Q&A with PONO founder Joan Goodman

Filed in archive Accessories on September 1, 2008

I was very fortunate to be able to get a little Q&A going with Joan Goodman, founder and creative force behind PONO. If you don't yet know PONO, you really should get to know what this company's all about.

Once you view the collections, you'll see just how different these accessories are from your run-of-the-mill jewelry. Besides being fascinating works of hand-crafted art, the pieces are rooted in Joan's "holistic approach" with a great respect for the environment. Let's see what she had to say about her designs:

Do you design around a particular theme each season, or is it several themes or none at all?

It is usually a mood or feeling more than a theme! A lot of our pieces are season-less....color and materials can determine that.

What influences a season's designs?

I get ideas from nature...architecture...being in museums...flea markets...and imagination. I bring them to the factory...when I see the materials and concepts for the season... ideas start to take shape into actual pieces.

Sometimes we have great ideas...but they are too complicated to actually produce.

How closely do you follow what's going on in fashion when you come up with your concepts and ideas?

I'm not very trendy...but the factories I work with are very "fashion forward".

They work with the best companies in Europe...so we are always a little ahead of what's going on here. The idea of PONO is always classic with a twist.

You use a lot of natural materials such as wood, horn and shell, while also emphasizing the environmental aspect of your company. How would you say the planet inspires you to design what you design?

I believe we should live within the laws of nature as much as possible...All things natural feel the best to me...We work in very environmentally correct factories...and we use amazing technology to make our natural pieces different and special.

So I guess it is out of respect for the planet and the people who live here that I am inspired to design the line.

Well, if that tickled your interest, please be sure and check out the PONO website, where you can view the breathtaking and very original collections, as well as their Facebrook profile. I've only showcased a few pieces here, but there are so many other themes and styles for you to choose from.

Thank you, Joan, for giving us a little insight into what makes your designs so unique and beautiful!