by Dennis Richardson
Beverly Hills, CA – Contemporary menswear brand Milli Point Two debuts its RED drop; a cohesive 12-piece collection of standout silhouettes in red (and blue) leather garments, built upon the foundation laid by the inaugural ‘Day One’ collection, marking a vibrant evolution in Milli Point Two’s creative direction, and highlighting the brand’s fearless approach to design. The ‘RED’ drop is an initial step from inside the walls of the European label’s recently launched flagship on Canon Drive (Beverly Hills, CA) assembly. Despite its name, the color palette is led by color-block’ esque etchings of red and blue, symbolizing the primary colors of America. The bold palette also acts invasively as a representation of the brand’s intervention into the colder hues of 90s-inspired mise-en-scène. Designs are deliberately raunchy with a ‘rockstar meets grunge’ attitude. The RED collection will be available to shop by appointment at the brand’s flagship 333 N. Canon Dr. Beverly Hills, (CA) 90210, to make an appointment click here.
Credit: Milli Point Two
Some of the RED hero styles include the: Flocker raincoat, a luxurious take on a classic packable raincoat design, oversized and made from 100% Italian nylonide silk / Dissector jacket, a heavy premium leather trucker jacket ft. a boxy oversized shape with a prominent crop / Anthea pant, a leather streamlined bootcut pant inspired by classic boxing attire, featuring a silk waist-line insert that resembles boxing shorts that protrude from the pant waistline, the pant features elongated back pockets with removable patch, and the Netherfront leather vest, a leather heavyweight full-grain function-meets-luxury fabric, all clad in blocks of vibrant red and blue, featuring the label’s signature ‘3D’ finish, to name a few.
Credit: Milli Point Two
The accompanying RED campaign is heavily inspired by every raving and raging subculture from the 90s. For the shoot itself, the central inspirational framework was 90s Wall Street, the golden years of power suiting and office extravagance. The visuals were shot in a ‘stereotypical 90s office’ setting, with its characters hinting at a love/lust triangle scenario, that puts a lifelong friendship to the test. In the flurry of tobacco smoke, hardwood executive tables and analog printers, stand the otherworldly red-blue garments, striking through the narrative, leaving a taste as though the characters come from a parallel future, while still trying to assimilate to the frenetic life of the 90s.
“There was a lot of thinking, rethinking and (oftentimes) overthinking involved before we noticed that the true solution was right in front of our eyes. It lies in everything that we’ve done so far, just brought up to the next level considering fabrics, color finishes, and cuts, with a few surprises along the way. The RED collection symbolizes our first venture into a series of experimentational episodes on our base aesthetic, as well as a deep dive into the anatomies of our signature pieces.” –Tomislav/Tomo (Founder / Designer / Milli Point Two).
About Milli Point Two
MILLI POINT TWO is an independent advanced contemporary fashion brand founded by the Croatian-born design-duo Anthea Bebek & Tomislav Trcak, who are also at the helm of the brand’s creative efforts. MILLI POINT TWO is a menswear brand, although it emphasizes a unisex approach. It offers a variety of special-cut and highly curated garments that include Japanese denim & Italian leather outerwear & trousers, silk shirting, and t-shirts & sweatshirts of highest quality jersey cottons. The brand is heavily focused on delivering a blend of unprecedented traditional Italian manufacturing and outlandish, oversized, and eclectic silhouettes, often adorned with motifs created in collaboration with various independent artists.
The clothing itself is conceptualized to be very limited and of uncompromised quality, with a design philosophy that allows the focal pieces to truly speak for themselves in terms of their unique narrative, design, and meticulous attention to detail. Milli aims to deliver small, but highly effective collections with a strong technical foundation and a unique yet sound voice.
Schedule an appointment to visit Milli Point Two here. Learn more about Milli Point Two at their website: https://millipointtwo.co/
by Dennis Richardson
30 Years Strong
Timeless, classic, and elegant are just a few words used to describe her designs, yet, somehow they are much more than that. LA’s very own Jane Booke—a native Angeleno designing luxury bespoke dresses, jumpsuits and coats—has long been capable of creating designs embodying the utmost bohemian styles. Crediting Camelot and Star Wars as her key inspiration, it’s no wonder she continues to captivate the minds and hearts of those she dresses today.
