We first met the lovely Kristen Bell a while back when we brought jewels to her hotel room a few NY Fashion Weeks ago. Ever since we’ve gotten to know her better through our recent trip together on Summit Series and her sporadic DANNIJO showroom visits.
In case you’re having trouble placing where you’ve seen Kristen, here’s a few ideas to jog your memory: her debut role as the sassy sleuth on the television series Veronica Mars, her knockout performances as leading lady in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, When in Rome, or You Again. Kristen Bell is ambitious, personable, and really down-to-earth, which is why we’re fans. She recently stopped by DANNIJO headquarters, and asked us to custom make her a necklace using antique glass beads she bought in Nairobi. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity, not only because we love Kristen, but because we knew these beads were especially meaningful to her.
Jewelry is so personal–every piece has a story. When you’ve worn a necklace or bracelet enough that it feels like an extension of you, it wins conversation piece status. Maybe it’s a piece you picked up on your travels or perhaps it’s an heirloom. Maybe you treated yourself to a necklace after you accomplished an important goal or perhaps you were gifted a piece of jewelry from a loved one. Whatever the case may be, every accessory has a history–and DANNIJO wants to share your stories.
Kristen’s story was the the perfect opportunity to introduce our new DANNIJO blog series: Conversation Pieces. In this series, we’ll give you a behind the scenes look at our fans and the accessories that are most meaningful to them.
Tell us about these beads you brought us. What makes them a conversation piece?
Kristen: A few months ago, I took a trip to Africa to visit a non-profit I work with called Invisible Children. I had a layover in Kenya and ventured out to see the city of Nairobi and stumbled upon a beautiful, quiet, little market. I found this strand of huge antique glass beads, and was told beads of this size were pretty rare. The beads were a beautiful milky pink and royal blue color, but I wasn’t sure how to wear them. The strand I bought didn’t close–it was just a long row of beads with no clasp. I have seen loads of interesting necklaces I’ve loved from DANNIJO in the past, so my first instinct was to bring it in and ask for advice.
How are you going to wear your new piece? Any outfit ideas come to mind?
Kristen: I have a simple wardrobe which is why I love to mix it up with standout pieces. For daytime, a white tee and simple skirt or jeans would highlight the necklace. At night, I would do palazzo pants and a silk cami.
As you know, DANNIJO is about individualizing your look. What DANNIJO pieces do you love and why?
Kristen: I’m a big fan of the Jacinda ring. I wear it almost everyday. I also love the Duenas and Madri necklaces because they can blend in with a simple outfit but still create a great focal point.
Who or what is your inspiration for your personal style?
Kristen: I ping pong between loving menswear and loving simple lady-like designs that are relaxed and wearable. I love classic pieces and polka dots!
Favorite Trend:
Anything high-waisted
Worst trend:
Too tight or too short!
Vice:
Nutella
Latest read:
“Under the Banner of Heaven” by Jon Krakauer
If I weren’t an actress, I’d be:
A social worker
Kristen Bell with her Zora necklace and Mahlia iPad case at the DANNIJO headquarters.
I wanted to be Ed Bradley for the first 21 years of my life. When the jewelry thing happened for me, I decided my becoming Ed would have to wait.
It’s 2013 and I’m still making jewelry so I have yet to secure my spot on 60 minutes. Until I do, I’ll continue to share my interviews on this little blog. One of my first interviews was in ’09 with friend philanthropist, actress, director, businesswoman Natalie Portman. Natalie was our first celebrity supporter, so when I stumbled upon this old interview, I decided it was too old to die young. So here it is. Hope you enjoy. xDanielle
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Natalie Portman in DANNIJO Lilith Necklace
Natalie is one of the most down-to-earth, genuine people I know, and I have always admired her grace and humility as a world-renowned actress. I initially met Natalie through LWALA (Live With A Life-long Ambition: a non-profit initiative I co-founded in 2006 with life-long friend Alexa von Tobel). A few hours before we were supposed to meet to discuss the non-profit, she asked if Alexa and I wanted to go to the Fiona Apple concert in Central Park. So we did and discussed the philanthropy over a picnic in central park pre concert.
With her petite frame, Natalie instantly struck me as a unique combination of soft-spoken and out-spoken. She is known to use her celebrity to promote worthy initiatives including micro-finance (she’s the spokesperson for FINCA) and veganism, which is why most people know Natalie as the vegan Hollywood darling that she is, but what is most intriguing to me is that she doesn’t take herself too seriously and is very opinionated.
