Big Sur, 1997
A brief encounter with CBK — and the foundation of my design philosophy
I’ve been watching Love Story — the show about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. — and it’s brought back so many memories. As someone originally from the East Coast who grew up in the 90s, I’ve always been captivated by them. But especially Carolyn.
The restraint. The polish. The simplicity.
She made minimalism feel magnetic and grounded and interesting — anything but dull. Nothing fussy. Nothing loud. Just clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and confidence in her point of view. She wore the clothes; the clothes did not wear her.
(And as with anything set in the 90s or earlier, I’m fascinated by the lower-tech lives they lived — more present, more personal, more real in a way.)
Years ago, I crossed paths with them, and I’ll never forget it. In September 1997, when I was in middle school, my family took a road trip to Big Sur. By complete coincidence, we were at the beach at the same time they were there celebrating their one-year anniversary. I didn’t really know who they were, but my mom spotted them immediately as they made their way down the coastline to set up their spot.
About an hour later, my friends and I were out on a scavenger hunt and came across them again. We decided we would absolutely regret not talking to them — and somehow elected me to be the one to go say hello. I walked up, explained the scavenger hunt, and asked if they’d seen any of the items we were hunting for.
They didn’t say much, but they were kind and completely at ease. So clearly in love. And from that small interaction, I can confirm they were every bit as magnetic as they’ve been made out to be.
Watching the show now — and reliving that moment in time — I realize how much Carolyn shaped my lens. Not just in how I dress, but in how I design.
The pieces I’m most drawn to (and the ones I most want to create) are minimalist in nature, with their own distinct point of view. Simple, but interesting. Clean silhouettes with thoughtful details that stay with you. Understated, but never boring. Intentional, not excessive.
Restraint takes confidence. Editing takes clarity.
What I’ve always admired most about her is that she seemed to know who she was. She didn’t chase trends. She didn’t overcomplicate things. She trusted her point of view.
That’s something I think about often now — in how I get dressed, and in the pieces I choose to design.
Life Lately
Work has been very busy since we came back from our holiday break and I’ve fallen off the wagon with my daily outfit videos and photos, but I’m going to be more intentional about that moving forward because I love to document and reflect personal style.
Until then, here are some recent unpublished moments (with a couple of outfits in there for you!)…
Thought of the Week
From the Studio
We had our second drop of the year on Wednesday, which included the beloved Sera Crescent Bag in Chestnut Suede, Maren Belts in the same leather, and a small batch of Organic Shaped Brass Pendants (which sold out very quickly!) to pair with our Marlowe Link Chains. Here are a few ways I’ve been styling the Sera Bag and Maren Belt…
Also, we are down to the final few of our Mara Bag in Hair On Cow Hide (aka my favorite bag ever). Each is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. Truly such a special bag — both striking and versatile.
On Monday we’re doing our first ever professional shoot for product photos and I can’t wait to share more — stay tuned!
Currently Reading
The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry | My friend Karla sent me this reel and I ordered every single book she recommended because I couldn’t resist. This is the first one I decided to tackle. Admittedly, I’m not one for historical fiction, and this definitely falls into that category, but it also has a lot of suspense which keeps me turning the pages.
Until next time!
xx Natalie