Click for more looks from Heidi Gardner Spring/Summer 2014.

Walking into Heidi Gardner’s Spring/Summer 2014 presentation, no one knew what to expect from the dark designer with a history of unusual presentations. In past years, she has used blood, organs, and people dressed in bondage to display her collections. This time, the jewelry was more accessible and the presentation reflected that.

It took place in a bare gallery with moody rock music playing and videos displayed on the walls. Later, live music was brought out and added another element to the relaxed presentation. Models wore nude outfits, had dewy skin, and kept their hair natural. In the collection, there were shark teeth, sea urchins, starfish, and sea horses instead of the skulls and cross bones from previous collections. The items were sharp with corners that could definitely hurt, but also delicate with chains and glossy metal. Silver and gold sea creatures were on chains for necklaces and were attached to cuffs, rings, and earrings inspired by the ocean.

While speaking to the designer, she shed some light on the change from dark designs to a lighter collection. “I wanted to make a line that was a little bit pulled back and more accessible to a wider variety of people but still being a dangerous element,” Gardner said. So I thought that the ocean was kind of the perfect way to do that because the creatures of the ocean are already so dangerous anyway so it doesn’t take too much to make them more dangerous.”

Along with designing jewelry that is less intimidating, Heidi Gardner wants to bring her company to a wider audience with the collection. “It’s more accessible I think. And it’s also a little bit more personal in the sense that each piece can be worn in three or four or five different ways, which I think is fun.” The new collection is a different direction for the designer and is a welcome change from her darker, previous designs. No matter what her inspirations are, she is always her own and says it the best herself.

“I don’t want to be influenced by what anyone else is doing.  I want my brand and my business to be completely original.”

Tatianna Hunter is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].