece with 14K gold filled chains. [buy it]

For more info and jewelry by Graciela Fuentes, please visit her website at http://tiranajewelry.com

In this chaotic world it’s amazing how many happenstance occurrences align us with our future. Eco friendly clothing designers Tara and Inessah of Sublet Clothing know this as their website tells:

“After responding to a Craigslist sublet posting during college, Inessah found herself dragging two suitcases up three flights of stairs to meet her new roommate, Tara. Finding themselves with a lot in common such as Inessah being unable to find a more permanent place, and Tara living her motto, “the more the merrier,” the initial two weeks turned into three months.

Two years later, after having worked traditional careers, Tara and Inessah missed the spontaneous community, independence and creativity they felt when subletting. So over lunch one day, they decided they would create their own permanent sublet through Sublet Clothing.”

Now, their beautiful clothing line which is comprised of sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton, is being sold across the country from New York City all the way to Seattle. By bringing a keen eye for styles that appeal to all women, Sublet Clothing has shone a bright light on what awe-inspiring environmentally responsible fashion should be.

These two coincidental roommates turned business partners are an empowering inspirational force behind positive social change. One needs to look no further than the design of the Sublet Clothing website to be inspired by the colors, imagery and fresh feel which radiates from the clothes to the friendship behind the scenes.

With the success of their recent fall line launch party earlier this month, the two minds behind Sublet Clothing answered a few questions about life, fashion and fruit.

What made you take the leap from the concept of Sublet Clothing to the actual company?

Tara: I’ve always been interested in collaboration with people within the amazing creative community in New York City- Inessah being a part of it. We both have a deep appreciation for the environment and sustainability, so when she suggested an organic clothing line, I thought it would be the perfect way for us to foster this creative community, while utilizing both our talents to inspire social and environmental change. It took a big leap of faith and a lot of trust in one another to take the next step and make our idea a reality, but we both couldn’t be happier that we did.

Inessah: I went to school for fashion design, but have always been pretty obsessed with the Earth. For awhile I was convinced I’d be an environmental scientist. Since finding an equal passion in design, I’ve wanted to find ways to incorporate those two influences into my life. Tara has a very similar ethos and we thought it’d be fun, so we just jumped in and try to take one step at a time.

What motivates you to keep on working?

Tara: Inessah motivates me. Sometimes she bakes pumpkin spice bread, which helps. I think we motivate each other because we both know that there are a million things to do, but looking at them one at a time makes things more manageable. We also look to other people moving towards the same goal, and it feels good knowing we’re know working towards a more sustainable future. And what is more motivating than that?

Inessah: Everything. The process, the challenge, the amazing people we get to interact with. We just had a launch party and it was wonderful- really fun and interesting people all working together to make it a success. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely never boring. When something goes right, however small, it’s great to share it with someone, especially Tara. That motivates me to keep going- to keep on having moments like that.

Is there a theme to Sublet Clothing, such as purity or simplicity?

Tara: Yes, simplicity definitely comes into play because we realize sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. And that can apply to fashion, as well as life. We also want our pieces to be versatile from day to night. That is important to us because we know that when you wake up and you don’t have your whole day planned out, you have to be ready for what comes along.

Where do you see Sublet Clothing in five years?

Inessah: In an overwhelming marketplace, it’s hard to find clothing with consistently good design, fit, quality and functionality. All of these are taken into consideration when we’re designing and we’d like to be considered the go-to source for eco-apparel that’s truly wearable.

What has been the hardest part of this business? The best?

Tara: There are a lot of challenges to starting a business, less yet an organic clothing line. Learning about each aspect of what we need to do is certainly very hard. This is everything from finding a reliable and fair-wage paying manufacturer, to locating just the right photographer.

That being said, though challenging at times, this is also how we meet great people to work with, and that is one of my favorite parts of Sublet: overcoming obstacles with other people, and having shared the outcome. That is how we grow this community.

Why eco friendly clothes?

Inessah: As mentioned before, Tara and I have overlapping ethos. These issues of sustainability, the environment, design, community- are all things as individuals we really cared about before we met each other. So creating Sublet Clothing seemed like a really natural extension of us.

Did you always have ambition to be in the fashion industry?

Inessah: Yes, but that’s something I didn’t realize until I spent 2 years studying the wrong thing. I knew it wouldn’t make me happy, so I just quit, transferred schools and haven’t looked back.

What are three things you take with you in your purse every day?

Tara: Notebook, metrocard, and if they’re in season, a clementine.

Inessah: iPod, sharpie, and usually some kind of grocery item- I won’t take plastic bags at stores. This choice has led to some unfortunate crushed fruit incidents.

Here are some sneak peek looks at designs from the Fall ’08 Collection.

The Beylah Skirt ($165) is made from a mix of merino wool, hemp and lyocell. This skirt will be available starting in August in a range of colors from pond, mahogany, black and fern. The skirt’s simple and elegant shape comes from the tucks in the front and darts in the back. Shown here with an accent brooch and the Becca Top.

The pleated sleeves of the Becca Top ($115) create a romantic and modern look that’s perfect to wear to a business meeting or to a dinner date. The femininity is enhanced with long ties that can be worn up or down. Set to premier in August, the colors available are: taxi, evergreen, berry, black, natural. It’s comprised of organic cotton, bamboo and spandex.

The Belinda Dress ($275) is made out of 100% bamboo denim twill dyed to a beautiful indigo color. It is a versatile closet staple that can be worn layered with a cute tee underneath, a svelte sweater on top, or alone on those hot summer afternoons. Accented with chic detailing around the bust, this pleated dress has gorgeous lines that suit a women’s body and will be available starting mid-August.

To see pictures from the Sublet Clothing Spring ‘08/Fall ‘08 Launch Party click here.

For more information visit http://subletclothing.com.