We didn't save Paige Novick for last purposefully, but it is true that she has been featured right here on FFR before. With jewelry this modern, cool, and wearable, is it really any surprise? That being said, we highly recommend checking out her first interview on this site, which features amazing answers to other arbitrary questions we threw her way. We finally had the chance to sit down with the designer herself (in Paris at the swanky Hotel Costes, no less) and we'll just have to tell you that her vibe and style are perfectly at one with her wares – the best word we can come up with is effortless. (And let's not forget that this sentence is a part of Paige's bio: After studying at the Sorbonne, Paris, Paige landed an internship with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. It's maybe the most fabulous sentence we have ever heard. Just saying.) We want to say a huge thank you to Paige and all of the other CFDA designers who allowed us to get a peek into their worlds, and another huge thanks to Talya Cousins and Blair Brindley for making it all happen. Until next year!

“The butterfly because I relate to its sensitivity, playfulness and ability to transform.”

What's your idea of ultimate luxury?

Freedom

The gemstone you are currently lusting after is...

Pink Opal

If you could have a dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be with and why?

Anaïs Nin. Both her writing and poetry resonate for me on a deep level. She was a trailblazer in her openness and honesty and befriended many women whose lives she influenced and inspired by publishing her diaries.

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be?

I would buy Angela Cummings pearl and gold earrings. I grew up with her sculptural designs and they were and still are a major influence on my work.

Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!

Cartagena, Colombia. Everything was alive and bursting with energy from the colors, to the architecture, to the music, and the beautiful energy of the people. In a word: magical!

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why?

Alexander McQueen; Sarah Burton is a genius!

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be?

A writer

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush?

Sean Connery “From Russia With Love”

What's your spirit animal? Explain why.

The butterfly because I relate to its sensitivity, playfulness and ability to transform. The butterfly symbolizes life’s continuous unfolding all while maintaining a sense of lightness and wellbeing.

What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA?

To be a CFDA member to me means that I have the privilege and honor of belonging to a group consisting of the most talented and inspiring individuals in the industry. I am quite fortunate and pinch myself everyday!

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!”

— Paige

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?

Instagram.

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…..