Although the names Rachel Roy and Estelle seem to differ in the career sense -- one being a fashion designer from California and the other an R&B sensation from the UK -- when it comes to jewelry the two have proven to be quite the duo.

Recently the fashion mogul and music star collaborated on a limited edition spring jewelry line for Rachel Roy's Macy's line -- Rachel Roy Limited Edition: Estelle collection. The chic collection ranges from funky rings to unique ear cuffs to statement necklaces all comprised of inspiration and styles from Rachel Roy and Estelle.

Black Voices caught up with the two last Friday at the launching of the line to talk about what brought the two together on the project and how they incorporated their unique styles into the line.

Who approached who about the line?

Rachel: I approached Estelle about partnering up for the jewelry line. I had long been an admirer of her carefree style. I liked that she has her own style and voice and that she wasn't concerned with what others. I loved how Estelle wore both high end fashion and low end fashion. Her style with accessories was quite similar to mine in the sense of edginess and chunkiness so I thought she would be a great person to team up with on this project.

Did you two merge your separate ideas or did you sit down together and create something?

Estelle: The both of us sat down and put it together. Her team asked me what I liked, color wise and style wise. It was interesting for me because I had never done it before and this is her world. I'm sure it would be the same if we came together in the studio. I would probably be directing her like 'Why don't you try it like that.'


Have you teamed up with celebrities for your line in the past?

Rachel: No, I haven't. Rachel Roy has been in stores since last August so I've been working on it for awhile but it's still been fairly new, so Estelle is my first partnership there. I've partnered up with other designers in the past for my designer line. I have been making shoes for the past five or six seasons with Manolo Blahnik and also I've been working with Nancy Gonzalez on my runway handbags.

Has fashion always been a passion for you?

Estelle: I like big statement pieces; I'm really not into dainty accessories. My bedroom and my dresser are filled with huge pieces of jewelry, I could practically use them for decoration-they're that big. So this was something I wanted to do on a real level of design. I brought my ideas to the team and they came back with some ideas. Rachel has such a great team that it was so easy. I told them what I liked and they went with my vision. They taught me something about designing too; it's kind of like creating an album, everything has to flow together.

What do you look for when choosing your accessories?

Rachel: My personal aesthetic with jewelry is edgy, chunky and large and unique and Estelle has the same aesthetic which is something I noticed before approaching her. So I've always been a lover of something a bit more edgy in my designs and that's what I'm attracted to in other people's jewelry and friends of mine. Whether or not it's popular or trendy, I'll always be wearing it.

Would you like to pursue other genres in fashion like clothing?

Estelle: Yes, but once again I'd really like it to be from a point where I know exactly what I'm doing and I'm really doing it. I don't ever want it to be at a point where my name is just on something. Like Estelle Jeans, these are her jeans but they don't look like the jeans that I really wear. I would want to do something that has an Estelle imprint which would take awhile to come up with.

What are your tips for people when choosing accessories?

Rachel: Accessories are a great way to show off very flattering bits of yourself. I think a beautiful earring shows off your face and your smile and your personality. I think a big statement necklace or a cocktail ring is a great way to spice up something like simple like a uniform. Since you can find them vintage or well priced, they are a great addition to any outfit. It's not always necessarily about fine jewelry, I'm a big lover of costume jewelry l and I think you can show your personality really well with any jewelry that you pick.