Aussie Avant-Garde Jeweler Lucy Folk on Her LA Love Affair

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Last month, TenOverSix transformed its Melrose boutique into a tropical paradise, where guests like director Gia Coppola and singer Mia Maestro indulged in coconuts and pineapple slices via a Mexican fruit stand parked outside. It was all for Lucy Folk, an Australian jewelry designer in town to showcase her latest range of vacation-ready adornments playfully named Tropicalismo.

A true creative with an equally imaginative fashion sense (check out her colorful kit above), we were pleased to hear that Folk is a huge fan and frequent visitor of Los Angeles. Before she traveled back Down Under, we nabbed some one-on-one time to chat about her top LA haunts and what she's working on next. (Hint: Mozzarella is involved.)

What similarities do you see between LA and Australia?
"Us Aussies are very similar to most native Californians in the sense that we respond to the light and, more importantly, to the laughter. Living is about great food and great times with family and friends. I love New York, but I'm not sure I could ever live there, in one of those teeny apartments like that. LA definitely is such a vast place and so incredibly spread out with the mountains and the ocean and the desert within proximity. It's all kind of perfect!"

Was there a specific experience that inspired Tropicalismo?
"Being on holiday in Brazil and devouring the most sublime cocktails and cuisine definitely kickstarted the creative process, hence the names like Blood Orange Sunrise Earrings, Watermelon Collar and Golden Circle bracelets."

What themes are you interested in playing with next?
Next season is all about Pizza, and it's a lot of fun! I actually researched this collection intensely via taste-testing everything from mozzarella varieties to salami, tomatoes, herbs and more. The process is always an intensive one and its my favorite part of the job."

Where are five places you like to shop while in LA?
"TenOverSix (of course), Mohawk General Store, the MOCA museum gift store, Stella McCartney's boutique on Beverly, and Tortoise on Abbot Kinney."

Great list. What about grub?
"My absolute favorites are Bar Ama in Downtown, Gjelina in Venice and Eveleigh on Sunset in West Hollywood."

Where do you like to beautify in our city?
"I haven't had a lot of experiences beautifying, but I've heard from reliable sources that sound baths at the Integratron (close to Joshua Tree) can make you look and feel ten years younger. I like the sound of something kooky like that. I'll definitely keen to try it next time I'm in California!"

What is your favorite LA hidden gem?
"Trails Cafe in Griffith Park is my secret spot to take in some fresh air and sample delicious treats. It feels as if you are in the country, and the walk up to the Observatory is just incredible."

Finally, who is your dream celebrity client?
"Stella McCartney!"
· Lucy Folk [Official Site]
· Trina Turk x Chandon Launch Party; Lucy Folk at TenOverSix [Racked]