Austin James Smith

Occupation Jewelry Designer

Hometown Detriot, Michigan

Current Residence Williamsburg

Austin James Smith is an Avant-garde jewelry designer and NY nightlife personality. He creates edgy medieval designs that meet futuristic punk aesthetics. His creations are a favorite among superstars like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lizzo, and many more. Austin shares what inspires him and gives us some insight into his favorite NYC spots!

WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?
Hot glue and a dream

WHAT CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT AND WHY?
My jewelry satchel. You never know what you may need.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?
Fire Island. I love how close it is to the city yet a completely different world.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN NYC?
I love tracking down obscure restaurants and exploring a neighborhood I don’t usually go to.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON TO SHOW YOU “THEIR NEW YORK CITY,” WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Amanda Lepore, but in the daytime—like, what is she up to all day!?

WHAT OR WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY AND WHY?
I’ve been on a Sorayama aesthetic kick recently. The winter has been giving me futuristic robot vibes.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NYC RESTAURANTS? WHAT DO YOU ORDER THERE?
Love the vibe at Bernie’s in Greenpoint; very classic American but the vibes are elevated. Definitely get the ice cream sundae!

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO SPOT IN NYC FOR DRINKS?
I always find myself having espresso martinis at Indochine.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NYC BRUNCH SPOTS; WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU GO?
Anywhere in the west village. And always pancakes or french toast for the table to share.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR ART FIX IN NYC? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ARTIST?
I love perusing The Met. I could look at renaissance paintings all day. Also, the Brooklyn museums fashion exhibits are killer, the recent Mugler exhibit was jaw-dropping.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LATE-NIGHT HANGOUTS IN NYC AND WHY?
The Nines! It has the best martinis and all-around good energy.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UNDER-THE-RADAR MUST-DO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NYC VISITORS?
Walking through Greenpoint. It isn’t easily accessible by trains so it feels very untouched by the outside world.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NYC STORES AND WHY?
Tokio 7. It has the best vintage selection.

WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
Fka Twigs, always.

WHAT ALBUM OR SONG WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK TO NYC?
“Soak up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow. It’s so camp, I love it. Like, I may be dressed in borderline razor blades for earrings but I’ve got Sheryl Crow in my headphones.

WHEN YOU THINK OF NYC, ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EMOTIONS OR MEMORIES THAT IMMEDIATELY COME TO MIND?
The emotion that comes to mind is gratitude; to be allowed and encouraged to be my full crazy self here, and to be appreciated and celebrated for it!