We’ve tapped a few of our favorite tastemakers to share what inspires them about beauty, and beyond—how they live their lives, who they look up to, and what’s driven them on their creative paths.
Stephie Tchamanian
FOUNDER + CEO OF LILI CLASPE
When we first saw Lili Claspe’s pieces inspired by the sea—shell-shaped earrings, Baroque pearl charms, nautilus spiral necklaces—we knew they were the perfect match for our holiday of deep beauty. So perfect, in fact, that we teamed up on a photoshoot and intimate dinner to celebrate the season. Founder and jewelry designer Stephie Tchamanian has been growing her line for over a decade, becoming known for creative shoots that define the brand’s artistic vibe. “I love crafting unique pieces that tell a story and reflect personal style. When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me mood boarding new ideas or connecting with other artists.” Let’s dive in.
If I wasn’t a jewelry designer I’d be a creative director
The beauty/skincare product I’m never without is sunscreen
My lifelong beauty hack is keeping chapstick on me at all times. A total game changer! In a pinch, I’ve used chapstick on my eyebrows, lips, cuticles, and even along my hairline to tame those postpartum baby hairs. It’s my secret weapon for quick fixes.
My favorite artist is Adele
My go-to jewelry styling tip is to keep it simple. Dainty pieces work beautifully together—like stacking studs with huggies, which pairs perfectly with chain bracelets or a delicate necklace stack. On the flip side, bold pieces should be styled well, boldly. I have a rule that eye-catching earrings can only be paired with an equally striking bracelet or ring. I like to keep the neck clear when wearing bold earrings, reserving a statement necklace for when I’m wearing a ring instead. This way, each piece shines without overwhelming the rest of the look!
I find design inspiration in so many places! Nature is a big one for me—the colors, textures, and patterns in the natural world spark my creativity.
For self care I prioritize establishing a morning or evening ritual to help set the tone for my day or assist in winding down. This can be as simple as a skincare routine, journaling, or reading a few pages of a book. Self-care doesn’t have to be a big event—even just a few minutes here and there can make a significant difference.
A piece of advice/quote I always go back to is 'Progress over perfection.' This reminds me that it’s okay to take small steps and make mistakes along the way.
The book currently on my nightstand is "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp
Three things that are always in my fridge: eye masks, burrata cheese, and fresh fruit!
A place that means a lot to me is Ojai. It’s my go-to escape from a busy schedule. Whenever I’m there, I truly thrive—my skin glows, I feel stress-free, and I can reconnect with myself. The beautiful landscape and serene atmosphere really help me recharge and find balance.
A piece of jewelry I never take off is my Osha Pinky Ring and Adira Stud Earrings, which I love pairing with my diamond drop earrings that I made myself after the birth of my second son.
The last best show I saw was Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats—they were amazing live!
One of my personal heroes is my sister, Lisa. Even though she’s no longer with us, her unwavering determination and strength continue to inspire me every day. Lili Claspe is named after her, and is a constant reminder of her spirit and the impact she had on my life. She faced challenges with grace and kindness, always supporting those around her. I carry her lessons with me and strive to honor her memory by pursuing my own goals with the same passion and resilience she showed in life.
If I’m feeling stuck creatively I usually take a break from social media. Instagram and Pinterest are great for inspiration, but they can also overload my brain and lead to burnout. Taking a step back helps me clear my mind and reconnect with my own ideas. It’s amazing how a little break can give me a fresh perspective and get my creativity flowing again!
Hannah's Picks
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Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Swipe onto lips for barrier-building hydration with a glossy finish.
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Hannah Traore
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR OF HANNAH TRAORE GALLERY
While Hannah Traore dreamed of becoming a teacher, it seems almost destined that she ended up in the art world. Raised by creative parents in Toronto, she majored in art history at Skidmore College, interned for MoMA’s curatorial department and opened her eponymous gallery in the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York—all at the age of just 29. Her gallery is described as “a space committed to advocating for and celebrating artists who have been historically marginalized from the mainstream narrative.” Through this inclusivity-driven mission, the gallerist slash curator is bringing a fresh perspective to the city’s art scene and lucky for us, she’s only getting started.
