The Label: Lauren Craft Collection
Based In: Houston, Texas
Designed By: Lauren Craft, who studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and cut her teeth at Alexis Bittar before moving back to Texas to launch her namesake collection of bold, edgy baubles in 2011. "The idea behind my line was to create functional pieces of art," Craft tells TFI. "Wear my pieces day or night, they'll fit in any atmosphere and be noticed."
Looks Like: Describing her aesthetic as "everyday glamour," Craft takes iconic shapes, materials and motifs (bangles, crosses, skulls, stars, moons, pearls and diamonds) and re-imagines them in ways that feel both fresh and familiar (emphasis on the fresh). Neat trick, that. Her fall 2012 inspiration stemmed from a trip to Europe and features dark, romantic pieces fashioned from rutilated quartz and druzy (heavy on the skulls), while spring 2013 incorporates colors from India, softened to be more wearable, with an emphasis on baroque pearls, coral, light sapphires and moonstones—all finished with the designer's signature champagne diamonds. "My whole life I have loved jewelry," she says. "I can't think of anything else that would inspire me more than designing this collection." It shows. Next up, she plans to introduce a line of bejeweled clutches. As for her ideal customer, says Craft: "She can be the fabulous twentysomething or the iconic sixtysomething. My pieces work for every woman who has the right sensibility and attitude."
Sold At: The Lauren Craft collection retails for $3,000 to $12,000 at boutiques nationwide including Switch, Coquette, Allison by the Beach, Lissa Fine Jewelry, Elinoff Gallery, Sloan/Hall, Eliza Page and Boom & Mellow in Dubai, or online at Lauren Craft Collection.
graphic design by K Sarna
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