Sculpted in Style
Jeweler Donnie Johnson makes fashion personal
By Mandy Holmes / Photo by Beverly Shumway
Don “Donnie” Johnson – artist, jeweler and founder of Donnie Jewels in Old Town Scottsdale – has a personal style that’s clean, intentional and casual.
“I’m much more interested in how an outfit comes together than how much any individual piece costs,” Johnson says. “For me, style is about wearing the fit – not letting the fit wear you.”
His wardrobe starts with a deliberately simple canvas: great-fitting T-shirts, earth tones, denim, tailored trousers and clean sneakers, with brands like Buck Mason and Zegna in the mix. From there, jewelry provides the personality.
Johnson favors one or two exceptional pieces over an overly styled look, whether choosing a strong chain, a sculptural pendant, a watch or a ring. His approach is rooted in restraint, craftsmanship and individuality rather than logos or passing trends.
Come fall, he gravitates toward deeper colors and lightweight layers, pairing them with heavier yellow-gold chains or a statement ring. “You don’t have to look expensive. You just have to look intentional,” he says.
What era in fashion needs a revival? The 1990s. There was a confidence and individuality to the fashion, and jewelry felt more like personal expression than simply a brand advertisement. My work lives somewhere between street culture and high jewelry, so that spirit resonates with me.
What is your most prized possession in your closet? A Jesus pendant – the first architectural sculpture I made in silver as a prototype. It’s connected to my spiritual journey, but it also represents an important point in my evolution as an artist. That piece helped define what I still love today: sculptural form, brushed metal, intricate detail, and craftsmanship that doesn’t depend on covering everything in diamonds.
What is your favorite store? Well Suited. I like walking into a place where the selection feels unexpected. There’s something exciting about finding a piece with character and figuring out how to make it your own.
The Classic Edit
Lauren Tyler Watts finds beauty in simplicity
By Mandy Holmes / Photo by Beverly Shumway
Lauren Tyler Watts has never been concerned with following the latest trends. The stepmom, dog mom, event producer and dedicated Arizona Humane Society supporter has a simple and classic aesthetic that feels effortlessly polished, timeless and entirely her own.
Often times, she gravitates toward a timeless black dress and blazer, perfectly fitted bootcut jeans and pieces from favorite brands like L’Agence, Cinq à Sept, Manolo Blahnik and J.Crew – all chosen for their ability to be worn again and styled in fresh ways. “I’ve learned to dress a little more ‘my age’ and to embrace what I feel comfortable in, rather than what is trendy,” Watts says.
Her inspiration includes Lee Radziwill’s polished, individual style, while her dream fashion revivals span 1960s Chanel to 1990s Tom Ford. And while Watts doesn’t claim to have a “secret style hack,” she does have one essential: a great tailor.
Among all the beautiful pieces in her closet, her most treasured is also the most sentimental – her grandmother’s tennis bracelet, given to her by her mother and now worn almost daily.
Ultimately, Watts’ style is much like her approach to life: classic, personal and never trying too hard.
How do you transition your wardrobe from summer to fall in the Arizona heat? Dresses and boots or Rails flannel shirts. They can be layered easily with jeans to adjust to the temp.
Which fall item are you looking forward to wearing most once the weather cools down? Sweaters from the brand The Great. I’ve recently discovered this brand and their sweaters look so yummy! I can’t wait to start wearing them.
How does your career influence your style? I work on a large-scale charitable event from October to February so most of the time I’m in sneakers and Vuori.