When it comes to jewelry, I’m all about “go big or go home”. That’s why back in 2005 I fell in love with Tarina Tarantino jewelry. Handmade in the Sparkle Factory located in L.A., Tarina Tarantino pieces are iconic, edgy, the epitome of unapologetic, over the top glam.
Tarina, the brains and beauty behind the brand, was obsessed with designing jewelry ever since she can remember. A former fashion model, Tarina has always made her own, swoon-worthy jewelry noticed by friends and strangers alike. For years, she literally sold the designs she was wearing to girls who came up to her on the street asking where she got her jewelry and accessories.
After retiring from modeling and moving back to the United States from Europe, Tarina continued to design jewelry for herself and worked as a freelance makeup artist. Her big break came in the late 90’s when her now-husband Alfonso took her designs to a boutique and came home with orders from stores like Fred Segal and Jennifer Kaufman and the company was born.
Still creating, designing and rocking fab fuchsia hair, I was lucky enough to get a mini-interview with the Queen of Sparkle. Here’s what Tarina had to say about her inspiration, designs and more:
1. When you first started creating jewelry and accessories, you made them for yourself because you couldn’t find exactly what you wanted in the marketplace. Is it challenging now to design for a broad range of customers and how do you make pieces that appeal to your fan base?
I do it in many different ways. I always design what I feel is right for the season based on what I am loving at that moment. But also, since I have had many years to get to know my customers, I know what they expect and what colors, patterns, etc. they prefer so I always take that into account. That is what I love about the internet, you can connect directly to your customers. Especially for the beauty collections, customer feedback is so important, it really lets you know if you are hitting the mark. But even with all of that I always design from the heart and never release a collection that I do not love completely.
2. From putting your own sparkly twist on Hello Kitty to my personal favorite “I Love You, I Hate You” line, how do you come up with new collections?
I have sketchbooks full of ideas for future collections, but I also constantly look for inspiration in everything and everywhere I go. What is most important to me is that each collection that is born in the Sparkle Factory tells a story and has a purpose. In my new book The Sparkle Factory; the design and craft of Tarina’s fashion jewelry, which comes out in July, I have an entire chapter about design and inspiration and what I do to get inspired and make my collections. I am always interested in how other designers and artists work too, it’s fascinating because everyone has a different way of working.
3. You use a lot of different textures and materials like Lucite, crystals and organza to name a few and they all look amazing together. Do you have any tips for layering textures?
Yes, the more unusual they are apart the more interesting they will be together. Layering jewelry, for example, is much more interesting when you mix different chains, colors, or materials. Try mixing gold, silver and gunmetal or wood beads with a strand of crystal.
4. Was it challenging to add the beauty line to the collection? Did your background in freelance makeup artistry influence the products?
When my jewelry began to take off I was still working as a makeup artist. I eventually had to put down my brush roll and work at jewelry full time, which was amazing, but I never forgot my love for makeup. Creating a cosmetic collection was easy because I had all those years of dreaming up what I wanted it to be; from innovative formulations to beautiful packaging. My world of jewelry directly influences the colors and stories for my cosmetic collections, just like any fashion brand that eventually launches a beauty collection. The only difference here is that I don’t design clothing….yet.
5. If you could pick one piece you’ve ever created, what is your favorite and why?
The piece I was wearing the night I met my husband Alfonso. It was a hand sculpted clay and crystal cross on a strand of beads that I had also sculpted by hand. He asked me about it and it started our conversation, that went on for hours. At one point he even told me that I should be a designer if I could make jewelry like that. He was so charming, handsome and sweet, it was the moment I met my creative partner in crime and soulmate.
Thank you so much! I’ve been a huge fan for years!
Awww thanks, your blog is wonderful, have a sparkling day! xo, TT
As an added surprise, Tarina and her team sent me one of her favorite bracelets, Blondell, from the Starlet collection. Inspired by Silver Screen starlets of the 1920’s, the piece is totally unique and pairs perfectly with my oversized gold watch and stacks well with other bracelets. They also sent me their Conditioning Lip Sheen Lipstick in Penny Arcade. Already a huge fan of the sheen (I have a discontinued red shade that’s to die for), the sheen gives lips a pop of color with a dose of hydration. Penny Arcade is a glossy, peachy red shade with medium coverage perfect for summer.
Eighteen years later, business is booming, jewelry, accessories and beauty items are coveted by celebrities and the brand has expands every season with new collections. On top of all of that, Tarina’s new book, The Sparkle Factory; the design and craft of Tarina’s fashion jewelry, comes out in July and is available now for preorder on Amazon (I’ve obviously already secured a copy). Oh, and did I mention she has her own Barbie?
Be sure to shop all of Tarinia’s amazing pieces and read her full story at tarinatarantino.com. Also, get a behind the scenes look at all of the amazing pieces, Tarina’s adventures and the Sparkle factory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Daily Glamourista 