As attention spans shrink in this social media age, trends continue to see shorter cycles before everyone moves on to the next thing. However, at the heart of fashion relevance and perseverance, simplicity, convenience, and reliability reign supreme. Jane understands the everyday woman and her needs, believing in fashion that makes sense, like ‘wash and wear’ silk dresses and coats to create a glamorous look with the practicality needed for women on the go.
Jane has always stayed true to her aesthetic as she reimagines her heritage designs while honoring her personal style, and it’s evident in her latest Summer 2023 line. We had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with Jane to get some insight into her story, accomplishments, style, and how she’s managed to create the successful label that she has. Read on for more about Jane and her brand, and shop her Summer 2023 collection at Jane Booke.
Q&A With Jane Booke
Q: Hi Jane! To start us off, would you mind letting readers know some of your story? What led you down the path to create your label?
JB: Since I was a young girl I’ve always loved beauty. As a child, my parents traveled constantly, which left me pretty much on my own. Now I wouldn’t change that for the world because I had no choice but to be creative, whether it was music, clothing, or art.
As a teenager, I traveled every year to stay with my father in the south of France. We would always stop in London, where I searched the vintage stores and found stunning dresses from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Some of the best pieces I found were in London. They weren’t really wearable because the fabric was so old, so when I returned back to the states, inspired by these dresses, I had the idea to create similar pieces in newer fabrics. I never intended to start my own line, but friends and passersby alike kept asking about my clothes. I began my own line about 30 years ago and have been creating these signature, bespoke pieces ever since.
Q: At nearly 30 years old, how has Jane Booke evolved from its early years to now? Is there a unique bit of DNA that continues to live on even in today’s designs, or is it drastically different?
JB: In a world where trends are over the top, and only last a few minutes, I have stuck with classic designs which are timeless. There is DNA in my line from 25 years ago. I might change something here and there, and it looks completely different. However, it is still timeless. I’ve even had clients call me and ask if I have any “OG“ Jane Booke dresses available, and they search for them on eBay. That said, my designs and overall aesthetic has remained pretty consistent over the years – I focus on creating a core collection of styles that can withstand the test of time. Each season I find new ways to freshen up these classics, with interesting fabrics, patterns,etc. All my fabrics even the faux fur, Silks and Velvet are all washable and dryable. I have an aversion to trendy clothing, and my formula works to keep my clothes timeless.
Q: It’s not always easy to make something classic with the ability to withstand the test of time. How do you go about capturing the timeless nature of your designs? Does it start with a color, simple design choices, or something more?
JB: My designs begin in my head. I might see something that inspires me.
Fairytales have always been an inspiration to me. Art is another huge inspiration. Modern art mixed with pre-Raphaelite art is what I strive for in my designs. I believe the combination of old meets new keeps my clothes timeless. I might see a neckline, or a sleeve in a painting that will inspire a completely new dress.
Q: Where has your inspiration stemmed from over the years?
JB: I think the best way to explain my collection is “Camelot meets Star Wars.”
It might sound strange, but the ancient and the modern when they come together, make a classic dress or coat. My pieces can last a lifetime.
Q: How do you approach trends? Are they something to tap into every once in a while, or do you steer clear and stay strictly in your own lane?
JB: I don’t follow trends unless it’s by accident! Trends are not personal to me. I want my clothes to have heart, and I want women to feel that when they wear them.
It’s important to me that I design pieces that will keep their value forever.
Q: There’s always a word or two that comes to mind when you think of a brand or experience their product. What is it that you want women to feel when they think of and wear Jane Booke?
JB: I believe women have been trying to be more like men in order to be respected.
I tell the women who buy my clothes that their power is in their femininity.
Nine times out of 10, when a woman puts on one of my pieces, they actually stand taller, and their confidence level goes way up like they could conquer the world.
Q: Are there any struggles that you and the label faced, and how did you overcome them?
JB: The biggest struggle I’ve faced in my career is that I really never sought out to be a designer – as crazy as it sounds, one day I was just “in the business.” I got my start when Les Habitudes saw me in one of my pieces. Three days later, they ordered 31 styles, four sizes per piece. I believe my whole career was just given to me from Heaven. I had to take a crash course in the fashion business and scale my personal designs into a label!
