This week I’m really excited to be featuring my very good friend (the accessory queen!) Drew Ginsburg, founder and chief creative of DYLANLEX. Years ago when I had more spare time I would spend hours searching Tumblr for fashion inspiration. One day in particular I came across images of layered statement necklaces. I was obsessed and instantly inspired - and knew I had to share them on my blog.

Drew and I first met in New York while I was in town for the launch of a clothing collaboration. She shared her story with me and spoke about launching her jewelry line. Obsessed with her necklaces, Drew had no idea how incredibly talented she was - and I found that so endearing. It’s been so inspiring to watch her career evolve and even more fun collaborating on projects throughout the years.

This shoot we created together is for you to learn her story, and see what a badass boss she is. Drew is unapologetic, everyone’s girls crush - and so fun to watch! Enjoy our candid chat and this incredible photoshoot featuring none other than the talented DYLANLEX.

"AT DYLAN LEX, THE MOTTO IS MAKE A STATEMENT AND DON'T CONFORM."

STYLIST / CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MONICA ROSE

STYLIST ASSISTANT: ITHALIA PRICE

PHOTOGRAPHER:  JOYCE PARK

VIDEOGRAPHER: ESTHER KIM

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR STORY. CAN YOU SHARE HOW YOUR BRAND FIRST GOT STARTED?“

In 2012, before starting my accessories brand, DYLANLEX, I made pieces for myself. I reworked old vintage with new, making it my own and would post photos of them on Instagram. They were like mini works of art on my neck, but just for fun, a creative outlet, and I really didn’t think any further than that. Enter YOU (Conveying dramatic effect with that enter because this was a huge deal to me, I was really scared to take the leap into jewelry).

Monica, you are stylist whose aesthetic I’ve always respected, and you had reposted some of the photos of my neck. You didn’t know whose it was and so I reached out to you. We ended up meeting in New York and immediately clicked. You were really one of the people that gave me the courage to start the line and were an incredible mentor and friend to me when I first started - and you still are. This business is tough, and when you meet someone like you - someone who is genuine, hardworking, and just loves what they do- you just gravitate towards them.

“WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU "GROW UP" - AND DID ANY OF THAT TRANSLATE INTO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?”

I was a doodler. On napkins when my family was out to dinner, in school notebooks. It was more cartoon-esque... like Marvin the Martian or Calvin and Hobbes. I remember watching Caroline in the City when I was little- it was about this cartoon artist living in a chic New York apartment. I was like YO. And then as I got older it evolved into fashion illustration drawings. I took a lot of figure drawing classes. I always knew I wanted to do something in design. I just didn’t quite know what so I was always dabbling in different mediums.

“WHAT INSPIRES YOU ON A DAILY BASIS? ”

I think with everything at our fingertips, other women’s style inspires me. I’m constantly screenshotting the way women (and men lol) dress themselves... The ones that really nail being comfortable AND fashionable. That’s what drew me to your styling. You know how to make people feel 100 - and still feel like themselves.

“HOW LONG DO YOU WORK ON EACH PIECE? WHAT'S THAT PROCESS LIKE?”

It’s different for each one. Some take no time at all. I’ll have an idea, I put pen to paper and it works. Some I labor over for a few weeks. Tweaking it. It’s definitely a process. But one that I love. Every single piece we make I could tell you what I was going through when I designed it, or what hurdles I had to work through creatively to make it come to life. I’m sitting at my desk, surrounded by components and scribbles, sketching as we speak!

“YOUR DESIGNS HAVE BOLD, SEXY NAMES. HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THEM?”

They’re names I personally love that remind me of something or someone, or ones my team loves. We’re always on baby name websites trolling for good ones! We all have to look at the piece and call it by the name and be like THATS it. That’s her. 

“WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?”

I just finished A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. I laughed and cried so much. 

“WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT WAS YOUR STYLE LIKE?”

My style was very tomboyish growing up. There was always a boyish comfort element. I wanted to look tough. In college it grew to be more uniform oriented. I wore leather pants and white tees pretty much every day, but with an accessory that gave it a twist. I loved going to flea markets and vintage stores on weekends and finding something really special that no one else had. I would always dig for unique pieces to pair with basics. That’s really where DYLANLEX came from. That one piece that you could wear with a sweatshirt that told people — I can handle it.

“A GO-TO STAPLE OUTFIT, DO YOU HAVE ONE?”

A vintage blazer, just because they don't make them like they used to. A strong shoulder and the cut of a vintage suit is EVERYTHING. Either a high waisted cigarette leg or a high waisted wide leg, I feel like high waisted bottoms lengthen in such a good way, the fit of the leg depends on the day ;). The accessories would be layered chokers, our PIPPA necklace mixed with REMI or HADLEY II - layering chokers gives such uniqueness and dimension to the look...some of my vintage charm necklaces I never take off, and then a FALKOR to finish the set. Having an amazing piece of jewelry sit on your collarbone with a deep V -- there's nothing more bad ass in my opinion! Oh, and a dope metal clutch and allll of my rings, vintage and DYLANLEX.

“WHAT DO YOU KEEP ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?

My rings. Books. Matches and a candle. I’m obsessed with the Diptyque scent Feu de Bois. Cards for compassion and empathy... I’m a dork, but I feel like it’s important to remind ourselves to be grateful and understanding. 

“TELL US ABOUT YOUR POP-UP STORES, AND DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF HAVING A BRICK & MORTAR STORE?”

We were always curious about having a store, but not a cold, typical store where you felt like you couldn’t touch anything or you were obligated to buy something if you bothered the sales people there. It felt right to have a place where you could go and really experience the lifestyle of DYLANLEX while trying on pieces. A pop-up was a very natural way to test that and it ended up being incredibly insightful into the DYLANLEX woman - she’s so badass. A hardworking woman, she’s in school, she’s a mother, she has a great sense of self, she’s from all over the world. Giving these women a place to come and hang, seeing their faces change when they put on a piece they connect with. It’s so powerful. Our entire team was so invigorated. We are working on a permanent space in New York where the brand originated! Keep an eye out :)

“STORY YOU WANT TO SHARE FROM YOUR CAREER?”

Oh my gosh. TOO many, but they’re too embarrassing to share.

“HOW DO YOU UNPLUG AND CREATIVELY RECHARGE FROM YOUR WORK?”

It’s tough. Especially with everything at your fingertips, constantly seeing what new things are out there and who’s doing what. But I honestly credit my boyfriend. He’s been such a solid reminder that work isn’t my entire life. Being outside. Getting out of my comfort zone, trying new things gives me the recharge I need and ultimately inspires me for the next thing.