Susan Alexandra Korn is the reigning queen of beads. The fashion designer started creating candy-colored hand-sewn handbags in 2017 and has since developed a vast collection of rainbow-bright jewelry, clothing and accessories. She culls design inspiration from life’s small gifts—be it a lemon or shellfish—and interprets them into sartorial wonders. DO check out her berry-speckled bags and clementine sherbet earrings for a good time. Increased appetite may result.

Susan is a risk-taker, creative goldmine, and an instrumental addition to an industry that often takes itself way too seriously—all of which makes her so damn Dandy!

What quarantine looks like for you:

I have been alternating between Lou and Grey Pajamas and Lou and Grey sweatshirt and sweatpants. It's important to change out of ones pajamas!

Your coping mechanisms:

My dog. He is my therapy!

What you miss most about the early 2000s:

Not having wrinkles, my childhood bedroom (it had incredible floral wallpaper), the excitement of talking to boys, my unbridled curiosity, having a car, & the sense of discovery, because the world felt SO big and exciting.

Last time you felt embarrassed (and why):

Today when I accidentally CC'd someone on an email who I am interviewing for a job. I wrote "what's her deal?" to the hiring manager not realizing that the SHE in question was on the email.

Last time you felt proud of yourself (and why):

I felt really excited for the little food figurines I started making with the intent to sell and donate proceeds for Covid relief funds.

You’re currently in the mood for:

A summer time excursion to southern Italy. Sunburns, sun dresses, fish and lemon, wine, the Virgin Mary, sea salt.

Five of your essential beauty products:

A gentle face wash, Differin gel, Spironalactone, Oxygenated magnesium pills (constipation causes breakouts!), & Snap Lash Mascara.

Last thing that inspired you to create a Susan Alexandra original:

My biggest inspiration is food. On a recent trip to Mexico I fell deeply in love with the combination of beer, clamato, hot sauce, lime juice and salt. This will surely be interpreted into a piece of jewelry.

Your favorite Broadway musicals:

Annie, Yentl, Fiddler on the Roof, Gypsy, Funny Girl, Chicago, & Cabaret.

Elaborate on your love of shrimps:

I think this stems from an early memory of my dad saying there is nothing more delicious in this world than shrimp cocktail. You know how those formative years truly shape the rest of your life. Shrimp has it all! It's so visually pleasing and gives one the feeling of decadence in a very Gatsby-esque way.

Currently reading or listening to:

I am currently reading all the books recommended by Molly Young who I have decided is a perfect human being. I am currently listening to a very soothing and lovely playlist called “HOME.” Only healing music is allowed into my sacred home space. On this is a lot of Ethiopian jazz. I also think the soundtracks to Pedro Almodovar’s movies are fantastic.

Obsessed with:

Clamato, making tiny food figurines, Almodovar movie soundtracks, chocolate pie with fresh whipped cream. cultivating an indoor garden, having pretty drinking glasses and plates.

The hardest part of 2020 so far:

I mean...Corona. The fashion show I did in February. Fighting and consequently losing a deep friendship. Employee issues. All of this was gruesome.

The best part of 2020 so far:

Going on a sunny solo vacation to Holbox, Mexico and moving into my new beautiful apartment.

This worries you:

Money and keeping my business afloat. Also, finding a romantic partner and having children. These are constant stressors.

When you were 18 you thought:

 That I couldn't get out of Ohio quick enough.

You'd like to collaborate with:

Nike, Adidas, Rolex, Crate and Barrell, a natural wine vineyard, Uniqlo, Target, Rodarte, Lululemon, & Birkenstock.

You have to order _______ at this place:

The SALAD at Via Carota.

Favorite Yiddish words:

 Shlep! Oy! Shayna punim!

Your vices:

Imagine if I said dark chocolate here?! Picking my skin, Instagram, & negative self talk.