interview: jennifer behr

i wanted to shine a big ole spotlight on my favorite hair accessories designer jennifer behr. since her brand’s creation in 2005, behr’s gorgeous pieces (they’re like mini coif chandeliers) have appeared in such publications as vogue, w, elle, interview, and i-d, as well as on the heads of alexa chung, rachel bilson, maggie gyllenhaal, and liv tyler (all girl crushes of mine). as stated, all designers are asked the same five questions and answers are unedited as they truly illustrate the passion and personality of the person who wrote them.

what was the first thing you ever designed?

The first thing I would consider ‘designed’ was a giant three foot wide hat made of acid green silk that I made for a millinery class in college. It was due on April 19^th, 1995, which I remember because it was the day of the Oklahoma City Bombing and I spent the entire day sewing in front of the tv watching the terrible news.

what is your most prized possession?

My racing bicycle. I don’t get to ride as much as I want, but it makes me so happy when I do.

how do you treat yo’self?

By taking a night totally off at home to sit on my front stoop with sushi takeout and a new book. I’m reading Murakami’s ‘What I talk about when I talk about Running’ now. O, and I have a serious material addiction, I have a treasure trove of incredibly rare materials and trims that I just can’t part with.

who is the ‘jennifer behr’ girl? (your ideal consumer.)

We did a really interesting project last year and ended up polling a broad range of people we work with – stylists, editors, buyers and friends – and the words that kept coming up were: independent, strong, and sophisticated. Even though many of our pieces are quite delicate, it can take some chutzpah to put something on your head. So our customers can range across all sorts of demographic groups but they are all beautiful, creative women that are hunting for fashion that is very current but utterly timeless and unique at the same time.

why do you do what you do?

Because I fell in love with making things, and every season I love designing new pieces and then seeing them out and about in the world. Headpieces have such a rich and amazing history – they have always been worn by eccentrics, queens, and tribal warriors – and it’s so exciting to make them for the modern world.

learn more about jennifer behr on her website or by following her on tumblr.