Meet Melissa De Luca: An AoF Exclusive!

Today, Art of Fashion is delighted to share an exclusive one-on-one interview with jewelry designer Melissa De Luca, founder of Fredrick Prince.

Bored with typical mass produced in-store jewelry, Toronto native Melissa De Luca developed a line of handcrafted jewelry branded as Fredrick Prince. Together, her pieces make up a collection of jewelry that adapts to the transition of seasons and is versatile enough for any occasion. Retailers are recognizing Melissa’s timeless designs and have been requesting pieces to fill their storefronts.

We wanted to know more about Melissa and her exquisite designs, so we tracked her down for an exclusive interview. Here is an inside look into the creative mind behind Fredrick Prince!

AoF: What is your educational background?

Melissa: Fashion Business and Buying

AoF: What motivated you to design jewelry and to create Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: Hated my 9-5 and realized that anyone can be successful – it's just a matter of doing something and sticking to it.

AoF: What has inspired your jewelry line, Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: A little bit of old, a little bit of new, and how I'm feeling at the moment I'm designing.

AoF: When starting your own jewelry line, what was the greatest challenge?

Melissa:Finding reliable suppliers.

AoF: What do you hope to achieve with Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: I hope to have international success.

AoF: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Melissa: Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs

AoF: What is your favorite part of being Canadian or being from Toronto?

Melissa: It's so multi-cultural.

AoF: Is there something that makes Fredrick Prince distinctively Canadian?

Melissa: It's made by a Canadian!

AoF: What is the most challenging aspect of being a jewelry designer?

Melissa: Separating yourself from all the others.

AoF: What excites you the most with regards to Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: The fact that people other than my friends and family are buying and wearing my creations. It's a great feeling knowing that I can help someone feel good with the jewelry I make.

If you have more questions for Melissa, or want to learn more about Fredrick Prince, make sure to stop by the Art of Fashion Designer Boutique tomorrow at the Schwarzkopf Professional ASK Academy in Toronto!