While we women try to be everything to everyone, it goes without saying that we cannot be everywhere at once. For these moments, I am eternally grateful that I have an amazing team behind me at Haute in Texas to take on opportunities when I am spread thin. The lovely Brittney is one of those rock stars who was tasked with interviewing the brilliant David Yurman when he recently paid a visit to Neiman Marcus San Antonio. He is quite the icon, and I was so proud to see her tackle the assignment with ease! Watch the video to find out Mr. Yurman’s thoughts on art, design, and his new book.


David Yurman

I recently had the honor of interviewing David Yurman, on behalf of Haute in Texas, to celebrate the release of his new book, David Yurman: Cable.

Initially, I was extremely nervous. This was a huge deal and I had no idea what to expect. For as long as I can remember I have been a massive fan of Mr. Yurman, a man who has creatively accomplished so much with his timeless jewelry line. I couldn’t wait to pick his brain about his new book and what inspires him and his wife Sybil when creating designs.

As soon as I walked into the room, my worries immediately disappeared. The interview was more like having coffee and catching up with an old friend. Mr. Yurman has a warm and welcoming personality. He’s rich with knowledge and he is emotionally invested in his company. A characteristic I hope to one day have. Read on for the abbreviated version and watch below to find out his full answers to my most pressing questions:

Brittney Perez: Is there a specific art movement that you focus on when creating your designs?

David Yurman: Very interesting, this is the first time I’ve been asked this question. There are many art movements I’m attracted to. Many of the art movements that inspire me are fashion movements, the music of the time.

The first thing that attracted me to jewelry was in 8th grade when I checked out a book from the library about the Caves of Lascaux in France. It connected me to the world. During this pre-language period, the expression is art. The human expression is deepest felt through the arts. The want to express, it’s a human need. When sculpting, I am in my own world because I am not thinking about criticism or will this sell, I am simply expressing myself. There isn’t anything better than this feeling.

BP: What inspired you to write this book?

DY: Paul Greenhalgh, historian and curator of art and design. He writes on craft and skill. He contextualizes in history and I was blown away with his work.

I met him at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in D.C and he encouraged that my wife and I needed to write a book. He pointed out that, with the exception of Tiffany’s, there isn’t an institution or a real brand quite like ours. David and Sybil are the voice {of the jewelry}, it is recognizable, and it’s craft. A large model of craft. The combination of craft that stays true to the vision and the workmanship that continues to produce and use industrial methods, while still remaining craft, is quite unique. Over the next two years, we became great friends and began the process.

Originally, Paul suggested that the book be about my wife and I, but I wanted it to focus on the iconic design that we do. Cable is flexible and there is so much you can do with it. The Greeks used it, the Romans used it, and it is used in nature everyday. We used a lot of information from interviews we did with Pamela Golbin, Chief Curator of the Lourve museum.


Thank you to Neiman Marcus San Antonio for the opportunity to meet with Mr. Yurman and view his latest work. It’s an afternoon I won’t soon forget!

XO,

Brittney

P.S. A huge thank you to Cafe Con Ellas for filming the interview and allowing us to use the footage! For more of their incredible video library of San Antonio’s fashion world, check out their website here.