‘Dress Code’ is VIBE’s fashion and style series, where were we test drive rising brands from an every day life point of view.
ISABELLE GRACE SAYS
Designer: Claudia Montez
Happy Customers: Christina Milian, Camila Alves, Alyson Hannigan, Lindsay Price, Katherine Heigl
On Isabelle Grace’s Humble Beginnings: It happened quite organically. When I was home on maternity leave with my second daughter, I was up late one night and started looking at photo jewelry. I loved the idea of creating photo lockets of my girls so I started ordering supplies and making pieces at home. Friends began asking me about pieces and eventually I started experimenting with different materials and styles. By the time I went back to work, I was putting together a small website to showcase my work.
On The Design Process: Creating a collection always happens differently for me. Sometimes I have a specific idea and then source materials that I want to work with. Sometimes I come across beads, stones or other elements that I may fall in love with and have no specific idea for at the time. I take inspiration from all sorts of things.
Their Uniqueness In The Marketplace: Design and quality. In the world of personalized jewelry, I think our mixed metal style stands out in the crowd.
How The Designer Wears Isabelle Grace: There is not a piece from all our creations that I wouldn’t wear. I have a lot of personal pride in each collection we launch. With respect to my personal style though, I would say that I’m more of a minimalist and usually wear some of the simpler pieces for everyday.
VIBE SAYS
Ashley Monaé, Vixen Editor:
When I’m not on the lookout for sneaker releases or good selvedge denim, I’m stocking up on usually golden, sometimes sterling baubles to jazz up my fit. From earrings and midi rings to statement bracelet and watches, an outfit is no good without the perfection trinket to add that je ne sais quoi that offers a clear-cut distinction between style and fashion.
Aside from just acting as an outfits accent, jewelry also has a sentimental value. I love personalized pieces (hints my nameplate), so when I saw that Isabelle Grace offered quality, handcrafted, and personalized jewelry, I was all in.
I’m rocking the Vermeil “Mini’s” Necklace featuring my initials. The high polish finish and pearl add-on gives it that sophisticated look that compliments my tomboy chic style.
Stacy-Ann Ellis, Assistant Editor:
If there’s one thing I know for sure about my style, it’s that I’m an accessories girl. My piercings aren’t excessive or anything, but I’ve always felt uncomfortably naked without jewelry on my body. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bangles and bracelets are an easy way to oomph up my look for the day when I don’t feel like trying with my wardrobe. Especially when those pieces are rare, customized and specific to me, so it felt totally natural when I tried Isabelle Grace’s trinkets on for size.
It was easy to accomplish my layered charms look with their Signature Initial Necklace. The triple lettered piece completed my trifecta of identity-specific jewelry and mixed metals obsession. The silver discs boast gold lettering and a gold chain. It’s lightweight and easy to fix, but heads up if you’re not a noise person; the pendants can be a little jingly. But nonetheless, it’s a cute way to make a subtle statement.