Ariel Gordon on Motown, Future Islands, and Changing the Earring Game

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A lot has changed since the last time we sat down with jewelry goddess, Ariel Gordon. Aside from her brand becoming a must-have for fashion’s biggest hitters and what we consider a leading trendsetter in the biz, Gordon has added a new son to her list of successes. Luca, born last November, has not only inspired new pieces in the AG collection but has also taught the busy designer schedule flexibility and become a fixture in her Downtown LA office. "I look at my days and ask myself, ‘What was I doing with all my time before!?’" She laughed.

Gordon, who shot the lookbook for her latest collection last week, will soon head to Capsule in New York where she will launch the much anticipated pieces which will be available on the website mid-September. The collection will include personalized medallion signets—she’s wearing one today—and a badass nameplate earring that we expect to see in Beyoncé's next music video. "I'm definitely all about the dainty jewelry," Gordon explained. "But I feel like it's good to have a few chunkier pieces to layer in."

Known for her identifiable love knot ring, the designer has also added new staple pieces to her repertoire with those ear cuffs, ear pins and her best-selling diamond huggies, which she suggests wearing in the same ear. With all the stacking and mix-and-matching, Gordon may have single-handedly moved the party from the wrist, giving our ears a moment of their own.

We met Gordon and baby Luca at Juice Served Here in the heart of Venice where we got the download on where she's shopping, what she's buying, and how she really feels about "YOLO."

What are you drinking today?
Super Choc with almond, cashew and hazelnut.

What is your song of the summer?
I don't know if it's this summer but I love that Future Islands song "Seasons."

Black or White?
White.

What's your favorite way to sweat?
Sitting on a beach with a Piña Colado in my hand.

What's on the menu at your dinner party?
I would definitely have a delicious cheese plate. This summer I've been making a salad that has corn, peach, feta and basil. I would probably do a flank steak and for dessert, a little scoop of ice cream.

What's the last thing you do before you run out the door?
Change the baby's diaper.

Always here or Barely There?
Always here.

What was your last big purchase?
I did buy myself a new Céline bag because mama needs a new bag! I didn't get a push present so I bought myself one!

Who's your style icon?
My good friend Elle Strauss.

What phrase are you ready to see gone?
YOLO. It's had its moment.

Summer or Fall?
Summer

What are the first three songs on your mixed tape?
"Drunk in Love," "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" because Luca loves that song. I don't know a lot of lullabies so I sing him the songs that I do know which turns out is a lot of Motown.

What is your monthly magazine must read?
It used to be Lucky, RIP but I would say Vogue.

What's the best birthday gift you've bought someone?
For my husband's 30^th birthday, I bought him a rad vintage Rolex.

What are three things in your closet you can't live without?
Comfy t-shirts, I wear Nation LTD or Everlane as a classic tee. I couldn't live without the Ancient Greek sandals I've been wearing non-stop lately, they're perfect for summer. I also have a pretty heavy addiction to this IRO leather jacket that I may or may not have sleep-purchased on eBay when I was seven months pregnant.