Sometimes here at FFR we think: "Hey, we're pretty cool, we know some people!" And then we come into the orbit of the likes of Suzanne Syz, the impossibly glamorous Geneva-based designer, and we have to rethink how in-the-know we really are. Besides hanging out regularly with Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel in the '80s, Suzanne's client list includes a few notables like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and the Archduchess Francesca von Habsburg-Thyssen. No biggie. But beyond the boldface names, what really gets us excited is the designer's quirky sense of humor (candy-inspired fine jewels, anyone?) and use of unusual, bold colored gemstones often set in titanium. These are serious baubles that don't take themselves too seriously. We kind of can't believe that she agreed to answer our crazy little questionnaire, but then again, she did name a significant cocktail ring "Sex on the Beach" after her favorite cocktail.
“Tom Ford, but my chances are compromised.
”
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
Let’s have dinner in the kitchen of my good friend Benoit Violier at le Restaurant de l’hotel de ville de Crissier in Switzerland for a surprise menu,
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?
A reptila ring by Eugénie Niarchos.
The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?
Comporta in Portugal. I've been going so often that I bought a beach house there.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?
Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean in", Amana Fontanella-Khan's "Pink Sari Revolution" and "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande (author of "Manifesto").
What's your go–to cocktail?
Sex on the Beach. I even named a ring in enamel and fancy colored diamonds the same.
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .
Green diamond with strong fluorecence.
It’s your birthday and your favorite flower arrangement arrives – what does it look like?
Simple white peonies.
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?
My last piece. As every artist, we always love our last work...or the one in process.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
Yoga
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
A custom jewelry earring by YSL.
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jean Michel Basquiat. We had so much fun in the 80’s partying with him and talking about art.
What's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.
A little heart-shaped diamond pendant that my grandmother gave me and that I wear everyday!
What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?
I fly more than I drive but I love my Porsche Panamera…so much power and comfort!
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!
Madonna, George Michael, Rihanna, Chet Baker and Robbie Williams. Very Eclectic as are my designs.
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
Ask my Chef! My talents are elsewhere!
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!
Tom Ford, but my chances are compromised. (ed note: We hear you)
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The one I designed for myself in croc with many pockets to keep all my life organized.
What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it?
Montaigne perfum by Caron in Paris. 3 words: Unique, powerful and sexy!
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
I don’t go the fashion shows anymore and would rather be backstage seeing the girls and the designer rushing to make the show beautiful!
Tell us your beauty secrets.
My favorite products are from By Terry!
Signature nail polish and/or lipstick shade for a night on the town?
I change all the time but always use By Terry Gloss.