Q: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments and proudest moments to date?
JB: My biggest accomplishment was when I became partners with John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Patron Tequila and Paul Mitchell. Unbeknownst to me, his wife bought about 80 dresses from my collection, and I accidentally bumped into them at a fashion event, and we were in business. John Paul is a humanitarian and an innovator. We met because we happen to have the same dentist. After I left the dentist, he smelled my signature fragrance Taken and they told him it was me.The rest is history.
Q: You’ve worked with icons and legends in entertainment! Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet, that you dream of working with?
JB: There are two. I love Stevie Nicks and Margot Robbie. Both of these women have confidence and attitude. They also know that their power is in their femininity.
Q: Have you achieved your ultimate vision and goal for Jane Booke, and if not, where would you like to take the brand in the near and long term future?
JB: I want Jane Booke to bring glamour back, and to see women wearing my clothes everywhere. I want women to be enriched by the lifestyle that glamour can bring. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Glamour is power, and it is not hard to achieve.
I want more and more women to stop saving beauty for later.
by Dennis Richardson
We all aim to express ourselves with a bit of flair or individuality that you just won’t find anywhere else. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy, and far too common that we come across someone out there who manages to steal our style. Now, all that changes with Novella, the unisex sneaker brand threading a meaningful story into every limited-run design they introduce. (Lucky you, if you saw them in our Summer roundup!)
“Every Sneaker Tells A Story”
Whether it’s for a seasonal refresh, or just in time for going back to school, Novella is reinventing what it means to be unique—from the insole to the outsole—quite literally! Always working with a different artisan or creative to inspire each drop, Novella’s sneaker designs are inspired by said creator to share their story.
From comedians and barbers to poets and painters, these are the rarest designs you’ll see on the feet around you, and for good reason. Novella produces and sells exactly 2,020 pairs of each design, a callback to their founding year.
Furthermore, each pair of sneakers are individually numbered–1 through 2,020–with the number stitched onto the heel tab. Therefore, you won’t see anyone running the streets with the same number from the same Chapter (season) or Verse (colorway).
From the embossed handwriting of poet Rudy Francisco, to the fresh fade inspiration of barber, Sedric Salinas, each design is truly a work of art complete with outsoles that transition from herringbone tread into a unique fingerprint (the combined fingerprints of those involved in the design process). Each pair of Novella’s come with 2 pairs of laces for added customization — a pair that complements the art, and another to accentuate it.
Some recent creatives the brand has worked with include slam-poet Rudy Francisco, textile artist Katherine Entis, comedian Akaash Singh, and more! Check out some of the featured stories below, as you take in more of the juicy creative details:
- The Love Poem is inspired by slam-poet Rudy Francisco and embodies his belief that every poem is an act of love. Love Poem’s design is an homage to Rudy’s medium, by intertwining textile metaphors and unique poetic elements.
- Momotaro is inspired by textile artist Katherine Entis and is inspired by the deconstruction of her textile arts. Momotaro depicts the artist’s vibrant color palettes that became an integral component in her work through a culmination of her personal journey—which is encompassed by Momotaro’s show stopping, waved multicolor outsole.
- Verse 2: The Lion is inspired by comedian Akaash Singh and pays homage to evening wear suited for a night out in NYC. The silky midnight blue jacquard upper showcases custom iconography including a mic cord that is weaved throughout moments of Akaash’s life story found in the print.
If that weren’t enough, craftsmanship is at the forefront with premium Italian leather, interior tongue labels that reveal the artisan’s name, tongues and that borrow from their creativity and craft, and printed footbeds that hold personal meaning. Shop Novella’s wearable art and secure your one-of-a-kind number!
by Contributor
Are you tired of wearing the same old jeans over and over again? Are you ready to change your wardrobe game? Look no further because stylish womens pants online are here to save the day! Whether you’re going for a sophisticated office look or just want to add some extra flare to your outfit, there’s a pair of pants out there waiting for you.
Start with the Basics
Before diving headfirst into trendy and bold styles of pants, make sure to have some staple pieces in your wardrobe. Basic items like black leggings, high-waisted trousers, and classic denim jeans will never go out of style. Depending on the occasion, these items can be paired to create different styles. They make an excellent foundation that allows any closet pieces to stand out.
