Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 33
Occupation: CEO and creative director of Milamore Fine Jewelry.
Instagram: @georgerootnyc
Hometown: I consider Japan my hometown, but my spirit is bohemian.
Studio location: Soho, New York.
Describe what you make: I make objects inspired by my experiences that hopefully connect to the wearers’ experiences and emotions. I hope that my jewelry will become a part of them and help tell their own stories.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Kintsugi Bangle.
Describe the problem your work solves: People tend to overlook Japan and their craftsmanship for fine jewelry. I hope Milamore brings more awareness and overall business to my country.
Describe the project you are working on now: The Kintsugi Collection is the DNA of Milamore. I’m working on new Kintsugi pieces that are inspired by actual DNA.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’re working on a piece inspired by fireworks. Japan is famous for their fireworks festival during the summer and fireworks masters have so much pride. It’s a part of the culture. I love fireworks and while I was in school, I used to go to the summer festivals wearing my Yukata (summer kimono), but I’d always feel melancholy when they end. I want to capture the exact moment when fireworks burst using diamonds and sapphires, but it’s taken two years to get it perfect. We aim to launch fall 2021.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Dogs!
What you do when you’re not working: Golf, kickboxing, or running.
Sources of creative envy: Castro Smith. I look up to him so much.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Social media!
Concrete or marble? Marble is one of the important brand codes of Milamore.
High-rise or townhouse? Fifth floor.
Remember or forget? It depends on the who and what.
Aliens or ghosts? Spirits.
Dark or light? Morning light.
