home page » Los Angeles Times Oct 11th 2009 “Best in Class 2010″
Best in class
When it comes to up-and-comers, it’s a four-way tie for the L.A. labels we love.
When it comes to up-and-comers, it’s a four-way tie for the L.A. labels we love.
* The Malin Collection by Malin Nyman-Smallcombe, 35, is full of imaginative rope necklaces with eye-popping colored beads; the pieces are playful and totally unexpected — unlike the drapey Bohemian jewelry that is so ubiquitous these days.
* Chic and understated Bird handbags (by former model and part-time comedienne Liz Carey, 32, above left) are a refreshing change in a sea of heavy-handed and over-adorned bags.
* Carlee Santarelli, 24, above right, doesn’t make statement jewelry as much as jewelry that makes a statement; she collects everything from old Bill Blass fabric to real peacock feathers, encasing them under oval bubbles that magnify detail and couldn’t be more charming. Her most recognizable creations are the vintage fabric cabochon cocktail rings she makes by hand in her downtown L.A. studio.
* L.D. Tuttle shoes, designed by Tiffany Tuttle, 32, are not for the timid. Cage heels such as the Screamer and the worn-in, chunky leather unisex boots with grommets called the Shifter exemplify the appeal that got Tuttle’s work noticed by Victoria Bartlett at VPL and RVCA — she created footwear for both for spring 2010.
Bird handbags,$200 to $2,400 at www.netaporter.com. Carlee Santarelli accessories range from $50 to $100 and are available at Arcade in West Hollywood. Malin Collection, $70 to $225, www.aplusrstore.com.LD Tuttle shoes, $300 to $500 at Saks Fifth Avenue and www.shopbop.com.
* Carlee Santarelli, 24, above right, doesn’t make statement jewelry as much as jewelry that makes a statement; she collects everything from old Bill Blass fabric to real peacock feathers, encasing them under oval bubbles that magnify detail and couldn’t be more charming. Her most recognizable creations are the vintage fabric cabochon cocktail rings she makes by hand in her downtown L.A. studio.
* L.D. Tuttle shoes, designed by Tiffany Tuttle, 32, are not for the timid. Cage heels such as the Screamer and the worn-in, chunky leather unisex boots with grommets called the Shifter exemplify the appeal that got Tuttle’s work noticed by Victoria Bartlett at VPL and RVCA — she created footwear for both for spring 2010.
Bird handbags,$200 to $2,400 at www.netaporter.com. Carlee Santarelli accessories range from $50 to $100 and are available at Arcade in West Hollywood. Malin Collection, $70 to $225, www.aplusrstore.com.LD Tuttle shoes, $300 to $500 at Saks Fifth Avenue and www.shopbop.com.