Young designer Carlee Santarelli creates the most beautiful handmade cabochon rings using a collection of recycled vintage fabrics. These babies are definitely eye-catching, and they’ve even caught the attention of celebrities like Madonna and Ashlee Simpson!
Carlee found me via Facebook and let me know about her work — I’m a sucker for vintage lace, so I immediately fell in love with the bold, timeless look of her rings. I chatted with her to find out a little more about how she got started as a designer and what inspires her beautiful creations.
How did you get started as a designer? I’ve always have been designing — even as a little girl. I knew that the fashion industry is where I wanted to be, but I never imagined that it would be designing accessories. I always assumed I would be a buyer for a boutique or designing clothes. Who knows where I will be in the future, but I am here now. I’ve always been a creative person. I get that from my mom.
What inspires your work? Everything inspires my work. Life from the daily activities, to the struggles, love, those who come and go into my life, my mom’s photography, my brother Brian, music, films, boredom, happiness, scents…everything. As far as inspiration for my first collection, the Romantic Laces, that was inspired from a mini tv series from the 80′s, The Thorn Birds, which takes place in the 20s and 30s. I love long and feminine lace gowns.
Who are your favorite designers? I admire and have a lot of respect for the talented designers that set the trends and make the fashion weeks, but I personally prefer vintage clothes. My closets are filled with labels that no one would know of.
What are your fashion & beauty must-haves? My top beauty must-have is my MAC Ruby Woo lipstick. A good, matte, deep red lip always does the trick and goes with almost anything. My top fashion must-have is bloomers. I live in bloomers winter, spring, summer and fall-day and night. 
What advice would you give to aspiring designers? Whatever you design or whatever idea you think would be fun to to, do it. If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Even if it doesn’t work out, you will learn a lot and it will lead you to something else. Fear, the unknown and judgment are probably biggest barriers to success. Don’t let them decide for you.
Where can people find your work? www.carleesantarelli.com will be up soon. I also sell to Luxelab (Montana Ave. in Santa Monica), Hairroin Salon (Hollywood), Sonya Ooten (Larchmont Village) & www.sonyaooten.com, Mesh & Lace (Silver Lake), Beverly Glen Pharmacy, and soon to be in ARCADE (West Hollywood) — all in California.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
We are all sooooooo proud of Carlee.Keep up the GREAT work
Fantastic rings!! Great find, MissMalaprop! THIS is why I come and read your blog
That’s right. GO CAR
Carlee you go girl!!!!!! we are so proud of you!!!!!!!! we love you!!!!!
a.j.
What beautiful pieces and what a great concept! The end result of the vintage fabric under you skillful hand looks even more precious than gemstones. You should be so proud of these!