Thursday, February 9, 2012

American Independent Fashion Designers:
top style picks from Boticca

Guest post by Nathalie Wilson of Boticca.com  Boticca, a curated online marketplace for unique jewelry and accessories has a whole selection of American independent designers, whose pieces and history you can read about by visiting the site’s designer map page.
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Independent American design talent is stronger than ever before, with more and more consumers enjoying the quality and innovation that can be found in the style of such home-grown American designers. Looking for a place where you can find American-made jewelry and accessories in high-quality, one-off designs? The curated experience on Boticca allows you to contact the designer directly, read all about the inspiration of their pieces, and learn the story behind their work. The site’s editorial team couldn’t resist sharing some of their favorite made in usa pieces, inviting you to discover the unique story behind these talented artists and their designs.


Lucy Emerald earrings by Liz Law 

Playa del Rey-based Liz Law uses a whole range of materials in her stunning designs, with her pieces oftentimes having a uniquely vintage feel to them. Designing from her LA studio, Liz welcomes any new adventure that enriches and adds to her ever-evolving story. Liz makes each and every piece of jewelry herself, ensuring the quality of her pieces’ finish is second to none. 


Eddera Greek Leaf Headband
(as seen on Victoria Beckham)

She’s not American per se, but French designer Camille has long been a resident in West Hollywood, LA, with many an A-lister coveting the designer’s high-end hair accessories. Her talent impressed celebrity hair stylist Adir Abergel (she has styled the likes of Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightley, Maria Sharapova). Her delicate creations are truly a site to behold.  Each piece is hand-crafted in a studio at their facility in LA.


The Liz bracelet by Gemma Redux
(as seen on Cameron Diaz)

A continuing desire to create led mechanical engineer major and law school grad Rachel Dooley to change direction completely and go on to create stunning jewelry. It was while New York-based Rachel was studying for her bar exam that she made her first mixed metal necklace out of vintage and industrial materials, marking the beginning of Gemma Redux jewelry design. Rachel’s works of art have been spotted on the likes of Gossip Girl cast members such as Blake Lively and Jessica Alba. All Gemma Redux products are manufactured in the USA by a team of trained artisans based in the Garment Center in New York City that hand make each piece to order. 


Rasmussen Mittens by Astis

Astis Mittens celebrate the Cree Indians' history and approach to leather artistry.The mittens combine today’s technology with the tradition of handcrafted leatherwork. The mittens are made from the highest-quality and hardwearing suede leather, lined with dry-wickingPolartec® Classic 300 to keep hands dry and warm. Hand-stitched in the US, the forearm pattern offers a choice of uniquely designed beadwork or cowhide pattern.Astis mittens are manufactured in Oregon. Materials are sourced from around the US and then put together. It takes about an hour to make each pair of mittens. 

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Visit Boticca to meet more American designers and view the complete collection from silk scarves and cocktail rings to the messenger bag selection.  Guest writer Nathalie Wilson rustled up these American designers from her post in London where she is part of the team at Boticca, trying to spread the word and gather support for independent design and designers.