Laguna Beach Designer Gorjana Reidel Makes A Case For O.C. Style

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
September 29, 2010

Gorjana Reidel The spotlight may have been on New York for the recent Spring 2011 Fashion Week shows, but style is having a West Coast moment, too. Among the contemporary labels that have gained some worthwhile notice of late is accessories and jewelry label Gorjana. Designed by model-turned-designer Gorjana Reidel, the aesthetic is unfussy, sometimes delicate but versatile in that everyday California way. Retailers and celebrities have taken note: Reidel's jewelry has been spotted on Jessica Alba and Cindy Crawford, and is currently carried at Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop.com and Henri Bendel, among others. We caught up with the Yugoslavia-born, Laguna Beach-based designer on how it all started, her best eBay shopping picks and whether L.A. or N.Y.C. wins the battle of fashion trendsetters.

The Inside Source: Fall is the best time of year for fashion. Are you excited about the season?
Gorjana Reidel: I love the fall season and especially the fashion because of all the layering. It always reminds me of being a kid; I loved picking out my outfits for the first day of school.

TIS: You were a model before you started designing. How did you make that leap?
GR: Growing up I was always really creative and knew I wanted to design someday. Modeling exposed me to the fashion industry and gave me the foundation and confidence to start my own line; the transition just seemed like a natural progression.

TIS: How did you decide to do jewelry and accessories?
GR: Jewelry is something I really sort of fell into. I worked in the accessories department at Neiman Marcus right out of college. It seems so random, but now I know it was all meant to be.

TIS: Tell us about your Fall 2010 collection. What was your inspiration for the designs?
GR: It’s difficult to define the exact inspiration for a certain piece or design because I get inspired by so many things and they just evolve and meld into one. We do have a focus on leather accessories this fall. Whether its leather wrap bracelets or our small crossbody bags, they make the perfect compliment to most every outfit.

Gojana Acccessories

Gorjana jewelry and accessories

TIS: Being based out of L.A., do you think there are exciting fashion trends that start from the West versus from New York City?
GR: L.A. and N.Y.C. are pretty equal and even in starting trends. I live on both coasts and feel extremely fortunate to be able to see where trends start and evolve. There is a definite difference in style, but both are very influential when it comes to setting fashion trends.

TIS: What do you have planned ahead for your line?
GR: We are constantly evolving as a brand; we just introduced leather belts for the Fall/Holiday season. We love creating new accessories that women love, so who knows where we will go next?

TIS: Do you shop on eBay? What do you look for?
GR: I do! I like looking for home décor and kitchenware the most. I enjoy hunting for vintage aprons and throw pillows. And of course clothing!