About David Navarro, 1928-2015
Text is from his obituary in New York Times, September 12, 2015
David Navarro Potter, revered and respected designer of unique, innovative jewelry, died at his home in San Francisco, California on September 10, 2015 at 87 years old. David Bernard Potter was born in Palm Beach, Florida on June 3, 1928 to Richard and Helen Bunker Potter, members of a founding family of Palm Beach.
Leaving the confines of the ultra conservative life in Palm Beach, David decamped to New York City in 1960. An original 'free spirit', David threw himself into a bohemian lifestyle that was Manhattan at the time. He opened a found objects and collectables shop in the East Village aptly named "Beyond Perceptions". His love for collecting beautiful people and beautiful things was featured in Town and Country magazine in 1972. While in New York, he also studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse, modern dance with Martha Graham, created interiors for Bette Davis' residence, while developing a penchant for palm reading.
Sensing an excitement not to be missed in San Francisco, David, with his wife Beverly Miller, and two young daughters, Francine and Jennifer, embarked on a new chapter. David's passion for design manifested in the founding of Navarro Alternatives. David designed one of a kind, never seen before jewelry, while Beverly ran the business, and together they became the unexpected darlings of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, I. Magnin, Barney's New York, Henri Bendel and many fine specialty stores. His revolutionary signature design was a circle and point closure for his "Swept Away" collection, inspired by the film of the same name, directed by Lina Wertmuller in 1974. Today, this design is known as a Toggle Clasp, adopted by an infinite number of designers whom followed in his renegade footsteps. Navarro Alternatives is worn by numerous celebrities and prominent socialites and featured in key publications, such as Women's Wear Daily, W Magazine, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, among others. Navarro also designed art and sculpture, sold his work privately, and showcased in galleries, including the Rizzoli Gallery in San Francisco in the early 1990's.
Photo: Independent Goods