Today, stylists draft the greatest influences we see in the fashion world, and we can easily emulate certain looks to make a ‘statement’. However, upon meeting the talented artist and jewelry designer, Muneera Alsharhan, our stereotypical notions of style were reawakened with a lesson in self-expression, and the greater meaning of fashion. Focused on delivering the powerful connection people can make with jewelry, we were mesmerized by Alsharhan’s showcase of Sadu-inspired pieces using metal and precious stones she collected over time at the recent charity event, Pretty Little Things.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from Rhode Island School of Design in 2011, Alsharhan set out to explore the capacity of jewelry to hold and represent secrets, dreams, and untold stories. By studying different cultural customs, and how symbolism influences the craft of jewelry-making, she became certain that jewelry should be timeless, evoking the universal sentiment of connecting an experience to a precious, personal belonging. She comments, “It’s the personal connection people make with my pieces, or any piece of jewelry for that matter, that fascinates me. I love how people can take something I’ve created and interpret its meaning in their own way. That’s what I always wish to convey.” Alsharhan positively looks to her peers for motivation and progression, and wishes to remain true to her message in creating her bespoke pieces. Look out for her solo exhibition to be announced towards the end of 2012.

Does fashion ‘make’ the person or does the person ‘make’ fashion?

People make fashion. A person can be inspired from fashion and use it to express themselves, but should not let fashion define them. The one thing someone should not do is dress in a way that would make them feel insecure. People can sense your insecurity, whether in your style, business or artwork.

How would you describe your style?

Comfort is really important to me; I don’t want to have to constantly think about the outfit I’m wearing. But I do love colors and mixing patterns. I try to just have fun with what I’m wearing, like dressing with a sense of humor. Accessories are most important to me—most of my looks can only be pulled together with accessories as they complete my outfits.

How do you get inspiration for your style?

Colors and prints inspire me. I know what cuts work on my body and just because something is a trend doesn’t mean I have to wear it. I’ve studied fashion history, so details from past styles always give me new ideas. The way other people might put together an outfit could inspire me, too. We have a great variety of designers today, so there are so many choices.

What does it take to become a style innovator?

Being yourself. Style innovators don’t ask anyone if they look okay before they leave their house, they wouldn’t care what you thought because they dress for themselves. Their confidence in their own style is what people try to attain.

What’s exciting right now in fashion?

Street style is inspiring top designers, and a lot of young fashionistas are DIYing (do it yourself) the new trends. People are taking more risks in their looks and mixing and matching to their heart’s desire.

Who or what has been your greatest fashion influence?

No specific thing or person. But I have realized I’m influenced mostly by self-assured creative women, for example Marchesa Casati, Daphne Guinness, Victoire de Castellane.

What is the highlight of your ‘style’ career?

I hope to encourage people to have fun with their looks; there are no real rules in fashion. Confidence is what carries a look. And its okay if one day an outfit doesn’t work, you will wake up tomorrow morning and do it all over again.

Every fashionality has as a style obsession, what’s yours?

Nail art.

Do you follow any fashion blogs? If so, what are they and which would you recommend?

I don’t follow any. When there’s something specific on my mind I’ll look it up and I’ll usually end up on some random blog.

What item of clothing (if any) do you wish that people wore more often?

I don’t really care what type of clothing people wear, as long as they play it up, have some fun and NEVER forget accessories.

To be stylish is to be fashionable. True or False and why?

Style is fashion and fashion is style, I believe that you can’t have one with out the other.

What are your Season’s Picks?

I love how a lot of people are experimenting with different types of accessories like headbands, ear cuffs, and rings for every segment of the finger. And for the brave, bigger pieces like body gear, shoulder pads, armbands, and hand pieces.

For more information, please visit:  muneeraalsharhan.com.