America
the beautiful

Celebrate Independence Day with some of our top independent designers from the United States of America. From California’s Big Sur to New York City’s streets, the diversity of the country fosters incredible, varied design talent. America’s indigenous cultures, animal life, open landscapes and busy cities each have a part to play in inspiring countless artists. We speak to some of our American designers to find out how they developed their distinctive collections.

“I love seeing how individuals express their personalities by combining the vintage and the modern, high and low fashion, and even breaking the rules of fashion to create their own unique styles,” designer Susan Suh says of American style. Nature’s organic patterns are a bottomless source of inspiration for Susan. “I think there is truth in patterns found in nature. I call this the blue print for design.” Her pieces highlight the delicacy of butterfly wings, though she finds inspiration in patterns just about everywhere.

Adha Zelma’s pieces are ideal for the bold, confident women who thrive in Brooklyn, where the team is based. Designers Sheanan Bond and Cherise TrahanMiller are influenced in part by Native American styles, using feathers, beads, quartz stones and other natural materials to create pieces that are powerful and feminine. “Each piece makes its own statement,” Cherise says. “Our designs are centered on bringing elements of indigenous cultures into the modern world,” Sheanan says, “while allowing spirit to flow organically through the designs.” Wear Adha Zelma jewelry with a distinctly American “go-strong-or-go-home attitude.”

Adesso jewelry is all about California cool. Designer Samantha Goldstone says her beautiful pieces are inspired in part by America’s diversity. “I am especially inspired by the beautiful and diverse places of which our country is made up,” Samantha says. “Our country is so large and offers so many different environments.” Recently, Samantha found inspiration on trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico and California’s Big Sur, where diversity in colors and textures made a huge impression. Adesso’s bangles and beaded pieces make the relaxed California look a cinch.

Portland-based design team Sticks & Stones creates stunning, nature-inspired pieces that perfectly encompass Pacific Northwest style. The team uses reclaimed organic materials such as antlers naturally shed by local deer in their handcrafted jewelry. Maple, ebony and vegetable ivory are also used in their unique collections, which work well on men and women. “Inspiration comes from unusual materials and traditional craftsmanship,” the designers say. “The techniques of old American woodworking and jewelry making are the nation of our design and production.”

Joanna Maxham designs quintessentially American handbags: classic, functional and high quality. “I always try to push myself to include unexpected details and ensure my bags are very wearable – which I credit America for,” Joanna says. “I am truly grateful to be able to work in a country that encourages creativity.” Her bags are essentials for New York’s most stylish women, who need bags that go from breakfast meetings to the office to cocktails. Be among the first to pick up these future “It” bags for chic city style.