Candace Ang Churns Out Outfit-Amping Jewelry in Unexpected Materials

By Chris Frey
May 12, 2011

Candace Ang’s jewelry designs are the kind of outfit-amping, cool-girl statement pieces we can't get enough of.

Long before the use of alternative materials crept into the jewelry mainstream, jewelry designer Candace Ang was incorporating fabric, feathers and unique handcrafted techniques into her beaded jewelry designs, all to dazzling effect. Her signature talent is the ability to strike just the right balance between tough and feminine, playful and refined, sculptural yet wearable—she skillfully combines soft, organic elements with bold colors and metals to an irresistible effect.

Candace Ang's first fashion design company, Supercandy Designs, was a line of hair accessories that quickly evolved into jewelry and was renamed Candace Ang Designs in 2005. In the interim, she worked as a design consultant for top fashion brands like The Gap and Cynthia Rowley; attended Parsons; and had her accessories incorporated into Miguel Adrover's fashion runway show.

The ever-industrious jewelry designer, who also collaborates with Urban Outfitters, is currently at work on her Spring 2012 jewelry line, a collection for men and a book.

We caught up with the self-professed vintage fanatic—who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her latest eBay purchase, a patchwork leather rug—to find out more.

The Inside Source: How did your childhood influence you and your work as a jewelry designer?

Candace Ang: I had a really interesting and somewhat charmed childhood. When I was growing up in Vancouver, my father owned a chain of pet stores and I had the opportunity to watch him grow his business. My mother was trained at Parsons as a fashion designer, but she also studied interior design. She took my brother and me to tons of arts classes and exposed us to design. All those experiences, sprinkled with a zoo of animals that were around all the time, made for a lot of fun! I am where I am today because of the inspiration that came from my parents.

The Inside Source: Tell us how SuperCandy evolved into Candace Ang Designs.

Candace Ang: I started SuperCandy the summer I graduated from college. I was young and the company just grew as I grew. But, four years into it, I knew I wanted to learn more and that meant leaving Vancouver. I had applied to the NYU MBA program and was intending to move to New York and take the entrepreneurial track at Stern. Some deep soul searching ensued that summer before I was due to begin and I realized that I wanted to fulfill my dream of attending Parsons (just like my mom). Parsons gave me the confidence to be a designer on a whole other level. It taught me about hard work and process, which is invaluable. At the same time I decided to use my own name and start Candace Ang as a brand. It basically was me growing up.

Candace Ang

Candace Ang unique jewelry designs for Urban Outfitters

The Inside Source: You've worked with a variety of top fashion designers and brands. How have those experiences influenced your work?

Candace Ang: I think that every job I’ve ever had has influenced me in some respect, from working at my dad’s store as a teenager to working under avant-garde designers like Miguel Adrover during my time at Parsons. Running a business is not easy but you realize that the ups and downs are what shape you—it's like being in school all the time. What’s fantastic is that you can change what you are doing almost instantly. I love that I can conceive of a new collection (or direction), implement the idea, and see the results in a matter of weeks or months.

The Inside Source: Tell us what inspired your Spring 2011 jewelry collection.

Candace Ang: This season I was inspired by a Paolo Roversi shoot featuring Natalia Vodianova in an Egyptian headdress and I wanted the feeling of that image in the jewelry. He is my favorite photographer and everything he does is dramatic and painterly. I made these gorgeous collars (the Isis, Rah and Horus) with round mesh chain and ruched silk. We hand "painted" the metal with a patina to give it an ombre finish. It’s a detail that someone may not notice, but Paolo’s photos directly inspired it.

Candace Ang

Candace Ang Isis Collar ($340); Horus Necklace ($270); Rah Collar ($260)

The Inside Source: Your use of color and texture of your unique jewelry is always striking. Can you talk about the importance of those elements in your designs?

Candace Ang: When I first launched the company under my own name [in 2005] I wanted to differentiate it from other brands at the time, so I intentionally used fabric and hand detailing (beading, feathers, studs) as a way to create color and texture that wasn’t just another traditional method of setting or stringing beads. So that initial motivation eventually turned into a trademark for the line. However, I do believe things always change and now that more and more designers are incorporating alternative materials in their work (which I think is great!) I might be looking towards new ways of making my own pieces. Right now I would love to combine my trademark handwork with 3-D printed parts or laser-cut details. The mix of technology and tradition is fascinating.

Candace Ang

Candace Ang beaded jewelry designs

The Inside Source: What pieces do you wear most often?

Candace Ang: From my own line I love wearing the Isis and Rah bracelets from Spring/Summer 2011. They are easy to layer and look super chic with anything that I have on. I never take off a tiny diamond ring that my mom gave me. I usually layer pieces from my collection with antique and vintage jewelry that I have collected through the years. If it’s not my own jewelry, I like to wear things that are special or made by my friends.

The Inside Source: Are you a vintage shopper? Do you use eBay online auctions?

Candace Ang: I am an avid vintage shopper! To the point of obsession! Half of my wardrobe is vintage, especially coats and handbags. I have a store in Vancouver that holds special pieces for me until I fly into town and buy them all! I love eBay and I am highly addicted to it. Once I get something in my head, the hunt for it is a little insane. Last season I had to have a vintage fox coat, so I spent the whole winter finding the perfect one on eBay. Right now I’m furnishing a new apartment and am into home stuff. This season, it's leather rugs.

(images courtesy of Candance Ang)