944

The Man Behind the Line Called Liquid Metal

After a recent dinner at Solea, my date dragged me through the lobby of the W South Beach and into the gift shop where she breathlessly showed me a few pieces of jewelry. It was exquisite stuff – an elegant turn on a very regal tradition – and from the look in this chick’s eyes I knew the line was worth its weight in proverbial gold.

That line, of course, was Liquid Metal, and the mastermind behind it is a man named Sergio Guterriez. The next day I was on the phone with my editor here at 944 explaining just what Liquid Metal does to a woman, and she immediately concurred: we had to cover the story.

Below lies a quick Q&A with the San Franciscan transplant, whose knockout goods can be found on the bodies of starlets like Annette Bening, Tyra Banks and Toni Braxton, and, of course, in only the most discriminating establishments. But don’t take our word for it (or theirs); pick up an SG piece and give it to someone you dig. You’ll be dug right back for life.

How’d you get your start?

I started out in San Francisco, California about 17 years ago. There I developed the mesh made out of ball chain. I always say the Liquid Metal Collection merges vintage style with modern industrial ball chain.

In 1994, my ball chain mesh designs caught the attention of designer Betsy Johnson. She invited me to premiere the line exclusively for her retail stores. In 1996, we expanded to Nordstrom, Bebe and Cache. As the company grew, the line extended nationwide to major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Ontario, Canada. In 2000 we grew more into selling to high end boutiques and specialty stores.

Why the name Liquid Metal?

It fit us perfectly. It’s metal that becomes liquid as we make the jewelr, which is soldered dot-by-dot, by hand, with tools that I created for this craftsmanship.

What kind of woman wears Liquid Metal?

Gosh, all woman from the girls who love Betsey J to women that are 70, 80 years old that come to my trade shows and have been faithful customers for years. All ages. Liquid metal is timeless.

If you had to pinpoint a philosophy behind your designs, what would it be?

Were there is more a philosophy in my work I would say it is more directed towards my one of a kind collection, these one-of-a-kind creations have undergone a transformation or “rebirth” of liquid mesh, microchips and metal soldering techniques. Sometimes I use antique bottles and swords.

I use a lot of microchips that have been transformed by me and show the inside or what I usually call “the skeletons of them.” I like to transmit to people to be more aware of how we use technology in a positive way rather that negative, to have technology help us instead of destroying us etc. Technology is the most powerful tool we have now and we must maintain a well-bred continence to be able to use it well.

Is there a specific reason why Liquid Metal is sold exclusively in select boutiques around the country?

Yes, through time we found that are most faithful customers are indeed the small and medium shops, boutiques that have exclusive designer items. They show the product better, sometimes better than big corporate department stores, so we have focus more on them now.

All of your pieces are hand-crafted. Are there even tools or machines capable of mass-producing your line?

No, there are not, which is why I have created them. There are tools like soldering/flame that help me put all this together, but I designed them, and it’s still a one-dot-by-dot-at-a-time soldering technique.

You’re most famous perhaps for your bracelets, belts and necklaces. But you’ve also created some exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces, such as bayonets and daggers. Is there a chance that we’ll see more of such rarities in the near future?

Oh yes! I also love that part of my work and if all goes according to plan, by fall we should open up a store and you will be able to see much more of it.

Why’d you choose Miami as your base of operations?

I love Miami. It’s close to South America, New York and even Europe. I like the weather and the blue ocean that invites you in. It’s a fun place, lots of music, and it’s very sexy all year long. Why not?

What can the world expect to see from Sergio Gutierrez and Liquid Metal in 2010 (and beyond)?

More interesting mesh is coming by summer for sure (with stainless steel parts), and a store that shows all the wonderful aspects or our collection (www.lmcollection.com).

We also will feature lots more bracelets, purses, accessories (leather and mesh), as well as the denim collection that carries metal embellishments. It’s not you’re traditional blue jean; it’s very high-end and limited in edition. Very fashionable.

You can find Sergio Guterriez’s Liquid Metal in Mia, Simons & Green, Via Moda, Kristine Michael, Soulier, Heart & Soul, and the South Beach W Hotel’s gift shop.