Style. I Make It. – Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘Em Think You’re A Rockstar! – Nicolina Royale

“Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘em Think You’re a Rockstar!” – photo by Jessy Plume

Accessories Designer Nicolina Royale talks about her highly coveted Accessories line

 

TRAffIK: Where are you from originally?

NR: Minneapolis, MN

TRAffIK: How did you first begin designing jewelry? What led you to begin doing this?

NR: Well, when I was little if you asked me what I wanted to do I’d say, “ I want to make stuff!”

I have always been artsy – I started to make Guitar pick stuff because, I did not like anything that was on the market. Then a friend of mine said He wanted guitar pick cufflinks… I made them …grew a client list and Bloomingdales saw them (found me) and here I am 5 years later in 10 stores! WooHoo!

TRAffIK: How would you describe the look/style of your pieces?

NR: Dirty Rocker –For men and Dirty Rocker mixed with feminine details for Chicks

TRAffIK: How would you describe your own individual style?

NR: I am always in Black!! And I definitely have a Rocker flair, but I always mix in classic pieces – and Hot Sexy Shoes…

TRAffIK: Where does your inspiration come from? How does each piece come together?

NR: I find inspiration all over – from places I travel – Street fashion. A lot of the time I get an idea in my while i’m sleeping and get up to start to make it….I keep artist creative hours…most of the time

TRAffIK: Your tagline is “Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘Em Think You’re A Rockstar,” where did that come from?

NR: That has been my personal motto for quite some time – LA is the land of illusions- you can portray any image you want! And I always wanted to be a rockstar – so…i went with it – I think it’s workin’…..hehehe

TRAffIK: What type of people wear Nicolina Royale accessories? Where might we have seen your pieces before?

NR:Rockstars! Agents, Accountants, Soccer Moms and Little Rockers – Tommy Lee has my Sterling Drumstick Necklace – he wore in Playboy March ’09 and a Cro Ring he wore to the AMAs this year! Matt Sorum always wears my alternative stud cuff all the time- he even wore it while bowling with ZZ Top!! Cuba Gooding Jr., Ravi Drums from “Howie Do it”, Andie MacDowell, Dream, Mike Huckabee (former Presidential Candidate!) Janice Dickenson….and more

TRAffIK: Do you create custom pieces?

NR: I do…I love doing Custom Work – I made a pair of Crocodile Air Jordans for Ravi Drums…to wear when he performs – I also do custom pieces with Diamonds!

TRAffIK: Do you have a favorite design or piece that you’ve designed to date?

NR: I am in love with my New Zipper Bow!!!

(Zipper Bow Pictured Left in Nicolina’s Favorite way to layer/wear)

TRAffIK: What do you think makes a Rock Star? How do you relate that to your collections?

NR: A Rockstar is anybody, that is doing what they want to do...and wearing what they want to wear – As long as you can pull it off you’re a Rockstar – I think my collection can take an average wardrobe and make it rockin! It can add just a bit of rocker style or you can really go the whole nine yards!

TRAffIK: How would you describe your life in LA? Is there anywhere else that you’d like to live? Why or Why not?

NR: I love my life in LA!!! I work really hard…but I have a lot of fun! I love hitting Hollywood events, having a few drinks at a dive bar or hanging out with my puppy Rocco!! There is always something happening…

TRAffIK: Do you have any favorite places in LA or other cities that you frequent?

NR: Well mostly watering holes!! lol Bar 107, The Rainbow, Three of clubs, Katsuya ( Tuna with Crispy Onions) , The Alleys, The Elmer Boys Compound, a Rock Show, The Mission Cantina ( amazing margaritas) , Delanceys (Rockin Pizza) & any adventure that my girlfriends and I go on!

TRAffIK: What does a good night out consist of for you?

NR: Hanging out with my friends – getting picked up (I don’t Drive at nite) and going anywhere where there’s a good vibe – and Kettle(Kettle One Vodka) & Soda’s! I never make plans – You never know what will come up….Styling a band and getting invited to hang backstage- The best!!!

TRAffIK: What do you think of the style in LA as opposed to other places?

NR: LA style is great….well Hollywood! Santa Monica is a whole other story! I love how the style is mixed- with something kind of dressy with something casual – I love wearing my motorcycle boots with a sundress!

TRAffIK: What do you want people to feel when they receive their Nicolina Royale pieces?

NR: I hope they feel the love- How corny right – but I believe you can feel the handmade quality – and you definitely get a bit of my personal style- since I wear all my own stuff- if its in my line I would and do wear it all the time – I also sell pieces right off my body while out and about- I take credit cards- lol

TRAffIK: Where can people find your collection?

NR: You can find it in 10 Bloomies – San Francisco & NYC (59th St. & Soho) have the largest collections – Zvezda in Santa Monica – She has a collection I made for her store- in Rich Browns and Earth Tones – Also a Store in Aspen coming in July and Australia!!

I would love to live in Australia!!! Well at least a few months out of the year – and why…My Aussies, BBQ’s, Meat Pies and the Rock Scene in Brisbane!! Ohhh…and ‘The Screaming Jets’

 

 

If It doesn’t have the Royalty Tag – it isn’t a Nicolina Royale piece!

visit www.nicolinaroyale.com for more info on Nicolina and her accessories line