Today in New York: Mia Hebib

Mia Hebib is a Croatia-born jewelry artist,  now fully entangled in Brooklyn’s hip streets and atmosphere.

But Mia hasn’t forgotten her European roots: the name of her jewelry line, Oblik Atelier, comes directly from her native land as “oblik” means “shape” in Croatian and as chasing shapes is exactly what she does – and if you check these pictures you’ll know what I mean.

Mia is a true artist who, through her work, is able to mix edgy newyork-ish references to  more grounded (and earth related) european suggestions, creating “shapes” -as she says- so light and beautiful that we would never want to take them off.

:: Why and when did you started Oblik Atelier? I launched Oblik in January of 2007. I had just quit my job at Liz Claiborne and wanted to try doing something on my own, so I started what at first was a side business, along with some freelancing at places like Henri Bendel. The Atelier was born out of the necessity of re-starting  to work with my hands, moving away from the mass market accessories: being in that industry for years made me realize that I wanted something smaller, more intimate, able to get me to have a direct contact with my customers. Through my on line shop, Dar Bizhu and through the retailers I have founded I am finally able to do that.

:: Where do you get your inspiration from? Inspiration started after I read Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged“. Her words were so powerful that I saw the whole Art Déco movement come to life in front of my eyes. One of my collections, “Slight Disturbances”, had a first Art Déco-inspired design called “Dagney Taggart”: one of my most successful earrings ever. Other than that, inspiration comes in the most random moments, when I’m not trying too hard and when I’m not conjuring up a new image. New ideas just happen out of the blue, and I love every bit of that process!

:: Who is your ideal buyer? My ideal buyer is a person that appreciates the effort of hand crafted items and someone who is interested in forging a relationship with both the creator and the object. One of the most wonderful things I have realized about having my own business is the personal connections I have been able to establish with buyers, shop owners, showroom representatives, press editors. It is such a rewarding experience to connect and be appreciated for the work you do.

::What is your favorite NYC place? I actually don’t have a favorite place per say, but I do love wandering the city a lot. When I am tired and I need to find new inspiration, I like to take time and just stroll around. Seeing how liveful the city is, catching glimpses of all the people, feeling that pulse and seeing bits of nature coexist in this chaotic place regenerate my inspiration and confirm -once again- why I have chosen to live here. As for places, I do love the park near my studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It’s called McGorlick park and my dog (he is my coworker!) and I spend every warmish day out there. I love to check how seasons change and witness the slight changes around me, as this is something I didn’t had the chance ever to notice when I was wrapped up in long hours of a 9-10 job.

:: Do you think New York can still considered the place-to-be for young creatives? I think New York is a  wonderful place to connect with people who are like you and who are trying to break barriers and find their own place in this world. New York offers all this and, even though the sacrifice is sometimes quite big, I think it is one important experience to have. I am still not sure if this is going to be my permanent address, but I think that’s also what keeps it exciting.

:: Where do you shop in NYC? I’m not much of a shopper, but I do like to buy things from people that share my vision of the world. That’s why I have now started shopping through the showroom that represents me and fellow designers/artists. I like small boutiques that have unique pieces. I am currently coveting  few pieces from my dear friend Annmarie’s fall collection. Her line INIMA is exquisite.

::If I say Italy, you say…? I say vino, I say Sardinia (I need to go there), I say the dancing language (I love how Italians get emotional when they speak). I also think of Alassio and my friends Nicole and Alfredo whom I need to visit. I think slow food and simpler life, of impecabbly dressed women and of a great sense of style that is always present!

I love Italy!

Francesca Masoero