If you're a woman who is well-versed in the subjects of both Alexander Wang and Nike, you've probably secured a piece or two from the Cubannie Links collection for your wardrobe. The popular over-sized earrings, chain bracelets, necklaces adorned with either tiny guns or crosses have been seen everywhere -- from the pages of Missbehave magazine to Rihanna's tattooed fingers. Here's an interview I did with Annie of Cubannie Links about her line of jewelry, favorite music, and must-have summer essentials.
1. Hey Annie. Tell us about yourself.
I am 4 of 5 children, born and raised in Miami Florida! I grew up knowing I wanted to be in a profession that required all eyes on me, either being a singer (can't sing to save my life), acting (which I still do) and modeling (not exactly runway size but there is a market for us believe it or not). I just loved attention, it's the performer in me. I used to fake cry like no other. Thankfully, my mom put me in sports at a young age and that was pretty much my ticket to college, where I could play basketball and major in English /Theatre. I got into the fashion game a few years after that and just wasn't happy so I had to make moves. So here I am, in Brooklyn, owning my own business, designing jewelry (far fetched) and still get to do the acting thing.
2. Rosaries and Guns. An unlikely combination but Cubannie Links does it well. How would you describe your brand's aesthetic?
The aesthetic is based on the freedom of expression! It's not meant to cause a rally against violence! You don't look at an artists canvas and say "that's wrong". To me there is no wrong way of doing anything, I am the puppet master, no approval meetings happen over here. Cubannie Links is meant to make girls feel like they are making a fashion statement, being bold and are showing their edge. The brand is meant to be bold, colorful, street chic and just a product that can transcend from one trendy fashionista in Soho, to the runway in Paris to a housewife in North Carolina. There's a little something for everyone.
