By: Anitra Rakel and Olivia Pierson.

A bronze, worn out chicken? A charming garden decoration? A haute couture necklace by Micha Design? Her pieces are definitely conversation starters – not for the shy or inhibited – but who knows what a Micha piece will bring out in you? Her use of chains and recycled fabrics expertly compliment the vintage broaches and gems she digs up from local swap meets. At her home studio in San Diego, I got the inside scoop on what it takes to be Micha.

Micha Kuechenhoff’s professional history includes 6 years of running an organizing business- take a look around her studio and you will see that organization runs in her blood, even now as a cutting edge jewelry designer with not the least bit of time to spare. Without the strong encouragement from her close friend Lara, founder of the “Thread” trade shows, Micha would probably still be thinking of her craft as a fun hobby, rather than the spark it has become in the fashion industry. Micha reflects: “Every time she [Lara] came home and my door was open she was like ‘What are you doing?’ I’m sitting on the floor, watching TV, making some necklaces…she’s like ‘Mich, in two weeks I have a show. I’ll give you a table so you better start producing!’ ” A glimpse into her studio reveals a myriad of materials, chains, pendants, and objects of all shape, sizes, and hues- neatly strung from wall to wall. The child in me wants to run my hands through the cool metal and toss them into the air with pure shimmering joy, but I maintain my poise and simply observe.

My senses are teased with bins of antique, precious gems and costume jewelry; bare mannequins awaiting their next purpose, a work table outfitted in organized chaos and some worn pliers still linked to a chain wrapped around the neck of a faded white mannequin. Micha explains, “I put one piece on, I do everything around the mannequin. People are always in awe that they fall so well; it is because I do it around the mannequin. You know if it falls around her then it will sit right on you.”As our conversation progresses, Micha becomes alight with energy in the falling night, when creativity comes to call. She describes the process of finding her pieces at the swap meets, and how she now has an inside man on the lookout for special Micha- esque items. I’m amazed at her stamina and wonder where her energy comes from. I ask, does she ever “break down”. She laughs, “I have had it [energy] my whole life,” (claps), “Thank GOD I have it. When I love something, it comes naturally for me. But do I feel tired? Yea, but it’s not that I break down.”

10 years ago she moved from Berlin Germany and settled in San Diego. But with her business growing rapidly, it may be time for this powerhouse of style to stake some new territory. Hollywood celebrities and stylists are requesting Micha Designs at least five days out of the week, making a relocation of her business to L.A inevitable. With a twinkle in her eyes, Micha lets me in on her true feelings, “I’m excited; sometimes I don’t realize the popularity that has happened and even now when people tell me about it I don’t see it. I appreciate it all and hope it keeps growing. I love what I do and it’s amazing to see the response and how it effects people so positively.”

Four Facts about Micha:

1. She is always the last one dancing on rooftops when the sun comes up in Miami.

2. Two of her favorite mannequins have been dubbed Dirty Diana and ZaZah, who is 5’7” with lengthy lashes.

3. She cannot live without her pliers, and has the callouses to prove it.

4. Late at night you’ll find her fast at work listening to books on tape- when the trance music has played itself out.

To find out more about Micha Design, visit her website www.Michadesign.com and make sure to take a peek at her Myspace www.myspace.com/michadesign which gives you a full “How to wear a Micha” tutorial.

*Top two photos by Anitra Rakel. All other photos by JP Agustin. Styling by Reinaldo Irrizarry and hair/make up by Omar Arillen.