The vibrant colors and intricate inlays of an Edie Parker clutch make it hard not to do a double take. A fervent collector of vintage handbags from the 50s and 60s, designer Brett Heyman has turned the evening bag game on it’s head with her modern and wonderfully cheeky interpretation of retro minaudières. Each clutch is made with pearlescent and glitter flecked acrylics and handcrafted using traditional techniques right here in the States. Her bags, her style, her bold and innovative spirit, we love it all. We recently caught up with the New York designer – along with the lovely ladies of The Stone Set – as she took us on a jaunt through FD Gallery, a boutique on the Upper East Side that boasts a beautifully curated collection of art, books, and most impressively, estate jewelry. From pieces with historical provenance to rare Cartier clutches and vintage pineapple ice buckets, it’s no wonder Brett constantly finds inspirational refuge inside the ultimate cabinet of curiosities.

How did you first discover FD Gallery? Good luck. It opened across from my favorite little cafe Terra Mare which unfortunately closed.

How do the historic and vintage pieces from FD Gallery inspire your designs for Edie Parker? I am particularly inspired by the way colored stones are combined – amethyst with coral, jade with onyx, turquoise with rubies or emeralds. Jewelry can be so densely colored and I love to try to recreate that.

Why do you love coming here? Because its amazing! They have the most beautfully curated selection of jewelry and objects. Plus everyone who works here is wonderful.

How often to you visit? Too much! Its right in the middle of my home and my work and they have a candy bar! It’s understandable . . .

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry from your personal collection? My wedding band.

What pieces are you drawn to the most? Obviously the ones with historical significance are fascinating, but I love all the little antique pieces as well.

(photographed by The Stone Set; FD Gallery located at 65th Street & Madison; Edie Parker clutches available here and below)