The lovely Paige Novick is just one of those women who makes it look so easy. (No seriously, just try stringing together "Sorbonne", "Lagerfeld" and "Chanel" in a sentence that reflects your work history. Paige can do this. Without sounding like an asshole.) Fans of her effortlessly cool namesake line, we were of course intrigued when her high-end wares, PHYNE by Paige Novick, entered the scene. This is definitely jewelry for the "I woke up like this" girl – confident but subtle; slightly off-beat while still in control. Although she has quite a past behind her, we're confident that this Manhattan-based maven is just getting started.
“Ironically, my 8 ½ year old son and I share the same taste in music!”
Click on the images below to enlarge and learn more. And then on to the interview!
How long have you been designing and what did you do prior?
I have been designing since the late ‘90s when I launched my handbag – and later clothing brand – called Frou. Prior to that I was living in Paris, studying at the Sorbonne and interning for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. [Ed. note: Give us that life just for a day and we will be happy forever.]
Give us the down low on the current collection.
The current collection was inspired by the concept of “Refined Alternative.” We encourage our customers to break the rules and create their own personal “situation.” Whether it means mixing and matching earrings, gold colors, layering on an ear cuff (or two or three) or sliding on a diamond nose cuff. The key is to keep it asymmetrical, delicate and sophisticated.
Name another fine jewelry designer that you are a fan of and tell us why.
My mom, Beverly Novick, a fine jewelry designer for 35 plus years who sells privately. She is my mentor, she taught me everything I know about gemstones and pearls and was a pioneer of black rhodium plated gold in the 1980s!
Gemstone you can’t get enough of?
Opals, my birthstone. Ethiopian opals, fire opals and pink opals – I love them all!
What’s your favorite piece that you’ve recently purchased?
I recently purchased a lightweight Ivory Blazer at Phillip Lim, which I wear draped over my shoulders like cardigan. It has become my day to night go-to piece!
What is the most sentimental piece of jewelry that you own and what's the backstory?
The diamond eternity wedding band that belonged to my grandmother who passed away at 97. She and was my greatest fan, fashion icon and inspiration.
Next time FFR is visiting your home base, where do we eat? We're always hungry.
The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Start on the rooftop bar for cocktails first; on a summer night you can’t beat the scene and the view!
Best cocktail bar? (For a sophisticated sip AND ponying up to a pub – we are Geminis, so we need both options.)
The Baccarat Hotel for a sophisticated sip or the bar at Dirty French at The Ludlow Street Hotel.
What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?
My two feet!
Top 5 bands in your playlist?
Ironically, my 8 ½ year old son and I share the same taste in music!…Weekend, Hozier, Rihanna, Maroon 5 and Sam Smith.
Celebrity Crush?!
Javier Bardem
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Red Mansur Gavriel tote for its chic simplicity and functionality.
Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter?
What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it?
Liaisons Dangereuses by Kilian: Feminine, mysterious and playful.
If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be and why?
I would love to do something involving wellness like teaching meditation or Pilates. My passion is Flybarre and I often fantasize about teaching a class one day (shhh...).
Where’s the last destination you visited that inspired your work?
We recently went to Cartagena, Colombia over spring break and everything from the colors to the art to the music to the people inspired me more than I could have imagined. It is truly a magical place and I would go back at the drop of a hat!
Flats or heels? (And what’s your current favorite pair?)
Platforms hit all the right notes for me. I’m petite so they give me height but don’t make me feel like I am an eyelash away from wiping out!
You’re on a shopping mission in your hometown. Where is your go-to for the perfect party outfit? Housewarming gift?
New York Vintage is the best place to rent a vintage couture party dress. I wore a YSL Couture tea length dress to my best friend’s wedding in Paris and I could never have afforded to actually buy it, but renting was totally doable! For housewarming gifts I love John Derian for quirky patterned trays, paperweights or objects.
If we were filming the reality show of your life, what would your tagline be? (Think Real Housewives!)
Living Phyne but keeping it real…..