Kendra Scott. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.
By Claudina Hannon
Though Kendra Scott just opened her first boutique in Northern Virginia this week at Mosaic District, her jewelry line has been part of the fashion world for over a decade. She actually began her career as a jewelry designer in 2002, when she launched a small jewelry collection with a $500 budget, and today that collection has turned a widely recognized jewelry empire. We had the chance to catch up with the designer to talk about her fall collection as well as the design ideas behind her brand.
It’s exciting to have a Kendra Scott boutique in Northern Virginia. Why did you select Mosaic District as the new location?
What attracted me the most to the Mosaic District was the incredible community. I have already fallen in love with the D.C. area and the people, and I am so thrilled we can now call Northern Virginia one of our many beloved homes. At Kendra Scott, we care deeply about our local communities, and I am so excited to get more involved in the Mosaic District.
What do you think the Northern Virginia woman will enjoy most about your jewelry and your design aesthetic?
I design beautiful, quality jewelry for the woman who dares to turn heads. From classic to fashion-forward, each Kendra Scott piece boasts great attention to design and detail. Using genuine, high quality materials and intricate metallic details, I create every piece to be loved and worn through the seasons.
How did the idea for the Color Bar come about?
I created the Kendra Scott Color Bar because I wanted to give every woman the chance to showcase her unique style. At our Color Bar, customers can personalize their look by choosing from a spectrum of vibrant stone colors and silhouettes. The Color Bar has a physical presence as the central hub at each of our stores and is also accessible online from computers or mobile devices. Within minutes your customized design is assembled before your eyes in-store, or [it appears] on your doorstep in just a few days. It’s easy, fun and a great way to bring your style to life.
Tell us more about your design process for each collection. What are some of your inspirations?
I find inspiration in everything, from landscapes and architecture to people and cultures. Through my experiences, passions and travels, I create four seasonal collections each year that translate that inspiration into gorgeous pieces of Kendra Scott jewelry. My fall 2015 Mystic Bazaar collection was inspired by my journey to Dubai and incorporates a stunning mix of modern style and eclectic, global charm.
What can we expect from your winter 2015 collection?
For my upcoming winter 2015 collection, I was inspired by the magic of the holiday season. This collection will be a blend of romantic enchantment and alternative edge, with a whole lot of sparkle.
Your success story is quite remarkable. What advice do you have for fashion entrepreneurs who are just starting out in the industry, especially to those who, like yourself, started in a place other than NYC?
The biggest lesson I have learned through this journey is the importance of self-confidence. I took a leap of faith and made many personal sacrifices to make my business what it is today because I truly believed in my vision and my brand. If I could give one bit of advice to any budding entrepreneur, I would say first to be confident in yourself. The second step is to NEVER take no for an answer. Delete the word “no” from your vocabulary. Once you adopt this attitude, you will soar.
You have a track record of creating collaborations that give back to those in need. Are there any partnerships currently in the works?
We have a longstanding partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Research Center and collaborate with them in a number of ways. From our mobile Color Bar events at the hospital to the sale of our MD Anderson charm, I am eager to give back to this incredible cause and the amazing people that stand behind it. I am excited to share that just around the corner, on Sept. 9, we are having a day of [giving] with MD Anderson, where proceeds from every Kendra Scott purchase will go back to support cancer research.
Kendra’s Fall Picks
My favorite piece from my fall line, I have to say, is the Gabriella Necklace in Howlite. This natural stone reminds me of Carrara marble, and it gives a stunning elegance to anything I wear. Recently I have recently been embracing the delicate layers look, and my go-to pieces have become a number of dainty necklaces, bracelets and rings all worn at once. My current staples are the Coby necklace, Caleb necklace, Rory bracelet and Miles midi rings.
Coby Necklace, $95. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.
Rory Cuff, $70. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.
Caleb Necklace, $50. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.
Miles Midi Rings, $75. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.
Gabriella Necklace in White Howlite, $295. Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott.