Sitting in front of a quaint little deli in Chelsea, I look up and notice a familiar face. Though we never formerly met before this rare occasion, I felt like I knew her well. This may have something to do with a little thing called social networking and the entire blogosphere. Samantha Smikle, better known as O.M.O Writes, was standing in front of me.
Samantha, known by most as a blogger, is also known for a very interesting accessories line called, Odd and Even. Odd and Even is like the love child of fierce and metal. This line, usually made of brass, caught my eye when I found a pair of chained sunglasses being featured on various blogs. The sunglasses were just a tease of the progressive, wild-style, fashion accoutrement. So when I met the mastermind, Samantha, I got to pick her brain about it all.
Name: Samantha
Age: 24
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Current Location: live in The Bronx, work in Chelsea, NY
Why did you decide to start Odd & Even and why did you choose this as the name?
It wasn’t called Odd & Even until I decided to start selling on etsy. But I initially made a few pieces for friends after I was sent on a run to a wholesaler by Elise Overland. I interned for her the summer after graduating from Boston U in ’07.
Called it Odd & Even for no particular reason other than it was perfect, like ying and yang, like my sign–libra for balance, like my style a little bit of this and that.
Other options were crazy like “Neon Candy” hhaha I glad I didn’t go with the whole put two words of something you like together!
Why did you start an accessories line opposed to a clothing line?
First off, I can’t sew. I’ve done a few hand sewn bow pieces that were great. But I’ve tried to hand-sew a parachute sleeved smock top and doesn’t quite work out the same! I also have a sewing machine just sitting in my room…I clean it once in a while. I like the instant gratification of wearing a piece of my jewelry. Of being able to buy it and just slip in on your wrist or finger and it’s yours.
You use a lot of metals in your designs. Why is this, and are you looking to expand the line?
In the beginning I did some bow pieces with silk and polyester and some beaded pieces. They were really fun pieces. But my egyptian, religious influence really begs for metals. I also grew up in a West Indian (Jamaican) family wearing gold jewelry. So I’m definitely partial to the look.
How does New York influence your collection, if at all?
The fearlessness of New Yorkers and New York transplants definitely influence some of my bolder designs.
What is the process of creating one of your pieces from design to production?
I’ll sketch an idea if I’m inspired and don’t want to forget the idea. Otherwise, I start by buying materials that attract me. I may not have a full concept of how I’ll use it, I may end up using it for multiple designs, but that part of creating the design usually happens when I sit down with the materials.
When you see a woman wearing one of your designs on the street, what is the first thought that pops into your mind?
“Omg!” I’ve only seen someone in my piece at the Harlem Pop sale by Ngozi of Harriet’s Alter Ego. She approached my table, like “I have your double ring and shades already!” That was awesome.
What excites you about the innovation of accessories right now?
I can’t really think of anything exciting. I look a lot to ancient egyptian jewelry and vintage jewelry shops for inspiration. New designs tend to be too trendy of late. I do love designers like Pamela Love, Ben-Amun, Philip Crangi.
Who do you wish to collaborate with in the near future?
I would love for Kanye to wear a cuff! I think he could carry it. And I just admire him so much–his genuis and true innovation.
What is the biggest fashion mistake that someone can make?
Following trends over preference.
What’s the biggest business mistake that someone can make?
Selling yourself short.
What motto or advice do you live by?
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but dream; not only plan, but also believe.
What songs are on your work playlist?
Ha! I design often to the television. I like to get caught up in something that will run back to back…I don’t like to have to stop to channel surf. So I’ll probably be watching whatever reality show I’m into or Law & Order SVU, which is good for a marathon! Ha!
Kia Chenelle
BLOG! http://omowrites.blogspot.com/
I appreciate her aesthetic. Being that I wouldn’t consider myself a “fashion foward” type of person or “stylista”, I really liker her advice about fashion mistakes. I think a number of people get caught up in trends that they don’t take the time to really figure out their preference and personal style. Now this has made me want to go through my closet, my jewelry and see what I really prefer versus acquired simply because it was cute. I’ll also have to check out her blog!