Brightest Young Things

I'll readily (though begrudgingly) admit that, in general, DC has a tendency to skew conservative when it comes to getting dressed. ACCESSORIZING, though, is an entirely different story - and we're lucky to have a crop of homegrown talent (including lines like De*Nada and Realm) and shops (Legendary Beast, for one) that cater to exactly that. One of the newer additions to the scene is manu, a 2 year old jewelry line that's (oh-so-deservedly) starting to rack up mentions both local (Washington Post Express, The Sunday Source) and otherwise (Lucky Magazine). From the vintage brooch-bedecked satin headbands to the stunning agate stone ring collection, manu pieces pack serious outfit-finishing punch. Owner/designer Manuela Costa fills us in on everything from how manu got started to where the line is headed come Spring 09:

How and when did manu begin?
I have always had a strong connection to jewelry and fashion. I love how you can wear one statement piece and it's a reflection of who you are and your personal taste. I wanted to share this connection with others so manu was born in the Fall of 2006.

How would you describe your personal style, and to what extent is that reflected in your line?
My personal style is very modern & classic, with an odd twist. I like to wear a proper outfit and accessorize with oversized pieces of jewelry or clip brooches on my shoes and throw off the look.

What's your favorite manu piece (so far!)?
I adore the manu jeweled headbands out for Holiday. They have the perfect splash of color and individuality since each one is one of a kind!

How is your current collection different from your past work?
My current work is focusing a lot more on colorful & geometric designs. This is going to be very apparent for Spring 2009 - bold color & stones that speak for themselves. You will have to admire the piece several times to see all of its intricacies & design.
I also continue to work on the manu mystical necklaces. Charms & stones are sourced from all over the world - Shanghai, Tibet, Brazil, and India, just to name a few. Each mystical necklace focuses on a force [like] energy, love, death, protection, hope or faith. It's a fun line that connects you to an emotion and shows your individuality.

How do you go about your design process?
I love modern, colorful, geometrical styles, but with an edge. I take inspiration from my travels abroad. I just got back from Shanghai this month, and it was so amazing to observe classic Chinese design and also the ultra-modern side of the Chinese culture. I found ornate pieces of carved jade Buddha pendants & crosses that will be perfect for the manu mystical necklaces.

Who or what inspires you, style-wise and beyond?
I often look to royalty for inspiration, all the opulence & gold really inspires me to create pieces beyond the conventional.

Where do you like to shop in and around DC?
I love to shop at Barneys Co-op. Right now I'm into brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem & Nanette Lepore. Periwinkle in Alexandria has the most amazing selection of cocktail dresses and stunning accessories. I'm in love with their assortment of Holiday clutches! I also stock up on local line Yinibini for sweet t-shirts and yoga outfits.

What do you appreciate about being based in DC? Any advantages to being in the District as opposed to any other city (perhaps one more known for its style)?
As a young designer and entrepreneur in DC there are more opportunities to showcase manu and watch it grow & flourish as a brand. Any other city with an extensive fashion scene would present more challenges for a young label like manu.

What's your take on DC style, in general?
DC is conservative but I think its style is evolving. I'm always impressed with what my friends wear & the style I see on the street.

What's on the horizon for manu?
Our ring assortment will feature some very new bold innovations, seriously glittery & divine. This spring manu will introduce a line of spiritual t-shirts that complement the manu mystical necklace collection. Each design carries its own story of love, success, good fortune, prosperity and spiritual solace. They look so cute mixed into any outfit!

View the current manu collection at www.manuandyou.com. manu is available locally at Barney's Co-Op, Lettie Gooch, Periwinkle, and Sugar.