A lot of this is taking us back a couple decades, right?Yeah, I looked to designers from when I was growing up, like Versace when it was Gianni, Lacroix, even old Ferre. From Versace, it was specifically the hardware-driven, iconic safety pin collection. From Lacroix, it was the pearl and semi-precious stone encrusted stuff. I'm obsessed with those collections! Remember when every model on the runway was an original supermodel? Before Karl had a 28 waist? [Laughs.] I love skinny Karl too, but, if the day ever comes when Alber is a size 0 in leather leggings I just don't know what I'll do.
And what about your ballet references? You call one series Robot Ballerina?
Yes—I remember being obsessed with Baryshnikov. With Robot Ballerina there's a ton of nude pearls and peach jade and agate mixed with almost white silver—so futuristic. But the color is like a ballerina slipper or leotard.
You source your trinkets from all over. Tell us about one of your latest discoveries.
Well, a plant hook in rose gold looks stunning.
Tell us about your new space—even the bathroom is worth talking about!The first inspiration was Sigourney Weaver's townhouse in Working Girl. I just thought the scene where Melanie Griffith is snooping around admiring the Beidermeier desk with the Apple IIe computer on it was so funny. It was that clash of grown-up and punk kid I was going for. So I put Baccarat desk accessories next to a $10 phone, stuff like that.
Is there a cultural icon—dead or alive—who you'd like to have wear your jewelry?
Well, Michelle Obama has worn Fenton, and she is such an icon. As for celebrities who aren't alive, well, I would have given anything to see Princess Diana in my pearls.
The Fenton/Fallon shop is located at the end of Freeman Alley in New York City. (212) 477-1315
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