Welcome, Ilaria!
Attention everyone! We want to take a minute to offer a warm welcome to our 
new Director of Design at Hearts On Fire – Ilaria Lanzoni!
So, who exactly is Ilaria and what is she here to do? I just had to take a few minutes to sit down and get to know her a little better, and wow is she going to be fun!
Because, born and raised in Italy, Ilaria is here to inspire the world of Hearts On Fire with her passion, imagination and drive. She’s got a great head of wild red curls, she’s witty and fun, and she works insanely hard. Could we have asked for anyone better to join our amazing Hearts On Fire family?
HOF Girl: So we’ve seen the “official” announcement, but can you tell us a little about your background to just get us started?
Ilaria: Sure! Well, as you know I am a native of Italy and have lived many places around the world, most recently London. I’ve been in design for almost 17 years and before coming over here was the Head Designer for Garrads in London. Prior to that I also designed for Asprey Fine Jewellery in London and helped launch their collections.
HOF Girl: So, since you just moved to the US for the first time, what will you miss the most about London and Europe? And what are you most excited about?
Ilaria: Well, when I first moved to London I thought it would only be for a few months, so I could have a chance to learn English better. I ended up staying for 12 years, so while it was enjoyable overall, what they say about the dreary weather is so true! I absolutely hated the weather in London and I while I moved to Boston during the coldest, gloomiest part of the year, I am so excited to finally have a nice summer again!
Also, I have to admit, I’m so excited to indulge in American ice cream! You could take me away from all the food in the world, but I couldn’t survive without ice cream. Haagen Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s….I’ve already noticed so many things to try in Boston! And the idea of new flavors is just so exciting (and dangerous…).
HOF GIRL: What made you accept a role in the Hearts On Fire family?
Ilaria: I actually wasn’t looking to make a change, but when this opportunity arose, it obviously peaked my interest. Hearts On Fire is such a great company and this new role is a huge challenge, but as an extremely proud and stubborn person, that type of challenge is actually exciting to me.
Plus, I obviously move around a lot and new places are exciting to me. I knew it would be tough to come to the U.S., but once I started feeling scared, I knew that I absolutely had to go for it!
HOF Girl: What kind of inspiration do you have for Hearts On Fire?
Ilaria: As any designer, I came in with big ideas. However, I want to definitely keep in mind the characteristics that have gotten this Company to the place it is today. Hearts On Fire is known for classic, beautiful jewelry and I plan on continuing that tradition with more diamond stud earrings, engagement rings, etc. But I also think that I bring a new ability to give things a twist and refresh our designs, plus add more collections that are trendy and glamorous (but still classic). I want to ultimately design jewelry that makes people excited about Hearts On Fire, and makes people proud to wear it and talk about it.
HOF Girl: So, now I have a few questions just for fun! Imagine you are in a job interview again…What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself (and why?)
Ilaria: (laughing) This part is actually hard, I hate to talk about myself. Besides the ones I’ve told you already about being stubborn and proud, I would definitely say that I am really active, I can never sit still and I absolutely love Zumba! I also would say that I am thinker – I just get totally stuck inside my own head and can’t help but to always be planning something. And then I would say an explorer. This probably ties into the “not being able to sit still” part, but I love traveling and my favorite thing right now is just getting lost and exploring Boston. I walk everywhere!
HOF Girl: So you’re a designer and a fashionista! Do you have any secrets on the best (aka your favorite) place to shop?
Ilaria: Well, I still need to learn the hot spots here in Boston, but I know I really like DKNY! As for England, my favorite place was Selfridge’s, a department store in London. It’s probably comparable to Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales and other luxury department stores you have here. But to be honest, my favorite part of Selfridge’s is the home department…I know, probably not what you were expecting.
HOF Girl: This question is always fun – If I were to dump out your handbag right now, what items would we find inside?
Ilaria: Well, if you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have said “What could you NOT find in my handbag!” But now, actually, I am working on downsizing what I carry around all the time and I hardly have anything in there. I don’t even carry my makeup anymore! It’s tough because now I sometimes go to look for things and realize I don’t have it with me (which is frustrating), but overall I like the lighter load to haul around.
But there are two things I always have one me. First is a bottle of vanilla body spray, which I keep in my bag and in my work drawer. I absolutely LOVE it….I actually love everything that is vanilla scented – candles, body lotions, shower gel – but my vanilla body spray from Boots in London is a must-have all the time. I’ve already looked for something similar in Boston and can’t find anything like it, so looks like I need to stock up!
The other item I always have on me is a little strange, but it’s my tape measure. With learning all these conversions over here (I mean really, how big is an inch??), it’s the most precious thing I have right now!
HOF Girl: So every woman has an accessory and/or article of clothing that 
she couldn’t live without. What is yours?
Ilaria: Finally, an easy one - handbags! I especially love Mulberry and Prada, but I really just love them all. I also have an obsession with shoes, especially flip flops. I always buy them when I travel or shop! It’s a bit crazy, considering I’ve lived in the dreary English weather for so long, but for example, last year in Malaysia I bought eight pairs. I’m hoping to now have a chance to wear them!
HOF Girl: And of course, what is your favorite (current) HOF diamond jewelry design?
Ilaria: It might be strange to know that someone who designs fashion jewelry doesn’t wear a ton herself, but it’s true. For myself, I really love the classic Beloved pendant and will wear that all the time. I don’t wear earrings at all, but I do love rings, and am especially in love with the whole Diamond Bar stackable collection. My two favorites are the Diamond Bar Beaded Crown Band (such a fun design!) and the Diamond Band Single Prong Milgrain Band.
Thanks so much to Ilaria for taking the time to sit down with me! I know I can’t wait to see what brilliant designs she comes up with, and I’m sure you can’t either! Stay tuned for big product news from Hearts On Fire in the coming months, plus much more from behind-the-scenes with Ilaria…
♥ HOF Girl