Find Your Style
Once you have covered all your basic must-haves, it’s time to explore new trends. Fitted cigarette pants are perfect if you want something tailored but modern and trendy. Wide-legged culottes can be paired with an oversized shirt or blouse giving off an effortless yet polished vibe.
Alternatively, skinny leather pants offer great edge and sass while adding texture and rock-chic energy into outfits when paired with slouchy tees or casual shoes like sneakers or boots.
Brightly colored cargo-style high-waisted paper bag pants look amazing with chunky knit sweaters tucked in at the waistline. Always remember that proportion is key, whether combining feminine blouses & puff sleeves underneath them!
The material used also plays a critical factor, like silk trousers provide sophistication that will leave everyone impressed; linen fabric offers ease of comfort during summertime when temperatures climb above 30°C while a velvety finish adds luxe elegance that is perfect for night outs!
Get Creative
Mixing prints is one trend that has been steadily surfacing over the past few years, not only in tops but also pants. Prints like leopard and floral can add a pop of color and the perfect amount of flair to any outfit.
Comfort is the key, which is why joggers have become an all-time favorite for many fashionistas. They provide comfort and ease of movement alongside style without sacrificing anything. They look stylish paired with casual-chic jackets or oversized knits rather than just athletic hoodies or tank tops.
Cropped styles such as wide-legged culottes and tapered ankle pants are perfect for creating proportions; they allow you to show off your best shoes, whether heels or flats, while showing more skin, creating a leg-length illusion.
For a daring look, try belting your high-waisted trousers with printed textures like python snakeskin patterns giving it an edgy attitude over plain belts.
Finalize The Look
Accessories can enhance the whole appearance of one’s outfit! Pair women’s pants for sale with boots, chunky sneakers, sandals heels offering different mixes based on individual preference in time. Statement pieces like oversized hats/earrings/necklaces can also change a look entirely.
In Conclusion
Give yourself options when it comes to finding stylish women’s pants by trying on new looks you may have never considered before! Be open-minded and willing to experiment – after all, fashion is meant to be fun! Start building from basics onto bolder choices covering suitable materials in each style category. Make creative outfit combinations, then finalize everything flawlessly using accessories, making them stand out uniquely and rounding up the final touches that will make every fashionista fall head-over-heels in love with their stylish women’s pants collection!
In the end, finding the perfect pair of stylish women’s pants for sale depends on personal choice. Explore different styles, materials, and prints to create a unique fashion statement that reflects your individuality. Keep trying new things until you find what works best for your style and personality. Happy shopping!
by Dennis Richardson
Spring is here, and it’s that lovely time when we switch up the wardrobe!
If you’re looking for new sneakers to match your fits, we’d like to introduce you to CROSTY, the cult-favorite designer sneaker brand founded by Georgian-born brothers, Shota and George Mikaia. Sure to stand out from the crowd, what makes CROSTY an irresistible buy is not only the love that the brothers pour into their brand, but the exclusive rarity included with just wearing a pair of the sneakers.
CROSTY Onda Azure Closeup
Beloved by VIPS like Sofia Richie, Stephen Curry, Lilly Singh, and D’Angelo Russel the brand has officially launched their US ecommerce storefront as of March 15th. CROSTY’s first US drop features the Onda sneaker collection, available in 11 signature styles and colorways. With premium materials and an exquisite profile, CROSTY outshines even the most popular brands by default, and is only going to grow in popularity as their exposure expands among high-profile and low-profile people alike.
The debut Onda US collection hones in on the “a little nostalgic, a little sporty, and a lot of cool” design, by fusing bold colors with a sleek and a forward-thinking approach. Even though launching in the US, CROSTY materials are still sourced from Italy, and only the finest leathers from the best suppliers. Starting with a limited number of pairs available, this launch is one to get your hands on soon, before it sells out in the US market.
The brothers undeniably understand the love of sneakers with a fondness that even shows in their flagship store, located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Complete with the exclusive, VIP feel familiar in big name brand shops around Los Angeles, CROSTY has everything that die-hard fans have come to love about sneaker brands and more. The flagship store features an enchanting blue “showroom,” clean and minimal design, and a welcoming facade that surely feels like transcending into a hidden oasis when entering the store.
