“I got my ears pierced when I was born,” exclaims Claudia Mata, W’s Accessories and Jewelry Director. “I’ve worn jewelry my entire life!” That said, the baubles she gets to play with now are far more extravagant than those she had as a little girl in El Salvador. While she’s visiting the showrooms of some of the world’s most exclusive jewelers, traveling the world to preview the latest watches, or styling shoots for the pages of W, it’s not unusual for her to come across some amazing stuff. “For this year’s Oscars Ceremony, I tried on all the jewelry that actresses were choosing from for the awards,” said Mata. “Including a ten-plus carat ring at Harry Winston!” [next slide]. Click through for a peek into Claudia’s world.
Harry Winston ring
“The skin shoe is back, there are few from Tabitha Simmons and Christian Louboutin that I love this season.”
Shoes: Reed Krakoff
Bag: Balenciaga, Coat: Miu Miu, Fur: Marusya
Mata saves thank you notes on her “wall of gratitude.” “It is always nice to feel appreciated.”
“I still hand write my calendar. I have a new journal for each year—I like looking back to see what I was up to back then.”
“These are some of the earliest still life images that I styled and still love”
“I start a wish list every season when I come back from shows. What I shoot for W is not always what I would want to wear everyday. This season I will be pre-ordering Celine’s straight and skinny over the knee boots. The cream and tan colors were divine! And I would love to get this Reed Krakoff sweater.”
“I love Lele Sadoughi’s pieces. She used to be a designer for J.Crew and left to start her own line. Costume jewelry is great because designers can create pieces with scale and creativity.”
“This year I have been collecting rings. I have been wearing this one by Shaun Leane [left index finger], his aesthetic is kind of punk yet still feminine.” Ring Credits: Right middle finger- Plukka, Left index finger –Shaun Leane, Ring finger- Claudia’s wedding band from Columbia where she eloped.
