Dim Sum with Sandy Ip
By Denise Tong
With a sleek bob and striking but tasteful accessories, Sandy Ip possesses the casually cool style that characterizes her jewelry company, Ippie Design. She looks so much the part of a professional style maven that one might never guess that she started on a completely different career path.
A native of Hong Kong, Ip arrived in the United States as a style-conscious teen who meticulously saved money to buy Prada and Gucci bags. Despite her lifelong interest in fashion, however, she followed in the footsteps of her family and friends and studied finance.
Once she started working as an accountant and a financial analyst, however, it soon became clear that she wasn’t meant to be a strait-laced number-cruncher. Her progressive style at odds with the surrounding conservative culture, she eventually gave in to her love of accessories and decided to begin a new career as a jewelry designer.
Drawing from the fashion and art she absorbed during her extensive travels in Europe and Asia, Ip created a simple, elegant brand that combines traditional patterns and contemporary shapes through the use of sterling silver and gemstones.
Launched in July 2005, Ippie Design has gained a loyal, ever-growing audience of young professional women. While most clients hail from New York, a few can be found in Australia, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
The fashion industry is also taking notice; Ip’s jewelry has been featured on fashion writer Kristopher Dukes‘ blog and on In Style.com. She provides her own commentary on the Ippie Design blog, which contains fashion news and insight into her creative process.
Ip discussed with Glam Hub her new collection, the latest trends, and rebelling with shiny shoes.
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Q: How would you describe Ippie Design’s fall line, The Shanghai Collection?
A: It focuses on filigree styles and is inspired by my traveling, especially to China. Traditional Chinese architecture involves many textures on windows and walls—it’s very beautiful. What I also found interesting there is the contrast of modern high-rises right next to ancient buildings. I love history and art, and I think everything I make will somehow reflect that.
Q: What are the guiding principles of your designs?
A: They should look unique, sophisticated, and hip. High quality is a must, of course—jewelry can’t look cheap, no matter what its style, or it will make your whole outfit look cheap.
Q: Did you have any qualms about leaving the finance world and venturing into a new field?
A: No—life is about taking risks. When I was working as an accountant, I was always told that I needed to dress like one; I was always trying to break the rules and dress too funky—my shoes were too shiny, my pants looked too much like jeans, and so on. I didn’t belong there and I realized that my love for jewelry could become my career if I really put my mind to it.
I started by selling jewelry online part-time while keeping my accounting job. Soon afterwards I decided to sell jewelry full-time and to start designing my own lines.
Q: When did you first become interested in fashion?
A: I’ve been interested in fashion my whole life, but my upbringing was all about business. My dad owns his own company and my parents always wanted me to be an accountant, lawyer, or investment banker; most of their friends are those types of professionals too. So naturally I went to business schools and made many friends in the same line of work.
The whole time, though, I continued to enjoy exploring clothes and accessories. I’ve always loved jewelry—it can change the whole look of an outfit.
Q: When did you start to develop your own personal style?
A: Not until my late teens and early adulthood. When I was in my early teens it was always about following the trend, even if it didn’t look good on me. But as I grew older I wasn’t so big on trends anymore; I just started to wear what I loved.
I still love Prada and Gucci bags, though, just like when I was younger. I’ve also always liked funky clothes, contemporary sportswear, and sparkly details. I’ve had the same style for many years now, but sometimes I’ll buy trendy accessories to complement it. There are so many wonderful and beautiful designs from large brands as well as small independent designers.
Q: New York City is one of the world’s fashion capitals—what has been your experience living here as someone in the fashion industry?
A: The wonderful thing about New York City is that you can find as many different fashions as cultures. This city is a place where you can dress the way you like and not feel judged when you walk down the street because everyone looks different.
Q: How do you keep up with trends, and which current ones do you like?
A: I watch fashion shows whenever I have a chance. I read as many magazines as I can, especially jewelry magazines such as Modern Jeweler.
Filigrees are popular now, but if they weren’t one day, I would still love them. I only design things that are easy to wear and make me feel beautiful, regardless of current trends. Skull jewelry is also really in—which I think looks cool—but because it’s not my style, I’m not going to make it.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: In addition to expanding my business of course, I would really like to contribute to the community. It would be amazing if I could advance my career and benefit others at the same time.
Q: How would you summarize the experience so far of running your own business?
A: It’s very stressful sometimes, especially when I start to worry about everything that can go wrong—I have to think about so many different issues and try to manage every single one of them. But overall it has been a great experience, and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.
Pictured: Sterling silver small filigree hoop earrings with white mother of pearl. Photo courtesy of Ippie.