She’s currently in New York filming a “Psychological Thriller” called Black Swan, which will no-doubt be one of her most talked about films—there are apparently some hard-core girl-on-girl scenes with co-actor Mila Kunis in the Darren Aronofsky directed film. Natalie plays a ballerina who competes against a rival dancer who may or may not be another version of herself.
Natalie Portman in DANNIJO Ora Necklace & Rocco Ring
DANNIJO Ora Necklace 2009
* * *
<<Interview originally published in Feb 2009>>
DS: What’s the last book you read?
NP: I read an Agatha Christie for work, and now am looking at these Posy Simmonds graphic novels.
DS: What’s the last concert you saw?
NP: The NY Philharmonic conducted by Dudamel, the young Venezuelan conductor.
DS: Is there a particular female role in a particular movie that you would have loved to play that you didn’t?
NP: No, I always think whoever does a role well, deserved to do it, and I enjoy watching other people’s great work.
DS: Who was your idol growing up and why? Has it changed? If so, who is it now?
NP: I admired people like Anne Frank, because I felt like she was so honest, and Audrey Hepburn who just seemed so always beautiful and good. Now I’m a little less sentimental, and I hope, less predictable. I am now enamored by Jane Goodall. She is my number one hero.
DS: What was the most powerful role you’ve played in a movie and why? Did it change the way you thought or felt about something or someone?
NP: Doing V for Vendetta was a great experience and changed the way I saw violence as a means for change. Prior to that experience I was uber pacifist and now I think there are situations where violence can be justified.
DS: What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last 6 months? What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
NP: I like Wall-E and the french film The Class that won Cannes. They both moved me and entertained me at the same time and showed me worlds I had never seen before. I really love Days of Heaven. It’s so romantic.
DS: What actor/actress/director have you not worked with that you want to?
NP: I love Michael Haneke. I’d love to work with him.
DS: How do you think Obama will change America’s history?
NP: I have no idea, but it’s lookin’ good so far!
DS: What is a common misconception about you?
NP: I don’t know. I guess everyone thinks I’m pretty serious and I’m pretty ridiculous… so that?
DS: What is a new obsession of yours (a place, a thing, a song, a website, etc)?
NP: I’ve been listening to a few songs on rotation recently- a Syreeta song called “Your Kiss is Sweet,” and the Clipse song “Mr. Me Too,” and an Etta James song called “These Foolish Things.” I get kind of crazy with music- I listen to particular songs on repeat for weeks then move on.
DS: Finish this sentence: “Before I die, I want to_____________________________”
NP: I’ve never been good with goals. Um…I guess just take advantage of all my time here!
DS: What is the best advice someone ever gave you?
NP: When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time.
DS: If you were writing a memoir and wanted to include an interview as the prologue, who would you interview?
NP: Probably Mike Nichols or Jeanine Lobell- they’re my male and female gurus.
Geemania (pronounced with a hard “G”): 1. to be wholeheartedly obsessed with the iconic “bowtied”E. Gordon Gee so much as to be “unable to hold oneself back” from interrupting his dinner or any personal engagement wherein he is present. 2. A common symptom experienced by any of his former students or parents of his students from the following universities:Vanderbilt, Ohio State, West Virginia, Colorado or Brown.
- With Chancellor Gee pre kick-off at the Ohio State vs Iowa Game
Ever wondered what it’s like to party with arockstar? Well I experienced it first-hand this past weekend on my first-ever trip toOhio State University in Columbus, Ohio‚Äö√Ñ√Ænot a place I would have initially associated withRockstardom having lived inNashville, Tennessee andNew York City. More…
Unfortunately, our Fox Business segment was pushed due to this week’s influx in healthcare coverage. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the new time slot.
Nov 16th, 2009 issue of New York Mag: The Bangles
In the meantime, check out New York Mag‘s interview with DANNIJO designers, Danielle & Jodie Snyder—it’s a great issue focused on how New York became America’s music capital again. More…
Tune into Fox Business‘ America’s Nightly Scoreboard Monday, November 9 starting at 7PM (probably around 7:30/40pm) to catch DANNIJO designers, Danielle and Jodie Snyder talk one-on-one with Dave Asman.
A few recent DANNIJO clippings from Glamour UK…
December Glamour UK featuring DANNIJO Zuza necklace
