August 8th 2024.
Designers like Simone I. Smith are bringing a fresh perspective to the world of hoop earrings, redefining their legacy in a modern and meaningful way. Honoring their rich history while infusing them with a new sense of pride and confidence, Smith has collaborated with iconic entertainment figures to create collections that seamlessly blend the past with the present. Her passion for hoop earrings was sparked by her first pair of doorknockers at the young age of 17, and has since blossomed into a thriving business that celebrates the enduring symbol of hoops.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Smith shared her inspiration for starting her own line, stating, "After wearing hoops for many years, I realized there was a lack of quality big hoop earrings in the market, and I wanted to be that person who blessed women with hot hoop earrings. I launched Simone I. Smith in 2011 and have been overjoyed to see how women worldwide have embraced my collections."
One of the most notable partnerships within her brand is the "Sister Love" collection, created in collaboration with her best friend and artist, Mary J. Blige. This collection pays tribute to the 'fly girls' of the 80s and today's trendsetters, seamlessly blending iconic retro designs with a fresh, modern twist.
For Smith, designing jewelry is a deeply personal and creative process. Her experiences are intricately woven into her work, including her battle with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. The surgery that altered her beloved lollipop tattoo on her leg inspired her first design - the signature lollipop pendant, "A Sweet Touch of Hope."
In an interview with BE, Smith compared designing jewelry to writing a song, stating, "I'll see something in nature that sparks my creativity, or I'll hear an inspiring phrase that moves me, and that serves as inspiration for my next design."
Hoop earrings have long held a significant place in the Black community, transcending mere fashion to become powerful symbols of identity, resilience, and empowerment. From their origins in ancient African civilizations, where hoops adorned the ears of both royalty and commoners, to their resurgence in the urban fashion scenes of the 1980s and '90s, hoop earrings have been a constant in Black cultural expression. These timeless accessories have been worn as statements of pride, defiance, and solidarity, celebrated for their boldness and versatility.
Smith's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and faith. Through her jewelry, she adorns women with beautiful pieces and inspires them to embrace their inner strength and confidence. As she stated in an interview with BE, "I want women to feel fabulous, confident, and beautiful. I want them to feel inspired and blessed. I name all my pieces of jewelry, especially my earrings, to make women feel inspired by what they're wearing on their ears, necks, and wrists."
Her recent collaboration with iconic stylist Misa Hylton, the Simone I. Smith x MISA "Denim and Diamonds" collection, has taken the fashion world by storm. Smith shared her excitement about this highly anticipated line, stating, "Simone I. Smith x MISA 'Denim and Diamonds' has been so rewarding." The collection, which combines trendsetting style with timeless elegance, sold out almost immediately, showcasing the powerful appeal of their combined creative vision. This collaboration is a testament to Smith and Hylton's enduring friendship and shared passion for fashion.
But Smith's impact goes beyond her jewelry line. She also brings her passion for connection and celebration to life through her annual event, SISMAS. Smith shared the origins of this event, stating, "SISMAS came about when I moved to California and was bi-coastal while my husband was working on NCIS: Los Angeles." What started as a way to stay close to her friends during the holidays has blossomed into a vibrant, themed celebration of sisterhood and fun. From "Around the Way Girl Meets Bridgerton" in 2022 to "Chicks in Tuxedos" in 2023, each year's gathering is eagerly anticipated for its creativity and camaraderie. While this year's theme remains a closely guarded secret, Smith promises that it will be an unforgettable experience.
As Smith's journey in fashion and sisterhood continues, her story serves as a vivid testament to resilience, creativity, and faith. From her iconic jewelry collections to her celebrated collaborations and the annual SISMAS event, the entrepreneur embodies empowerment and connection. Her words echo a profound truth: "My continued motivation is God blessing me to wake up every morning in my right mind. It gives me another day and another chance to give, serve, love, and create."
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