Santa Cruz designers create vintage-inspired, modern baubles that woo the fashion world
Recently, I picked up a Women’s Health magazine and randomly flipped to a page. There was a feature article on Eco-Chic goods—clothing, jewelry, etc., that have an environmentally friendly focus. Amongst the goods was a stunning cream-colored cuff bracelet, that looked like something Madonna would wear, when she’s having an ’80s inspired, romantic sort of day. I looked closer. It looked familiar. And there was the blurb about it: a cuff by Blank Verse Jewelry, sold at select Anthropologie stores.
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Blank Verse Jewelry is a line of exceptionally creative gloves, necklaces, earrings, and cuffs by Santa Cruz fashionistas, Jane Farrar and Laamie Young. These two artists started their company in 2009 when they sat on the floor of Farrar’s home one day, and started piecing together things like vintage broaches, various slices of lace, beads, and so on. Pretty soon, their work caught on and was seen on a New York fashion show runway. A rep from Anthropologie placed an order for their gorgeous creations, Women’s Wear Daily did a write up, they got a shout out in Women’s Health magazine, and their story keeps growing, with their work being snapped up for use in an upcoming television series, and a Dixie Chicks video.
Here’s why we’re obsessed: Blank Verse is a two-woman team making a successful go at it amongst contemporary jewelers of today. And, they’re from Santa Cruz. They have an original niche—part modern, part vintage, paired with a cutting edge fashion sense, which means that there’s no doubt this company will go far, and never draw a blank. Every original item is hand-made by Farrar and Young. No two pieces are the same. Prices typically range from $75 to $325.
Having carved out an original and fashionable niche in such a short amount of time, it’s no wonder the fashion world is clamoring after Blank Verse Jewelry. And this is just the beginning.
To learn more, visit blankversejewelry.com. Their jewelry is sold at Cameron Marks, 402 Ingall St., No. 7, Santa Cruz, 458-3080, cameronmarks.com; Stripe, 107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9252, stripedesigngroup.com, twitter.com/strripeshop;Â branchboutique.com.
