An Austin Gem
Austin casts its spell on Kendra Scott's ethereal new Luxe jewelry collection
In a few short years, Kendra Scott has asserted itself as one of the obligatory jewelry purchases of the modern woman. The bright, colorful jewels have evolved into a favorite purchase of women across the nation, including such famous faces as Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba and Sofia Vergara. What’s more, the vibrant accessories have a great deal of Texas pride embedded in their designs.
Not many individuals know the widely popular brand was created in Austin by up-and-coming entrepreneur Kendra Scott. Just last week, Scott and her business turned the page to an exciting new chapter as they debuted a new luxury line in all Kendra Scott stores, KendraScott.com and NeimanMarcus.com. The Kendra Scott Luxe Collection features an assortment of fine gemstones in a variety of rich hues, unique cuts and intricate textures, priced from $175 to $1,000.
“Austin always influences my designs, and I feel so lucky to live in a city that is a playground for creatives like myself." — Kendra Scott
While the original Kendra Scott collection is ethereal in its own right, the new collection has taken its its intricate beauty from city streets to red carpets and runways. “Our Luxe Collection was inspired by the artistic value and natural beauty of genuine stones as well as traditional fine jewelry," says Scott. "[The designs] take what people love most about Kendra Scott to a level that is truly unparalleled, with avant-garde design, elevated techniques and genuine stones."
Though Scott has been expanding her retail stores across the U.S. over the years, she emphasizes that Austin still serves as a crucial inspiration point in many of her designs, especially in the new line. “Austin always influences my designs, and I feel so lucky to live in a city that is a playground for creatives like myself,” she says.
“From the time I spend outdoors in Austin with my family, taking in the gorgeous Hill Country, to the people I see walking the streets of South Congress by our flagship store and headquarters, I am inspired by Austin and Austinites every day. It was the Austinite in me that originally inspired my feather and branch metal pieces, and these pieces are also seen in our Luxe Collection, so Austin influenced this collection in more than one way.”
As the ever-ambitious entrepreneur she is, Scott says there is much more to come from her business in the years to come, including ventures beyond jewelry. “This year, we began making products other than jewelry, including keychains and jewelry travel bags, and I can’t wait for our product lines to continue to expand. It is my dream to be a leader in many different fashion categories — not just jewelry. In the next few years we are also hoping to continue building Kendra Scott stores across the country, and we already have several in the works for 2014.”