Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Worn Out Wednesday – Justin Giunta

My name is Justin Giunta. I am an artist and designer living in New York.  

I am known for my fashion jewelry brand, Subversive Jewelry, but I started as and have maintained the profession of Artist. 

Studying studio art, I earned my BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and moved directly to New York to get started being an artist. 

Immediately upon arrival in New York, I started making industrial and fashion design products to sell in Manhattan boutiques.  I would make t-shirts, chandeliers, and eventually jewelry, and carry my wares to boutiques to sell.  I always had enough positive response to chart my creative career according to what I wanted to make, and then finding the customers to purchase them.

Within a few short years Subversive was being styled in many editorials for major US and international publications.   Subversive Jewelry received several industry awards and has been recognized for its influence on the world of contemporary fashion jewelry.  As my unique aesthetic of deconstructed chic started to trend I started collaborating with ready to wear designers to create unique jewelry for their collections.  My first collaboration was with New York milliner Rod Keenan New York; we put rediscovered  charms and vintage finery onto wool fedoras for men to give each hat the feeling of a cabinet of curiosities.  I helped Alexander Wang bedazzle some cashmere when he was starting out as simply a knit collection, then onto Tory Burch, Target, DKNY, J. Mendel, and Calvin Klein to name a few others.  

I continue to create Subversive Jewelry and collaborate with other designers.  Soon I will be launching a lighting collection with Avrett Designs based in Charleston South Carolina, as well as a small high-end jewelry collection for Subversive Jewelry, which will consist of 18k gold and precious stones for both men and women.  

When I am not designing jewelry I still maintain my studio art practices.  Painting and drawing are my passion. I have yet to have my work shown in New York galleries, but I exercise my creativity daily, and there is always the hope for tomorrow. 

Below Mr. Giunta tells us about his personal style.

Related Article:

Rod Keenan on How to Wear a Hat.

Jeans: Levis 511 in Black

Shirts: I have my shirts custom made by Gabriella Carlson Studio in New York and Jussara Lee also in New York.

Pants: Rick Owens, Martin Margiela, Prada

Suits: Dior, Dries Van Noten

Shoes: Guidi Boots all the time!

Accessories: Subversive Jewelry Rod Keenan Hats

Outerwear: YSL for formal occasions, Rick Owens trench for rain outings, Columbia Down Puffer for standing out in the cold, and Y-3 when wind breaking.

Favorite Cologne: Comme de Garcon Incense

Your favorite App: Flipagram, allows me to make slideshows as a single social media post. 

Favorite piece of technology:  3d Printers that print in metal!

Next tech purchase:  3D modeling software: Z-Brush

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Vacheron Constantin says this is the world’s most complicated watch
Intricate doesn't begin to describe this Vacheron Constantin watch
close up on The Berkley Grand Complication

Although watches tend can come in various colors and designs, they are timeless and elegant. These sleek accessories have earned their spot in all wardrobes as they make for the perfect touch to any look and make for a wonderful collection to start. However, when it comes to the overall make and model of watches, it’s rare to see them stray from the typical design. That notion is being tested and challenged by Vacheron Constantin, who has designed the world’s most complicated watch. 

Although it seems like a tall task, Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication is unlike any timepiece you’ve seen yet. True to its word, this watch contains intricacies that you won’t find anywhere else, truly giving it the moniker of the world’s most complicated watch. With stellar craftsmanship and unique details, this watch is about to become a stellar item for any watch collector.
What to expect from Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication

Read more
The pre-owned luxury watch market is down, but prices for these 2 Rolexes are up
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi

According to the Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index, which tracks the 50 most traded luxury watches, the pre-owned luxury watch market moved down around 0.1% last month, marking the sign of a patient market that wants more. This isn't necessarily surprising —the index has fallen 8.7% in the past year. But there are a couple of Rolex watches that are bucking the trend: the Rolex Starbucks and the Rolex Pepsi, which gained 3.2% and 3.3%, respectively.

The overall stagnation of the watch market can have various factors, including anticipation for newer releases. External factors like economic and geopolitical conflicts have also affected the way consumers choose to purchase watches. Prices soared during the pandemic, so a leveling out at some point was expected.
What are the ‘Starbucks’ and ‘Pepsi’ watches from Rolex?

Read more
The 7 best Canada Goose vests for men in 2024
best canada goose vests for men vest

When it comes to expanding your wardrobe, it is important to step out of your comfort zone. For some men, that might mean opting for pieces of clothing that they normally wouldn't purchase and for others, that could mean trying out a new brand or type of apparel. If you're a guy that is in search of something new to add to your closet, there is nothing easier and more versatile than a new vest. Before you stop reading, let us explain to you why vests are an easy to wear item.

A vest is the perfect added layer to a hoodie, long sleeve shirt, button down or sweater. If you don't want to wear a long and heavy coat but still want to stay warm, a vest is the ideal choice. These kinds of vests will offer you insulation and style at the same time. What more could you want? For those who want to try out a vest for the first time or add another vest to your collection, there is no better brand to check out than Canada Goose. Known for their warm, luxurious and stylish outerwear, this beloved brand is one of the most-sought after on the market.

Read more