Growing up in Georgia, a wild landscape famed for its beautiful scripts and dramatic landscape, bold mountains and winding rivers, life wasn’t always filled with freedom. To be Georgian, was to know struggle and hardship, as a consequence of years of wars and conflict. Still proud of their heritage, George and Shota wanted to write their own script, one that allowed them to express themselves through their values of creativity, acceptance, and progress, while simultaneously honoring those who fought for freedom before them.
CROSTY Founders, Shota and George Mikaia
Inevitably, CROSTY was born, for those who also aspire to walk their own path. Combining traditional Georgian shoemaking with modern design and forward-thinking energy CROSTY speaks to creativity, perseverance, and above all, freedom.
And now for the very first time, CROSTY forges a path in the US! Shop the limited supply ONDA collection here.
by Dennis Richardson
If you’ve been outside in SoCal these last few days, there’s a chance you felt something that’s been missing for a while: warmth. Spring is knocking and it’s only a matter of time until we’re ditching the cold weather necessities and reaching for the lightest layers and newest styles.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with a couple of brands who seek to step up your comfort and style points as we head into the warmer months. Public Rec and Vincero are changing the game for men and women, with each specializing in indoor comfort & outdoor style and exceptionally crafted accessories, respectively.
Public Rec
Whether you’re hitting the beach, the trails, the park, or a quick flight to Vegas, Public Rec will help you feel confident, yet comfortable in their variety of soft hooded styles while you decide whether it’s lounge wear or athleisure. Named one of the best athleisure brands for 2022 by Men’s Health, Public Rec is one of today’s most desirable and elevated brands for everyday essentials. Public Rec offers extremely comfortable and versatile pieces for both men and women. With modern and sleek designs, Public Rec makes running errands or even lounging in your house stylish again.
Spring is a time for growth and that doesn’t have to just mean the flowers in your front yard. Elevating your look this season is now easier than ever with Public Rec. You won’t have to spend so much time in the morning figuring out what to wear because these hoodies are simple yet sophisticated – easily thrown on top of your favorite t-shirt for a little added warmth.
On the women’s end, one of Public Rec’s latest offerings includes the relaxed, slim-fit, Women’s Luxe Fleece Crewneck. The ideal top for going out in style while remaining comfortable, this crewneck features discreet side hand pockets and thumb holes, so you can be sure that you will stay warm while wearing this hoodie on those chillier Spring mornings.
On the other hand, the Men’s Weekend Hoodie is the perfect addition to your closet this Spring. With its mid-weight French Terry material, you will be able to wear it on any of the colder or warmer days that Spring may bring. This highly durable knit creates a luxurious, lounge feel without sacrificing style. Luckily, it comes in five different colors so it can be styled to match a variety of outfits, ensuring that you will feel good every time you wear it.
Vincero
Too often have to choose between fashion and function – in a world where we often sacrifice style for tech when it comes to our watches, but we can now have both.
Thanks to Vincero – the world’s most innovative eco-forward brand known for its long-lasting and well-crafted watches and accessories, brings the ultimate modern touch for any Apple Watch lover. Made from silicone, steel, or leather — these high performance Apple Watch bands pair effortlessly in both fit and finish and are perfect for everyday wear.
Apple Watch Steel Band ($125 USD) – Vincero engineered this 316L Stainless Steel band to be the ultimate modern touch for any Apple Watch lover. The uniform brushed steel links blend seamlessly to create symmetry and balance in the band from lug to lug. The band is held together by a beautiful two-button butterfly release that makes the strap easy to wear anytime or place. The high end stainless steel was specifically chosen to usher in an everyday confidence to withstand any environment. The 316L stainless steel alloy was carefully curated to match the tone of the Apple Watch itself and will pair effortlessly in both fit and finish.
Apple Watch Leather Band ($55 USD) – The Leather Apple Watch Band was designed to create a clean and contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a classic and timeless look. The leather is strong but supple and will wear beautifully to reveal a nice patina. This Apple Watch Leather Band is meant to withstand the test of time and features our top of the line 316L stainless steel buckle and lugs – the same military grade material we use across Vincero’s entire lineup of watches. This Leather Apple Watch Band adds the perfect amount of sophistication and sleekness to any outfit and will elevate the way the watch pairs with your everyday apparel.
