Designer / Lisa Lam was born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York City and has worked as an accessories designer for Ralph Lauren and J.Crew for 20 years. After mastering the techniques of carving leather and exquisite metals, she launched her brand "HACKNEY CARRIERS" that elevates unique designs while respecting tradition. This time, we conducted an interview at her studio in Brooklyn.
"They were items that cast a spell on jewelry"
Q1: Can you tell us what inspired you to start making jewelry?
It started 12 years ago when I began collecting vintage Native American stamps (stick-like items used for imprinting). I learned that they were tools for creating Native American jewelry. They were items that cast a spell on jewelry. At first, I had no plans, but I really loved these old tools and started studying their history. From there, the items I create began to grow. The items I cherish the most are very old ones made using railroad nails (nails used to fasten tracks) and machine parts.
"My wish is for you to create your own unique style"
Q2: What do you think about the relationship between fashion and jewelry?
I believe that fashion and jewelry have a very close relationship. My style is characteristic of the American Southwest. This is because I love chic and extravagant items. I also think that each individual has their own unique style. Therefore, my wish is for the jewelry I create to blend into people's styles and help them create their own unique style.
NAJA HEISHI NECKLACE STERLING/RED WHITE HEART BEADS
NAJA HEISHI NECKLACE BRASS STERLING/BLUE WHITE HEART BEADS
"I am in awe of their ingenious skills and resonate with them"
Q3: You mentioned being influenced by Native American jewelry design; what aspects do you resonate with?
Yes, I take great care to incorporate their culture delicately and thoughtfully into my designs. I feel it is very important to continue learning about their culture and history. Through my inspiration trips to the American Southwest, I have had the opportunity to meet very valuable and renowned Native American artists. There, I have listened to their lifestyles and learned the skills and techniques they use to create jewelry. This is not limited to jewelry; I have also learned about weaving fabrics, pottery, and wood carving. I am in awe of their ingenious skills and resonate with them. Therefore, I want to continue creating my own works in a way that respects them.
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF 18K YELLOW GOLD PLATED BRASS
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF 925 STERLING PLATED BRASS
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF SOLID BRASS
"For me, every day is like a journey"
Q4: Please tell us about your future developments.
I have many things I want to achieve in the future. I have many inspirations as well. Therefore, I am thinking of several projects that will allow me to continue evolving. While it is important to expand the range of jewelry, I also want to work on bags and home goods. For me, every day is like a journey. I am learning every day about how I can grow and what developments I can make through my work.
CONCHO RING STERLING
CONCHO RING BRASS
SIDE BAR RING SOLID 925 STERLING
SIDE BAR RING BRASS
HACKNEY CARRIERS / HACKNEY CARRIERS
Designer / Lisa Lam was born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York and works in her studio in Brooklyn. She feels strength and passion towards American Indian jewelry and wishes to express the designs of the Southwest that resonate with her in a perfect way, with each piece handcrafted. Designer Lisa Lam dedicated herself for 20 years to mastering the techniques of carving leather and exquisite metals as an accessories designer in the fashion industry, including Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. She is now influenced by Native American art from New Mexico and the West and hopes that her jewelry will have meaning through her travels. Her jewelry is all handcrafted without the use of machines or molds, pursuing authenticity.
Check out HACKNEY CARRIERS products here.
"They were items that cast a spell on jewelry"
Q1: Can you tell us what inspired you to start making jewelry?
It started 12 years ago when I began collecting vintage Native American stamps (stick-like items used for imprinting). I learned that they were tools for creating Native American jewelry. They were items that cast a spell on jewelry. At first, I had no plans, but I really loved these old tools and started studying their history. From there, the items I create began to grow. The items I cherish the most are very old ones made using railroad nails (nails used to fasten tracks) and machine parts.
"My wish is for you to create your own unique style"
Q2: What do you think about the relationship between fashion and jewelry?
I believe that fashion and jewelry have a very close relationship. My style is characteristic of the American Southwest. This is because I love chic and extravagant items. I also think that each individual has their own unique style. Therefore, my wish is for the jewelry I create to blend into people's styles and help them create their own unique style.
NAJA HEISHI NECKLACE STERLING/RED WHITE HEART BEADS
NAJA HEISHI NECKLACE BRASS STERLING/BLUE WHITE HEART BEADS
"I am in awe of their ingenious skills and resonate with them"
Q3: You mentioned being influenced by Native American jewelry design; what aspects do you resonate with?
Yes, I take great care to incorporate their culture delicately and thoughtfully into my designs. I feel it is very important to continue learning about their culture and history. Through my inspiration trips to the American Southwest, I have had the opportunity to meet very valuable and renowned Native American artists. There, I have listened to their lifestyles and learned the skills and techniques they use to create jewelry. This is not limited to jewelry; I have also learned about weaving fabrics, pottery, and wood carving. I am in awe of their ingenious skills and resonate with them. Therefore, I want to continue creating my own works in a way that respects them.
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF 18K YELLOW GOLD PLATED BRASS
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF 925 STERLING PLATED BRASS
4MM SIDE BAR CUFF SOLID BRASS
"For me, every day is like a journey"
Q4: Please tell us about your future developments.
I have many things I want to achieve in the future. I have many inspirations as well. Therefore, I am thinking of several projects that will allow me to continue evolving. While it is important to expand the range of jewelry, I also want to work on bags and home goods. For me, every day is like a journey. I am learning every day about how I can grow and what developments I can make through my work.
CONCHO RING STERLING
CONCHO RING BRASS
SIDE BAR RING SOLID 925 STERLING
SIDE BAR RING BRASS
HACKNEY CARRIERS / HACKNEY CARRIERS
Designer / Lisa Lam was born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York and works in her studio in Brooklyn. She feels strength and passion towards American Indian jewelry and wishes to express the designs of the Southwest that resonate with her in a perfect way, with each piece handcrafted. Designer Lisa Lam dedicated herself for 20 years to mastering the techniques of carving leather and exquisite metals as an accessories designer in the fashion industry, including Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. She is now influenced by Native American art from New Mexico and the West and hopes that her jewelry will have meaning through her travels. Her jewelry is all handcrafted without the use of machines or molds, pursuing authenticity.
Check out HACKNEY CARRIERS products here.