Spanglish Magazine
Blinded by a Ray of Light
By: The Disco Jones Experience
As life surges through our hearts and minds, and we try not to fade in to the background, all we can do at that point is try to keep our eyes steady on the horizon of ultimate fashion freshness. Diamonds on my neck, wrist lit, and my earrings look like they’re the ones that sunk the Titanic. Yup! It’s all about accessories! As we try to popularize ourselves through talent and charisma, in a world where appearance speaks louder than any voice, any resume, and hype man/woman, it’s only right to say that the jewels we rock accentuate that which is already great within us. On any given day, we seek to shine, inwardly and outwardly, and even in the dark times of recession and war, we still seek a Ray of Light. The Disco Jones Experience brings you just that, the manifestation of that seemingly unattainable shine. Dawn Michelle Thompson, a Panamanian after my own heart, is putting it down for Brooklyn, NYC and the world with her Ray of Light design collection. Ladies, if you’re looking to be the center of attention then what better way to make it happen other than to rock your own one of a kind piece designed by this native New Yorker. Even if you’re not the spotlight type, Dawn’s vast collection has everything under the sun or Ray of Light rather, to suit your fashion forward needs. I certify her a certified Notty Roxstaw accentuation for bringing the fashion game something original and fresh, because we all know sometimes if it’s original, it may not be as fresh. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel as one might say, Dawn Michelle Thompson’s designs are literally that Ray of Light…
Reading is fundamental…
A flip of the pages followed by a flick of the creative light in her mind, Dawn found her inspiration through prominent author Terry McMillan’s book: Interruption of Everything. “The main character happened to work in a craft store making handcrafted jewelry. It seemed interesting enough so I went out and bought some materials. After making a few pieces, I realized that this was my God given talent. That was almost 3 years ago and I haven’t looked back since.” Dawn’s new found inspiration has caused her to craft some of the most exquisite pieces found on the east coast.
Pieces to the puzzle…
As we all know it takes talent within itself to put together hot combos for that fashion forward look. Every detail has to maintain its fluidity, allowing the garment and accessory to work together as a whole. From the mind of the illuminating designer, she describes her accessories and, accessories as a whole, as a mood boosting, dramatic accentuation to one’s personal style. This in return allows flexibility in your style; seven outfits can become fourteen different looks with a simple addition of neck pieces, earrings, and/or wrist wear. Dawn Thompson sheds light into our minds with an array of specially designed pieces that are chameleon like when added to your wardrobe.
Master piece…
To be one who crafts such fine pieces is truly a talent beyond measure. The skill and detail that one has to have in order to fashion such intricate jewels is also no easy task. Dawn’s designs are just that, detailed and intricate. There is much to be said about a person who designs such fly pieces that interlace the longed stalked about generation gap between old and new. I say this because you get the classic traditional look worn by queens from Africa to England fused with the modern pop-punk “I dare you” feel. No matter how you rock a Ray of Light’s designs, you are sure to shine.
A personal touch…
I had an opportunity to pick Dawn’s brain for you fashion maniacs, and here is her outlook on life (of a designer), love (for the craft), and the look.
1. What is your prediction for fashion in the years to come?
Fashion is what you make it. It’s not necessarily about what the stars are wearing or what the fashion magazines say is hot for right now. Fashion is about saying who you are through what you wear. It’s not about buying the whole outfit off of the mannequin. I can’t really predict the direction of fashion in the years to come but I hope that people continue to step out of the box and be the individuals that they are called to be.
2. Why the name Ray of Light?
The name Ray of Light is a synonym for my name, Dawn. I felt that Ray of Light Jewelry was an appropriate name for the line because I always want people to feel a sense of light and happiness when they wear my designs. The name has since changed to Autumn Ray Jewelry. Autumn Ray is my alter-ego. She’s a creative, funky woman who is very earthy yet classy at the same time. I tend to incorporate those characteristics into my jewelry.
3. What sets your creations apart from the other designs that are out there?
All of my pieces are made with the same uniqueness that we as people are made. They are also made to make people feel good about wearing something original. When people who wear your art tell you, “Oh, so and so wanted the same exact piece and I said, “Nope, uh uh, this is an ORIGINAL”; it makes you feel good, especially in a world where original means stupidly expensive.
4. Where do you see your designs in 3-5 years?
In the next 3-5 years I definitely see an online boutique. There are some things in the works right now so don’t be surprised if you see Autumn Ray in a few other magazines as well. This is all a part of Gods’ plan so wherever He takes me I’m good.
5. Who are your top 3 jewelry designers in fashion? Why?
I don’t have a particular favorite but I do like Catherine Weitzman. I like the components that she uses and her style is very simplistic yet elegant. She tends to be very earthy and I can identify with that.
6. When you came up with your line what were the components that were at the top of your list to include?
I tend to gravitate towards turquoise. I also use a lot of metals, semi-precious gems, leather and suede, and recently, leaves. Yes, leaves from a tree. Lol
7. Who is most likely to be wearing your line this summer? (i.e. young professionals, upper class, the modern urban professional)
My line caters to anyone who loves originality. That can be anyone from the young professional to the upper class.
8. As an independent woman in fashion, how important is it for the community to support designers who are not considered mainstream?
As an independent designer you need an audience and your community is the quickest, easiest and most comfortable platform to reach out to. Establish relationships in your neighborhood. Tell people about your creations. If you are enthusiastic about what you do, others will be as well. That’s how the fire spreads.
9. Do you have any advice for those who are striving to become designers like yourself?
I’m still learning myself, but as a designer you really need to be flexible to anything. You never know when the plan will change, when you’ll need to get some last minute pieces together, etc.
Don’t conform. Your look may change a bit over the course of time but don’t change it just because the other brand is selling more. Stay true to you!
Don’t worry about competition. They’re just there for motivation. Lol!