Apple Watch Silicone Band ($55 USD) – The Silicone Apple Watch Band features a premium textured rubber top and a 316L stainless steel buckle. The 22mm tapers from watch head to buckle and ensures a comfortable and modern fit perfect for any outdoor, sport, or active environment. The high performance rubber material is strong, durable, and undeniably soft. The smooth texture on the inside feels ultra comfortable on the skin and is perfect for everyday wear. The 100% waterproof silicone makes this the ultimate sport band and maintains a breathable yet durable design.
Available in different shades of steel, leather, and silicone, Vincero’s watch bands sell at a starting price as low as $55 USD. The available sizes are 40/41mm and 44/45mm. All of the watch bands currently available can be found here.
On the eyewear side, Vincero offers top-notch sunglasses (and more) that will only leave others jealous. All shades come polarized, providing premium 100% UVA/UVB protection and have a Climate Neutral Certificate, so you can look stylish while protecting your eyes… and the planet!
The Quinn ($145 USD) – For women, The Quinn features an iconic round shape with an oversized keyhole. The Quinn glasses are the perfect testament that a bold statement does not have to be complex. Its flat nylon lenses give these sunglasses an unexpected twist that will be the perfect statement piece to break out this Spring. These glasses have the versatility you need to keep you looking good and feeling great.
The Villa ($145 USD) – Classic in the purest sense of the word, the men’s Villa is an easy, everyday frame. With a sleek design, lightweight construction, and a masculine silhouette, you can count on these frames for years to come. Available in seven distinct colors so you can find the perfect match while providing maximum protection to your eyes. Designed in California, Vincero’s handcrafted frames are made from the highest grade materials and inspired by endlessly fascinating surroundings.
Vincero also offers a wide variety of bags, jewelry, watches, and gift items that you’d be sad to miss. Vincero has left a mark in the fashion industry since its launch, adding dozens of different products to their arsenal, including sunglasses, blue light glasses and bracelets. To find out more information, head to the website: vincerocollective.com and follow on Instagram @vinceroCollective for news and offers.
About Public Rec
Launched in 2016 by Zach Goldstein, Public Rec has made it its mission to make comfort look good and fit better. The most coveted athleisure brand offers modern and sought-after designs to make everyday outfits not only comfortable but stylish, allowing you to always feel your best.
About Vincero
Vincero is a men’s and women’s accessory brand that designs everything in-house, sources their own materials and produces in small batches to ensure you are getting top-tier quality in everything they ship. Vincero is best known for their watch line but has expanded into glasses and other accessories.
by Dennis Richardson
Looking for something free to do this weekend, while also being charitable?
Windsor Fashions, the Southern California-based women’s shopping destination for every occasion, is kicking off Prom season this year with ‘A Night of Glamour 2023’ – the brand’s first-ever Prom fashion show – on Saturday, March 11th from 1-3pm at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Guests are invited free of charge to attend the event, and are encouraged to bring a gently used Prom dress to support Becca’s Closet, a non-profit organization that operates across 49 chapters in 23 states to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need.
This on-site donation is a continuation of Windsor’s ongoing partnership with Becca’s Closet, which kicked off in 2022. This year, Windsor will also be donating 1,500 of its own dresses to the organization, as well as providing a financial contribution to fund Prom tickets for girls nationwide.
Windsor is also collaborating with an American dancer, television personality, musician and content creator, Pressley Hosbach, who originally rose to fame from the hit reality television series, Dance Moms. Pressley will be curating two Prom edits for Windsor, one of which is already live to shop. Pressley will be co-hosting the Prom Fashion Show next Saturday, which will be followed by a meet and greet alongside content creator Blake Manning and other creators. Windsor has partnered with Friar Tux for runway tuxedo pairings.
by Dennis Richardson
Last year, the world faced unprecedented changes to a plethora of markets, from food and hospitality, to service providers across the spectrum. There was one market, however, that may have had the most unexpected changes yet: the jewelry market. As retail jewelry sales drastically declined this past year, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) jewelry market thrived, giving way to incredibly notable trendsetters, like Chérie.
What are the benefits of DTC fine jewelry lines, and what are the factors driving the uptick in fine jewelry sales made online?
