"Unzipped" an Interview by Jungle Gym Magazine

At Jungle Gym Magazine we always keep an eye out for creative people and new ideas. Some are difficult to spot, but designer Kate Cusack‘s amazing work was not. Kate has taken an ordinary item, the zipper, and transformed it into dazzlingly stylish bracelets and necklaces. Who would ever think they would be wearing a zipper around their arm as an accessory?

Kate has been featured in numerous magazines and has had her products worn by celebs. Her wigs are also very eye-popping, as are her other numerous creations. We had the chance to get the inside scoop on the wonderful Kate Cusack, in this interview she “unzips” some interesting facts about her finished works and the new projects that she is working on.

To read the full interview to find out answers to questions like "Where did the original idea to create jewelry from zippers come from" and "Can you tell us what theatrical influences you source your inspiration from?" please visit Jungle Gym Magazine.

Zipper Jewelry featured in Forbes Life (China) Magazine

Below are a few questions from the interview:

How did you think of using zipper to make jewelry?
My specific fascination with zippers comes from my general love of transforming ordinary materials into wearable objects of art.The pieces that I create are made from seemingly mundane materials and come to life when they are worn. The body is my canvas: I am fascinated by adornment, and excess. I am inspired by the repetition of ordinary items. I enjoy the sense of humor in elevating an ordinary item into something extraordinary.
When I see one item repeated in large quantity or in an extreme size, I start to see it in its very basic visual form. I begin to make associations based on shape, color and texture and I am freed from traditional restrains about what that item or material should be used for.

Can you say something about the sale of Zipper Jewelry?
Traditional jewelry, made with precious stones and metals, has a specific value attached to it because of the materials involved. Because the basic material of Zipper Jewelry is not highly valued like a diamond, the price of the Zipper Jewelry is derived from the value of the creativity and skill necessary to create it.

Do you ever think of using precious stone and noble metal as material to make jewelry?
Because I am not trained as a metal-smith or a traditional jeweler, I don’t consider precious stones or metal as materials for my work. I am more interested in working with unlikely materials and transforming them into new creations. There is an exciting “a-ha” moment when someone realizes that there is more to the design they are looking at.

Do you think luxurious jewelry is more attractive? Why?
I think there is a very special place for luxurious, traditional jewelry using metals and precious stones. It is a very different experience to wear traditional jewelry than to wear art-jewelry. I don’t necessarily think one is more attractive than the other. Good design and clever ideas are what make something attractive, to me. In my Zipper Jewelry, I make reference to traditional jewelry, but I add a twist of creativity, which makes it exciting and daring.

Zipper Jewelry featured on "Carnival of Shopping" Blog

Many thanks to Radhika for the feature on the Carnival of Shopping blog which is a part of a fashion and beauty blog called "Be in Style." It covers subjects like the latest in jewelry, fashion and beauty products.

Zipper Jewelry at the 2010 Grammys

Performers from the new Broadway musical "American Idiot" wore one of Kate's Zipper Necklaces and Zipper Band Cuffs during a performance with Green Day at the 2010 Grammys.

Zipper Jewelry photoshoot by Julia Pogodina featured on NotCot.org

One image from the photoshoot with Julia Pogodina was recently featured on NotCot.org

Comments regarding the photoshoot from Julia Pogodina's blog:
"This shoot occurred to be very controversial and raised lots of discussion on photoforums after images have been published. For many people it was shocking to see a model of a mature age in a otherwise typical jewelry advertising shoot. However, for me the idea was not to shock but to be honest in the first place and send a certain message to the audience.
Kate's jewelry is sophisticated. It requires certain experience and confidence of the one who will be wearing it, otherwise it will overpower the owner. Put it on a 18year old beauty and it'll clash. Kate doesn't aim her jewelry for teenage audience. instead, her jewelry compliments a beauty of an elegant age.
Candace Woodward, Kate's close family friend, seemed to be our perfect model. it was an amazing experience working with her."

© Julia Pogodina

© Julia Pogodina

© Julia Pogodina

© Julia Pogodina

© Julia Pogodina

Holiday Edition Zipper Pins

Just in time for the 2009 holiday season, two new Zipper Pins are available in a limited edition. Holiday Zipper Pins are created using very special zippers which feature a satin-ribbon zipper. They are available exclusively in Kate's online shop.

Zipper Necklace worn by Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas

Fergie of the rock group, The Black Eyed Peas, seen wearing a Kate Cusack Zipper Necklace in Melbourne Australia.

Zipper Necklace worn by Yaya Dacosta of ABC's Ugly Betty

Actress, Yaya Dacosta, wore one of the latest Zipper Necklaces to the 2009 premier party for "Ugly Betty."

photo credit: MavrixOnline.com
images from SocialLife.com

Zipper Jewelry in Vogue Italy

Zipper Jewelry featured in Vogue Italy's August 2009 issue.

Zipper Pins featured in Latina Magazine

Kate Cusack's Zipper Pins are featured on page 77 of Latina Magazine's September 2009 issue. These Zipper Pins in tuquoise/silver, magenta/gold and red/black can be purchase in Kate's online store.

Zipper Pin featured in Essence Magazine

Kate Cusack's Zipper Pin is slightly obscured, but still featured on page 42 of Essence Magazine's September 2009 issue. This white/black Zipper Pin can be purchased online in Kate's online store.

Zipper Jewelry available in Seattle and Milwaukee

Kate Cusack's Zipper Jewelry is now available in two new retail locations.

Please visit the museum store at the Seattle Art Museum at 1300 First Avenue, in Seattle.

Please visit the Morning Glory Gallery in the lobby of the Marcus Center for Performing Arts at 929 N. Water Street, in Milwaukee.

Zipper Jewelry in Marie Claire

Kate's Zipper Necklace titled "Silver Rope" featured in Marie Claire's August 2009 on page 56 and also (in a small version) on the cover.

Zipper Jewelry in HOUSTON Magazine

Zipper Necklace featured in "Fashion Fireworks" from Bill Cunningham

Bill Cunningham of the New York Times reports in his weekly "On the Street" on-line slide show feature that big jewelry is in. (July, 2, 2009) Referencing the 4th of July, Mr. Cunningham calls these oversized necklaces "Fashion Fireworks."

Please watch his on-line slide show showing examples of outrageously large necklaces and bracelets. Kate is shown (towards the end of the slide show) wearing one of her Zipper Necklaces.