If I wasn’t a gallerist I’d be a primary school teacher. It was my dream from preschool to sophomore year of college.
The beauty product I’m never without is my eyebrow brush
My lifelong beauty hack is using face oil morning and night.
My favorite artist is all the artists I've shown in my gallery!
For self care I see friends/family or make art
A piece of advice I always go back to is people are always going to have something to say no matter what you do so you may as well do what you want.
Before opening a show at my gallery, I always buy my artists flowers
The book currently on my nightstand is Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende
Three things that are always in my fridge: pickles, olives, and sparkling water
A place that means a lot to me is my father's village in the west of Mali. I’m the happiest when I’m there with my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and over 50 cousins. I love spending time in the place that my father grew up in.
Last best show I saw was Arther Jaffa at David Zwirner
One of my personal heroes is anyone who is willing to lose their dream/career to stand up for what they believe in—Flo-Jo, Al Joyner, and Colin Kaepernick for example.
My favorite city is Toronto, because it’s the most multicultural city in the world and my family is there.
Hannah's Picks
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Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Swipe onto lips for barrier-building hydration with a glossy finish.
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Sophie Dalah
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOPHIE'S TABLE
LA-based chef Sophie Dalah is passionate about feeding people. And while delicious food is the main offering of her catering company Sophie’s Table, she designs more than just a good menu. By merging food, floristry, and tablescaping, Sophie creates artful culinary moments that feel intimate and interactive. The Australian-born creative infuses life experiences into her work—drawing upon her Jewish Iraqi heritage and upbringing to tell different food stories, while letting seasonal and local produce shape her menus. With a long list of diverse clients including Sézane, Nike, Rhode—and ILIA—Sophie’s artistry takes on many flavors.
If I wasn’t a chef I’d be an antique collector
The beauty product I’m never without is an eyebrow pencil
My lifelong beauty + skincare hack is moving my body
My favorite artist is Lee Krasner, I was extremely moved by The Seasons at the Whitney recently
My favorite hosting tip is plan a meal that can be prepped ahead of time so you can spend time with your guests and not in the kitchen, maybe just finishing off parts as food goes out
For self care I swim in salt water, I’m always reluctant
A piece of advice I always go back to is if you don’t ask, you don’t get
My favorite recipe to make is any kind of braise. I do love making chicken pozole, though I don’t have a recipe. I should write one.
The book currently on my nightstand is all about love by bell hooks
Three things that are always in my fridge: pickles, eggs, prosciutto
Last best show I saw was mk.gee in LA
One of my personal heroes is Mimi Thorisson
Sophie's Picks
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Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Smooth on like a serum for dewy coverage and mineral SPF.
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Laufey
MUSICIAN
“My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” says LA-based, Icelandic-Chinese superstar Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy). Since the September 2023 release of her GRAMMY-winning second album Bewitched, the composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has proved how staying true to oneself can result in creating a space where people can find themselves. And at 25, she’s just getting started. With sold-out tours worldwide, performances with the LA Phil and China Philharmonic Orchestra, an appearance at the Met Gala, and TikTok-viral beauty looks—she’s charting her own path while her music climbs the charts.
If I wasn't a musician I'd be an author
The beauty/skincare product I'm never without on tour is a good facial moisturizer! It gets so dry on the tour bus and on planes!
My lifelong beauty routine is sleeping as much as possible!
My desert island album is Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen to You
For Self care I call my sister and parents often
A piece of advice I always go back to is to chase your passion! If you’re fortunate enough to have a burning passion for something you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
The book currently on my nightstand is Babel by R.F. Kuang
Three things that are always in my fridge: icelandic skyr, eggs and strawberry jam
A place that means a lot to me is Iceland. It’s my home!
Last best show I saw was Taylor Swift’s Eras. It’s a masterclass in performance.
One of my personal heroes is Ella Fitzgerald
So far my favorite age is 25!
Photo Credit : Nicole Mago
Laufey's Picks
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Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
Swipe and blend to blur skin with weightless coverage.
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