One benefit Chérie’s strategy is that their pieces are made-to-order. Overproduction, also known as “retail’s dirty little secret,” is one of the fashion industry’s biggest sustainability issues, and one that made-to-order practices help to tackle. One of the most substantial advantages of made-to-order jewelry is waste minimization, which is top-of-mind for today’s conscious consumer.
Another key highlight for Chérie is that they create what are known as “investment pieces.” Put simply, most DTC jewelry brands, including Chérie, design fine collections with longevity in mind — offering timeless, trend-resistant pieces that are investments that won’t depreciate in value (unlike say, a really nice pair of shoes or jeans). By selling directly to the customer and cutting out the middleman, brands are able to offer higher quality pieces for less.
Some of the Chérie’s most popular fine pieces include:
- The Double Diamond Loop Earrings. ($2,100)
The perfect investment piece, due to the detachable bottom hoop, which lets you easily change up the look. A timeless, versatile piece that no jewelry collection is complete without.
- Spiral Pendant Necklace ($1,100)
Made to be noticed, gemstones add a flare of whimsy and joy to any outfit, like the Spiral Pendant Necklace featuring gorgeous blue sapphires.
- Diamond Circular Ring ($810)
It’s true, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend and this ring will without a doubt last the test of time.
Awestruck by the beauty? Can’t say we blame you. Read below to learn more about not just Chérie, but the brand’s creator, Sharon Reuben, who shares her story, and more on what makes this jewelry brand stand out from others.
A Q&A with Chérie’s Founder, Sharon Reuben
Q: Hi Sharon! Let’s dive right in with some of your story. How did you get started in the jewelry business?
I originally went to school for Physical Therapy and did that for years. Upon realizing I wanted to be in a creative field, I then left my job as a Physical Therapist and became an in-house stylist at Theory and later Zadig and Voltaire. I always had trouble finding high-quality and affordable jewelry to complete my clients’ looks and found that the jewelry pieces I wanted, both for everyday and for something special, were missing from the marketplace. I was motivated to design a jewelry line to solve the problem I had as a stylist and created Chérie -a line that offers a balance between high and low jewelry.
Q: How did you try to set yourself and Chérie apart from other jewelry brands, and was DTC something you intended to do from the very beginning?
Chérie is set apart from other brands because we make two different lines. We have a fine jewelry line, made to order in Los Angeles, and a contemporary jewelry line, made overseas. What sets us apart is the fact that these two lines are meant to be worn together. We offer a mix of high-low to complete a variety of looks, specific to each unique individual. DTC was definitely what I wanted to do from the beginning to keep it affordable for my customer, while still launching wearable and unique styles they would love.
Q: Do you find that by being a made-to-order business, that you have some advantages over traditional brands?
Yes, for sure. Since our fine pieces are made-to-order, we’re able to keep our costs down by not having excessive inventory and not having the crazy markups associated with most jewelry brands on the market.
Q: What were some of your biggest challenges to get where you are today?
We actually just launched Chérie during the first COVID-19 quarantine. It’s been a challenge not being able to introduce people to Chérie in-person. It’s been more difficult to connect and share my story virtually.
Q: Personally, what is one of your favorite Chérie pieces?
The Shields of Protection Choker is my all time favorite. It’s the perfect piece for both day and night. It’s classy, sexy, and cool and can also be wrapped on your wrist to wear as a bracelet.
Q: What is the design and creation process like for you and your team?
It usually starts with a shape that I’ve found unique or intriguing. From there, I’m motivated to dive into the history of the form and find its universal or larger meaning. If I feel there is a lack of representation in the industry, I implement it into my designs.
Q: What are some goals you’d like to achieve with Chérie in the next 5 years, and what are some things that consumers can expect to see by the end of 2021? Men’s jewelry, perhaps!?
In the next 5 years, I want to be an aspirational jewelry brand that other new designers look to for inspiration. I want to be able to walk down the street and see people wearing my pieces on every corner. I’m currently working on 3 more collections that should be out by the end of the year! We’re adding in new shapes, like hexagons and baguettes. We’re also excited to launch two-sided jewelry this year. I’d love to get into kids jewelry eventually but, no men’s on the horizon… yet!
