THE #OANDPGIRLS: Clarissa Persiani

Clarissa is the girl behind the newest designs at olive + piper. Moving here from Brazil late last year and having only been with us for a few months, she's our head designer and has a killer fashion sense (with a Parisian touch). Before designing for us here, she (like our founder Tania), ran her own jewelry company in Brazil. She does it all - from designing our next favorite pieces to bringing a radiant and positive attitude to the team. 

CLARISSA PERSIANI, JEWELRY DESIGNER 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE O+P TEAM?

I was researching about jewelry in Vancouver because I wanted to keep designing, and I found o+p. The essence and style of the brand reminds me of the pieces that I used to design before. I got in touch with Tania to have coffee and the rest is history!

 DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORK DAY?

I usually go to the office 3x a week to meet with the girls and go over new designs and other projects. Usually I start by shipping your orders, then we go over the designs: reviewing samples, talking to our suppliers, color study, photographing new arrivals etc. It depends of the day. And for the rest of the week I work at home and coffee shops (especially if I'm doing research or draw new designs).

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR CREATING A NEW COLLECTION?

Everything inspires me! Im always taking pictures of everything, every detail that I think is interesting, like plants, places, things, people. One day I found a beautiful vintage glass crystal in an antique store. I took a picture of it and designed beautiful chandelier earrings inspired from it. 

ARE ALL THE PIECES ON THE SITE DESIGNED BY YOU GUYS?

FAVORITE PIECE ON OLIVE + PIPER YOU DESIGNED SO FAR?

The Penelope earrings and Penelope bracelet in champagne 😍

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A JEWELRY DESIGNER? ARE THERE CERTAIN PIECES YOU PREFER ?

I've been designing jewelry for 7 years now! I love to wear stud earrings, but I love drawing statement earrings... don't ask me why (lol)

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO ASPIRING JEWELRY DESIGNERS?

At the beginning of a career it's important to be humble. If you like fashion, try to work in a retail store to see how consumer behaviour works. Nobody is born or starts a career as a famous fashion designer. The beginning is hard for everyone in every area. Be strong and don't give up!

HOW DO YOU AND TANIA DECIDE ON DESIGNS?

First, Tania and I brainstorm about the collection themes and inspiration, and then I start drafting designs. After I present her with the designs, there are a lot of adjustments and changes. It's a long process because design and functionality need to work together, but it's also fun and easy to work together because Tania has a good eye for design as well. Jewelry needs to make you look good and feel good - it's not just about aesthetics. A good design works for a fancy diamond ring and a fashion ring as well. We design to make you glow inside and out!

WHAT'S BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE FOR YOU MOVING TO CANADA?

OK, let's start with the weather! (Lol) I love cold weather, so, I'm living in heaven here! The culture is pretty much different though. I'm still trying to have dinner at 6PM (LOL), and sometimes I forget to take my shoes off when I go to someone's place.. 

[ HOT SEAT ]

Chocolate or candy?
Chocolate mint

Siblings?
2 beautiful sisters, I'm the middle one

Favourite past time?
Photography and ballet fit

2 things you can't leave your house without? 
Sunscreen and eye contact 

Right or left handed?
Right! Right?

Lipstick or lipgloss?
Lip balm 

Fashion icon?
Helena Bordon (Brazilian fashion blogger) and Oscar de la Renta (for jewelry)