Anna Sheffield brings Bing Bang back to SF

Influential jewelry designer, Anna Sheffield began her career studying welding and blacksmithing right here in San Francisco nearly a decade ago.  Clearly part of the local artisan scene before it actually was a scene, Sheffield set herself apart from the crowd with Bing Bang, a couture costume jewelry line with a serious rock and roll edge.  

Since Founding Bing Bang, Sheffield has relocated her business to New York City and  risen to the heights of the industry with a 2007 nomination for the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, and numerous collaborations with top designers such as  Marc Jacobs and 3.1 Phillip Lim. 

designer Anna Sheffield/Image courtesy of Anna SheffieldThis Thursday, Sheffield returns to where it all began, San Francisco, with a trunk show and in-store event at Union Square's Shotwell.  Style Wylde caught up with Sheffield via e-mail to discuss Bing Bang, the Shotwell event and all things jewelry design.

SW:  What drew you to jewelry design originally?

AS: The beginning of my career in jewelry was quite accidental, though some may say it was destined. I am a huge fan of anything miniature and I have always, always made things since I was a child.

SW: In the TMagazine Blog interview with Horacio Silva, you mentioned that you originally launched Bing Bang in San Francisco 8 years ago. What was the path you took from local jewelry designer to CFDA Swarovski Award nominee, to collaborating with Marc Jacobs, and all-around rising star in the fashion industry?

 AS: I did start Bing Bang in SF.. It was as aside to my fine art at the time. I made jewelry for friends and a few stores. Moving to New York City really sparked the amazing string of events that have come to pass since I arrived here [2002]. I would say its mostly luck - being in the right place- with so many remarkable people who have truly and continually helped me along the way. It is also a product of immense dedication and hard work, which is something I actually enjoy as well.

Skull earrings from the Bing Bang collection/Image courtesy of Anna SheffieldSW: Throughout all of your work, there appears to be a wide variety of styles, from clean modern lines, to whimsical charms, to ornate, almost Victorian cocktail rings. Where do you draw inspiration for this huge range of creativity?

AS: It's true I have a whole treasure trove of influences I pull from in my design. I am truly inspired by just about everything around me.  I draw a lot of inspiration from nature and where I grew up. But I also love being in a city like New York- just walking around, taking it all in... that's an inspiring day!

SW: Your Bing Bang line, which will be featured at the Shotwell event on August 12th, has been described as haute-costume jewelry. What exactly is haute-costume, and what inspired its creation?

AS: I think we coined that phrase! The reason being- I was always trying to describe what I do. In French there are several words for jewelry and the many iterations. So I thought that Haute or High jewelry was a good way to sum up that the materials in Bing Bang are precious and the design is well thought out. It's not a flash in the pan, though it is of the moment, which I think appeals to a lot of people. Jewelry is personal, so making the best jewelry I can possibly make is the goal.. I hope it brings happiness to the wearer, you know?

SW: Who do you see as the Bing/Bang woman or man?

AS: Rampant Individualists! and collectors! and I guess people who like the dichotomy of Punk rock, Victorian, Native American inspired Street fashion, like me!

layering bangles by Anna Sheffield/Image courtesy of Anna Sheffield

SW: What is your favorite piece in the Bing Bang collection?

AS: I have been wearing the feather pieces non-stop since we first came out with them.. the Cherokee styles. I also love the Vivienne [named for Westwood] tiny stud earrings in gold…or rose gold depending on my mood.

SW: Any future plans for collections, or things you are currently inspired by that you can share with our readers?

AS: I am working on some really fantastic collaborations that I am not able to mention just yet, but believe me --the next couple seasons are going to be amazing! 

Anna Shefield will be at Shotwell boutique in San Francisco's Union Square from 6-9pm this Thursday, August 12th.  For more information on Anna Sheffield, and to shop her collections online visit the official homepage here.