Dana Levy
Dana Rebecca DesignsIf you’ve picked up a magazine or gabbed in any of the city’s fashion circles lately, this isn’t the first you’re hearing of Dana Rebecca Designs. DRD jewelry is adorning the necks, wrists, lobes and fingers of nearly every celebrity in nearly every publication—Marie Claire, Bazaar, Elle, Self, InStyle. Lately, it’s been getting mentions in wedding mags, too, as namesake designer Dana Levy (Rebecca is her middle name), this year debuted a gorgeous and unique customizable bridal line of wedding and engagement rings (as well as bracelets and earrings to wear on the big day). The impetus for the new collection: Dana’s own wedding! And her engagement isn’t the only thing she has going for her: in late 2011 Dana moved her company out of the comparatively more cramped quarters it occupied in her father’s office on Jeweler’s Row to a beautiful office and showroom space on Michigan Avenue. The designer gave us some of her coveted free time for this week’s spotlight.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES >> scent: PHILOSOPHY AMAZING GRACE // moisturizer: JAN MARINI BIOCLEAR MOISTURIZER and JERGENS CHERRY ALMOND BODY LOTION // concealer: LAURA MERCIER #2 // mascara: MAYBELLINE OR COVERGIRL // lip gloss: CHANEL GLAZE // nail polish: ESSIE EAST HAMPTON COTTAGE // never-leave-home-without: BAG BALM
Q: Congratulations on your engagement! Tell us about the new Dana Rebecca bridal collection.
A: The entire process has been truly amazing. It’s a unique time in a person’s life and having guidance is key. It’s overwhelming to go to a jewelry store and see hundreds of styles, shapes, and sizes; I wanted to tailor the experience to the DRD man.
Q: You’ve been exposed to the industry since you were a kid; what’s your favorite part about now actually working in it?
A: I love seeing women in my designs and love their jewelry. It’s incredible to see how diamonds and fine jewelry make people so excited, and how people’s wish lists grow and grow.
Q: Which DRD piece do you never take off?
A: My Carly Michelle evil eye bracelet. I’ve worn it for more than two years and it has kept me safe.
Q: How do you balance wearing lots of jewelry with your makeup and beauty routine?
A: I believe in making your accessories shine and your makeup neutral. I love a rosy cheek and a glossy lip and keeping the rest simple.
Q: Do you have a beauty icon?
A: I love Sofia Vergara in the recent CoverGirl ad wearing DRD!
Q: So cool—and those earrings are amazing. Is there a celebrity that you haven’t seen in your designs that you would like to?
A: I would love to see Cameron Diaz in DRD. She is such an ideal DRD girl: her style is classic and timeless but with a unique twist.
GET SET FOR SOME SERIOUS STYLE ENVY ON DANAREBECCADESIGNS.COM.