On his way to becoming the standard by which innovative jewelry design is measured, Philip Crangi approaches his work with studied thoughtfulness, turning out collections that do more than adorn a body: they tell a story. Crangi works with his sister to design Giles & Brother jewelry, and recently partnered with Swarovski on a collection to mark the crystal brand’s 10th year underwriting the CFDA awards. We spoke with the designer about his inspiration, the fall collection, and what’s on his summer agenda.
Shopbop: You’ve lived in NYC for some time now. How does the city inspire and influence your designs?
Philip Crangi: NYC is the most exciting place in the world. There is a certain electricity in the air that drives all of us. Being surrounded by so many talented people inspires me to do better work.
SB: Tell us about the fall Giles & Brother collection (coming soon to Shopbop). What was the inspiration?
PC: Our inspiration was the construction of Japanese armor and a continuing exploration of the mixing of materials: metal and leather.
SB: Which is your favorite piece?
PC: I am really into all of the Nara Armor pieces. The Nara Armor Collar with black and tan leather is one of my favorites.
SB: Summer’s finally arrived. What do you plan to do to escape the city heat?
PC: We have a house on the beach at Fire Island that I go to every weekend. I am trying to get as blonde and tan as humanly possible.
SB: Any books on your summer reading list?
PC: I am slowly but surely working my way through both opuses of George R.R. Martin and Margaret Atwood. I hope to be done by September.
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