The nogoodforme.com Interview: Justin & Cyd of Subversive Jewelry

My first taste of Subversive Jewelry came midway through my sophomore year at Parsons School of Design, when my best schoolfriend Cyd Mullen suddenly started showing up for Departmental Seminar 3 wearing oversized necklaces adorned with plastic horses, vintage keys, Mickey Mouse charms, and the like. When bombarded with compliments and exclamations about said baubles, the always cool Ms. Mullen would simply shrug it off and say she started working for an old friend from Pittsburgh, the jewelry designer Justin Giunta. Fast forward two years, and suddenly Subversive has been nominated for a CFDA Award while Amber Valletta (and a monkey) is busy rocking the line in a photoshoot for American Vogue. I was only the tiniest bit envious.

Subversive's latest creations are as delicious, whimsical and, um, subversive as ever, though significantly more subdued, refined and elegant (fittingly, they have recently launched a Bridal Collection: the very thought of it makes me want to get married STAT). That's called progress, my friends, and I for one am certainly digging the additional dose of chic. But enough from me: please allow Subversive founder/designer Justin and his assistant/production manager Cyd to speak on their own behalfs. Merci buckets!

Tell us all about how you guys got started with Subversive.

Justin: I got started by making a charm bracelet filled with gun charms for my friend's birthday! Everyone wanted one, so I made a 12-piece collection around ironically arranging charms into narratives.
Cyd: Justin started Subversive in 2003. I got wrapped up in things with my Pittsburgh connection. Justin claims Pittsburgh is the center of the universe; I just lucked out with him as my high school chemistry tutor.

What do you guys listen to when you're working on your designs?

Justin: Everything from Steely Dan to Art Brut.
Cyd: EVERYTHING! Seriously, we listen to music all day and have totally played out our entire iTunes library. I can't listen to Steely Dan again. Recently, I've been listening to Nic Harcourt on KCRW.com. He has a great show called Morning Becomes Eclectic.

What are your biggest inspirations?

Justin: The Entirety of Art History!
Cyd: Justin continues to inspire me everyday. He is a very talented artist. Make sure to checkout his paintings at www.justingiunta.com.

What's your favorite thing about being in control of your own designs, rather than designing for someone else?

Justin: I always defined being an artist by being able to sustain a livelihood from the things I make with my hands. Creating each piece of jewelry is
both engaging and rewarding for me, every time.
Cyd: Wearing it!

Any advice for girls/boys out there dreaming of launching their own label?

Justin: Starting something new seems increasingly daunting these days, but you have to be determined and sincere in your pursuit: if you put the emphasis on making your product great, and are confident in sharing your creative viewpoint, the rest will follow suit.

Who are your favorite designers?

Justin: Viktor & Rolf, Martin Margiela, Alexander Mcqueen.
Cyd: I recently saw Patti Smith play, and she looked good decked out in Ann Demeulemeester. But for me, I've been saving my pennies for Chloe's Doc-inspired platforms.

Define your aesthetic sensibilities in three words.

Justin: AFRICAN PIRATE CHIC

Who are your style idols?

Justin: Andre 3000.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Justin: I am happy in my own closet!
Cyd: Laura Faulds' (Editor's note: I am Laura Faulds, and seriously, it's not that great)

What's your favorite clothing item lately?

Justin: Shoes. I have never been into shoes, until recently.
Cyd: I've been wearing my black Marni platforms every day. I really am a sucker for platforms. But really, I can't wait for winter so I can wear my gold Missy Elliot-style puffy jacket that I bought secondhand in Pittsburgh for $11 (Editor's note: I know this coat well, and it is pretty fabulous).

What are some of your favorite clothing shops (around your town or in the whole wide world)?

Justin: I shop all over the place, I love B.Blessing in the LES, the environment lends to the lifestyle for sale.

Who are your favorite bands?

Justin: No comment.
Cyd: The Sultans of Ping.

What music do you like to listen to when primping?

Justin: I let the iTunes DJ work it out; it always gives me something to gear me into the evening.
Cyd: Recently I've been listening to Edith Piaf. I don't know any French, so I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do before our upcoming Paris trip.

Name one record/song you loved when you were a little kid that you still listen to today.

Justin: Green Earrings by Steely Dan and Art Garfunkel's Breakaway album.
Cyd:The Smiths. I'm sorry, but my parents played 'em all the time.

Favorite makeout music?

Justin: Hip-Hop

Who's your number-one all-time music crush?

Justin: Fiona Apple- I would love to give her something to sing about!

Name one clothing/beauty/jewelry item you could not live without.

Justin: A belt!
Cyd: Subversive Jewelry's gold laser-cut headband!

And with that, below are a couple more Subversive baubles for y'all to drool over. Gorgeous!

Posted by Laura in Interviews
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