“My job is to make people happy. I want people to put my jewellery on and feel good about themselves.” Influenced by an eclectic mix of artwork and antiques, jewellery and accessories designer Matthew Campbell Laurenza, draws inspiration from Chinese porcelain and European paintings to classic art movements such as Renaissance and Art Deco, all fused with elements of contemporary style. Based in New York, Laurenza’s creations have been described as “mini works of art” themselves, which reference his background in architecture and sculpture, gained through his studies and travels across the world, learning about jewellery production and gemstone cutting.
After creating bespoke pieces for private buyers and celebrity clients in the 90s, the sale of one of his gold and diamond frosted creations in 1998 enabled him to set up his own namesake brand, which was officially launched in 2007 as M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza.
Today, his bohemian-luxe creations strikingly merge precious and semi-precious gemstones set in enamel and silver, with bold and colourful designs, sold by fashion giants including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. His work has also appeared in Vogue, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, Elle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan, to name just a few style bibles, so it’s no surprise that his celebrity clientele has now grown to include Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Meryl Streep, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Lange, Rihanna, and Blake Lively.
Laurenza says, “Somebody like Meryl Streep wears our stuff because they already have their diamond jewellery in their wardrobes. Younger people like it because it is real, it’s affordable. It’s at a price point which they can justify. One of my rings is $200 – it’s less expensive than a Swarovski ring, which is costume.”
This year saw the launch of a new ‘fun’ range, encompassing charm necklaces with a nostalgic tone, inspired by Laurenza’s childhood, and also a range of mens cufflinks, featuring unique animal sculpture and flower silhouette detailing.
However, it’s women he designs for predominantly, which is why he’s also launched a range of jewel-inspired handbags for AW11/12. From snakeskin minaudieres decorated with sterling silver jewels in scorpion, butterfly, starfish and orchid motifs, to Italian leather pouches and chic rolled wooden clutches, every piece encompasses the same philosophy of quality craftsmanship and distinctive design as his jewellery.
Laurenza’s vision is clear; to produce pieces which demand attention, as he says, “My customers want something that will evoke conversation”. Or to put it another way, give your friends a touch of the green-eyed monster.
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