Neat PEOPLE! Portland jewelry designer Sahlia Michelle

By Karen Vitt, NEAT editor in chief

Last week, we introduced you to the new Sahlia Michelle Jewelry Design website, and offered a look at the local line of  gorgeous, handmade jewelry. This week, we’d like to introduce you to the equally gorgeous jewelry designer herself. Sahlia Michelle Spaan sat down with us to dish about her designs and her Portland fashion faves, and she’s even offered up a NEAT Giveaway for our readers, too!

Enter to win a Sahlia Michelle Designs “Obsidian Toggle” necklace (below, right), which features a hand-pounded sterling silver toggle clasp (meant to be worn in front) hanging from a 17″ gunmetal chain. To enter, just send an e-mail with the subject title “GUNMETAL” to neatsheet(at)karenvitt.com or leave a comment on this post. We’ll pick a lucky random winner on Sunday, July 25. In the meantime, let’s get to know Sahlia Michelle, one of Portland’s most stylish Neat PEOPLE:

How would you describe your jewelry for those who haven’t seen it?
It’s unique, hand-made and as edgy as it is timeless. I don’t like labeling my jewelry, but if I had to define my look I would use words like edgy, unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-made. Every gem and stone used is carefully chosen by me to fit a specific concept or idea. I put such time and effort into every piece that it no longer becomes jewelry but art. You could say art for your body, I guess.

Have you always loved jewelry?
I’ve always liked it, but it wasn’t until college that I really started to appreciate and collect it.  I started making my own soon after.

What was the first piece of jewelry you ever designed?
The first piece I ever designed was a simple necklace that used a huge opal stone my grandmother gave me. I had the stone for a long time before I started making jewelry (in college), and I realized I could finally put it to use. I had such a great response to the one piece I knew it was something I wanted to pursue from there.

What kinds of things inspire your designs?
Traveling, shapes and textures from nature,  new materials, collaborations, architecture.

What’s the strangest material you’ve ever used in a piece of jewelry?
I integrate lots of unusual materials with the sterling silver, but the strangest would probably be the naturally shed antler slices. (Antler Slice Hoop Earrings, $84, right.)

Do you have any other favorite jewelry designers in town?
Andy Lifschutz, Stone & Honey and AK Vintage, to name a few.

And what about fashion designers – do you have any favorite local clothing designers?
Lately I’ve been obsessed with Janeane Marie’s new stuff. She’s an amazing artist through and through, and I love how wearable. And I also love Emily Katz, Issac Hers and Bridge & Burn.

What’s your take on Portland’s style?
Love it. There’s so much going on and so many different styles. Portlanders overall are great at mixing elements of local, sustainable fashion with high-end pieces that everyone craves and have it look amazing! I have noticed that the seasons define the look. When the weather turns nice in Portland, so does the fashion. It’s so great to see all the risks people take when it comes to putting together outfits when the suns comes out.

What are some of your favorite places to shop in Portland?
Mostly local hole-in-the-wall boutiques. Other faves are Lizard Lounge (right), Radish Underground, Halo Shoes, Local 35. As the studio and business progress I have noticed the less known the store the better. If I want to buy clothes, the last place I think about is the mall. I really like knowing the clothes I buy are a lot like the jewelry I design: unique. I can’t understand how so many people flock to the same places to buy the same things. There are so many talented people doing things in Portland. I encourage and challenge anyone to stay out of the mall for a year, see how you can find a look that really defines you, not just what your friends are wearing. Part of what makes Portland great, take advantage.

And how would you describe your own style?
Super breezy, but always put together – hopefully! Most build an outfit around the clothes. Not me,  I pick the jewelry then my shoes, top and jeans. I’ll build the outfit around the jewelry, not the other way around.

What is one thing we can always find you wearing?
I like tall boots or wedges, skinnies, and a semi-plain top, then at least three or four long, layered necklaces.

Do you have any current fashion obsessions or things you want for summer?
So many! My top things I’m on the hunt for are a great pair of nude or grey strappy wedges, the perfect breezy (but tailored) spring jacket and a go-to summer dress. Oh yeah, a couple new pairs of flip flops. GO SUMMER.

GO SAHLIA! Look for Sahlia Michelle Designs in local shops, including Lizard Lounge, Radish Underground, Switch, Redux, Chapter 4, Suite 6, Phlox, Oxalis and Ellington.

Sahlia Michelle Jewelry Design
www.sahliajewelry.com

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