STELLA FLUORESCENT is a San Francisco-based design studio co-founded by Tiersa Nureyev and Erik Hilburn. The studio’s focus is on making jewelry and fashion accessories out of unconventional materials, (often) in collaboration with like-minded artisans, while employing sustainable design practices.

Workspace

My primary workspace is in a dedicated space of our Victorian home. It has high ceilings, a view of the bay and is packed with all manner of tools, fabric, and sewing machines. I have everything at my fingertips, and zero commute, but as it goes with live/work scenarios negotiating the balance between the two can be tricky to manage. 

Production Model

Stella Fluorescent produces small batch and/or made to order depending on the collection. Both production models are low waste and allow for quick adaptation to market interest and design improvement.

Tools

Everything that I make is handcrafted so I would say that my main tool is my hands. That being said, my hands mainly utilize thread, needles, scissors, textiles, looms, and sewing machines. I also illustrate and paint often, and certainly use my laptop with regularity to plan, communicate, and employ creative platforms for design and pattern making.

Materials 

We source materials with ecological responsibility in mind. We use natural dying to minimize our effect on our water system and eliminate toxic and harsh chemicals from the materials that people wear on their body. We use organic, ethically produced, natural fibers, vintage textiles, and re-use/repurpose our scraps and off-cuts into new designs. We buy our metal sheeting and findings from distributers that are informed about the production and source of their materials and offer transparency in their supply chains. Whenever possible we endeavor to use metals that are, third party certified as ethically mined, reclaimed/recycled, and made in the USA.