Catherine M. Zadeh
President
Booth: 449
How would you define your collection? Describe the Catherine M. Zadeh man.
Catherine M. Zadeh is a collection of contemporary jewelry and accessories for men. Inspired by all my past lives, in Iran and Paris, my pieces are expressions reincarnated as sculptural shapes. I strive to create accessories that add refinement and elegance to a man’s aesthetic by giving an emotional underpinning and an intellectual presence to my designs. A Catherine M. Zadeh man is not about heavy ornamentation, skulls, or cutesy designs like butterflies, dogs, or a golf ball. The Catherine Zadeh man has got to think his way through the pure appeal of the form to the abstraction of beauty. He is refined, elegant, and stylish and sets himself apart by his unique yet discreet accouterments.
Which “must-have” item from your Spring/Summer 2013 collection will instantly update a man’s wardrobe?
Whether in jeans and a sport coat, a suit or a tuxedo, the well-dressed man is defined by the details. A signature brushed and satin finish cuff link peeking out from underneath a jacket sleeve or a sleek belt buckle is the ultimate accessory that defines the gentlemen of today. However, I see men expressing themselves in a more confident way through their wrist wear. A chic Zadeh Macramé bracelet with a sterling silver design will instantly update a man’s wardrobe and convey who he is as a person; he doesn’t want to make a bold statement with his jewelry but rather maintain a preppy casual style that is as refined and unique as he is.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from contemporary art, furniture and architecture, but also from my travels. People from different cultures inspire me – their way of life, and the way they dress and accessorize. I especially love how Italian men dress so effortlessly. How they carry themselves, the way they mix and match, and the confidence they emanate is very inspiring.
What do you think the next major shift in the menswear industry will be?
Accessories are no longer just for rock stars and surfer dudes; men of all stripes are finally experiencing a Spring awakening. There is a significant movement of guys, even the conservative ones, being interested in expressing their individuality through a bracelet. From a preppy pop of color or a discretely tone-on-tone number tucked under a line suit, bracelets are the coolest accessory.
What is your favorite New York City hangout?
My favorite New York City hangout is Central Park. I love to stroll and take in the majestic beauty of the park. My work reflects how I feel emotionally so I make sure to surround myself with nature and a serene environment to reflect and gain perspective.
If you were not a designer or principal of this brand, what would you be doing?
If I was not a designer or principal of this brand, I would love to travel and collaborate with different designers/architects to implement my aesthetic to a chain of ecofriendly hotels in all the cities that inspire me. I would also love to learn more about the world of contemporary art and possibly collaborate with emerging artists to create art that could positively impact the world. There are actually so many things I would like to do – too many to name.
