INTERVIEW: DE LA GAUX MASK CHAINS by natalie
INTERVIEW: NATALIE HERRON
Natalie is the artist and jewelry designer behind the De La Gaux mask chain line, a collection that is handmade and crafted in Santa Ana, California. She is inspired by re-using pre-exsiting materials-keeping function and versatility in mind. We spoke with Natalie about her designs, personal style and a few things she does to treat herself.
Tell us about your mask chains?
Being someone whose job requires wearing a mask all day, there never seemed to be a good place to put my mask when I wasn't using it. I found that a lot of people, including myself, would either hang their masks on their ear, or shove them in their pocket or purse. The mask chain makes it convenient to wear the mask around your neck and easily take it on and off without having to really think about it.
When did you get into making jewelry?
I first started making bracelets and necklaces when I was about 9 or 10 years old and would sell them at my dads art exhibits and mural viewings. I loved being able to create unique designs and started to learn new techniques the more I began to make them. Now I've been able to repurpose a lot of those techniques and supplies from my younger years to make a practical yet stylish product.
What inspires your designs?
My designs are inspired by a lot of the jewelry and metals I've upcycled. I really enjoy seeing items that were once trendy or current and being able to modify them into relevant, quality pieces. Repurposing products has been a major part of De La Gaux and I was so excited to be able to add my touch to the accessory line.
Can you tell us a little more about your upcycle process?
I take old or broken jewelry, and use elements from these pieces to create a fresh new look. There are several tools that are needed to clamp, clip, and attach the chains and/or beads together to secure and create a seamless look. The process can be tedious, but I continue to learn new ways of revamping pieces which is so fun for me to see the finished product.
What are your go to outfits?
For me, being comfortable is key when it comes to my outfits. My 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans are by far my comfiest pair of jeans (which I have in multiple washes). I am a jeans and simple tee girl all the way! Although, I do love getting gussied up every once and awhile, so I have a large assortment of cocktail dresses and LBDs hanging in my closet that I usually pair with my favorite leopard slide chunk heels or a strappy black wedge.
What are you currently listening to and or reading?
I am a big True Crime fan, so naturally, I'm always listening to the Crime Junkie podcast. One of the hosts has a newer podcast called Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers that has been so interesting to listen to especially with the election this year #GAUXVOTE!. I have had a subscription to Food & Wine for a couple years now and I have gotten some amazing recipes and Wine pairing ideas from each issue. The holiday issues are definitely worth keeping for future use if you want to wow your family and friends with a new dish.
Favorite neighborhood spots?
I am a big foodie, and absolutely LOVE Latin food and Seafood. When I'm craving both, I will usually order take-out from Bella Cuba for their Mahi-Mahi, black beans, and white rice, TACU TACU for their amazing ceviche and saltados, or Baja Fish Tacos for their shrimp tacos, pinto beans, and rice. When it comes to socializing (with what we can do in 2020), I enjoy meeting friends at Mesa at The Camp for some craft cocktails made by some of the best bartenders, taking in the outdoor ocean views and cozying up by the firepits at Tanner's Treehouse Bar, or having a smoky Mezcal Margarita at SOL Cocina.
What are a few ways you practice self care?
I recently moved into a new place this year and my bathtub has been such a lifesaver, especially during quarantine. I add some bath salts and a soothing bath bomb, slather on a good face mask and relax until the water gets cold and I'm all pruned up! I have been splurging on some higher-end skin care (now that I'm in my 30's) so my go to self care products would be the entire Potent-C line from Peter Thomas Roth, their Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream which also defends from the blue light on my computer and phone screen, and the Unblemish mask from Rodan + Fields that turns purple as you apply it and is perfect for on-the-spot treatments for those pesky surprise blemishes.
Photos by: Margaux Herron-Felten
More of Natalies designs here