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brandhabit's interview with
Ali Precious

Q: What inspires you to design?
A: The power of great jewelry to transform any basic ensemble, increase self confidence and make a statement

Q: What one word best describes your designs?
A: Intricate

Q: If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
A: Too hard to pick ONE

Q: Who is your favorite new designer, besides your own collection?
A: FORMAL: Marchesa, SHOES: Jimmy Choo, BAGS: Marc Jacobs, CLOTHING: Rebecca Taylor

Q: What bag do you lust for this season?
A: I love my Botkier Glazed Taupe messenger/handbag

Q: What charitable cause is most important to you?
A: Lupus and other chronic illnesses

Q: What did you do before you became a designer?
A: PR and Wedding Coordination

Q: What is your secret indulgence (fashion or otherwise)?
A: Fashion and Gossip Magazines

This might have been the story of an inherently creative, passionate, and dedicated girl with a killer fashion sense, whose chronic illness diagnosis during her teenage years forced her to abandon her dreams of influencing the fashion industry.

But that is not this story.

This is the story of Ali Pesche, a devout fashionista who was diagnosed with a chronic illness at the tender age of thirteen. Fashion magazines and jewelry construction gave the young designer a distraction from surroundings of hospital walls, needles, and monitors.

Though Ali was unable to control her health, she had full control over her creations and executed every detail to perfection. She developed a look good, feel good attitude and proved that her illness could not get the best of her- and it didn't.

Ali attended college at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she graduated from (four years later) with highest honors. She viewed every day as another opportunity to do something brilliant, never missed class and held a part time job at a boutique. Even some of her closest friends were unaware of her condition.

Following graduation, Ali returned to Chicago, still creating jewelry and learning new metalsmithing techniques. She used her degree and fashion sense in PR, creating monthly designer must-have lists for the fashion-savvy. Instead of developing an expensive addiction to the jewelry she highlighted, she examined the construction and made her own, both inspired and original pieces.

Ali combined her stylish eye and creative nature with self-study and formal coursework in gems and metals to further her skills. Her masterful collection of unique and beautiful jewelry grew to need it's own room and word quickly spread. Friends, family, and even complete strangers were admiring her creations and encouraging her to sell on a daily basis (insisting they would be devout customers). At this point Ali knew she needed to take the leap and become a full-time jewelry designer.

After much hard work and careful planning, Ali Precious, a nickname she was given by some friends, was launched in 2007. The line features jewelry that blends classic chic and contemporary flair. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, hand selected, and meticulously hand crafted. Ali embraces diversity and explores various techniques, from metal crafting to hand wrapping.

Whatever your style may be, you are sure to find a piece to make you look and feel absolutely precious.
Precious Cargo

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LUCKY Magazine feature

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IMAGE Magazine Spread

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Summer Top 10 List

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CS Brides
Highlights Ali Precious as one of the best, stand out local designers for wedding jewelry
LUCKY magazine: Chicago feature

Chicago Mayor's Fashion Council
Designer highlight, listing and bio... helping to put Chicago on the fashion map!
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LUCKY: August 2008
Exclusive 20% savings at aliprecious.com using the discount code "AUGLOCALBREAK"
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Leighton Aliprecious Precious-cargo-l Luckylarge Image_spread Press-top10l Aliprecious1 Csbridescover Ali_precious_1 Img_1124 Img_1124_2


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