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A delightful combination of Victorian-inspired elegance and Gothic imagery, Kimberly Baker’s jewelry designs harken eras past.
Her pieces have elegance, wit, and a touch of the unexpected, so it was not a surprise to learn that a 18th century collection of illustrations of squid, algae and a host of other creatures led to some of the most exquisite pieces in her line.
“I am continually inspired by Albertus Seba’s “Cabinet of Natural Curosities,” said Baker. Compiled in 1734 – 1765, this book is one of the most impressive natural history compendiums ever assembled, and a source of endless inspiration for Baker.
“My laser cut earrings evolved from the textures and patterns in illustrations of coral and algae. The Ariel necklace and ring sprung from a similar place.”
Her new Stingray and Ribbon cuff designs exemplify Kimberly’s ability to turn the unusual, into a breathtaking piece of jewelry. “I found this amazing piece of multi-dimensional vintage ribbon which reminded me of a stegosaurus, so I cast it in silver.” The resulting piece had that signature Kimberly Baker vibe, the perfect combination of tough and tender.
The design of her Seattle-based store also draws from natural elements, evoking an enchanted forest vibe. Her designs are displayed as “specimens,” in enclosed glass containers, and adorn taxidermy crows and pheasants.
“My clients tend to share my offbeat sense of humor.” Like the Edward Gorey illustrations Kim has been long been a fan of, her designs embrace a witty sense of macabre. Take for example her Lolita earrings, one side dangles with bunnies and cherry blossoms, the other side with a tiny grenade and revolver.
Kimberly has long been an admirer of Gothic Architecture, and recent trips to Spain and Italy have brought a level of antiquity to her designs. Her newest creations also give a nod to Victorian design; one of Kimberly’s enduring passions.
“I’ve been studying the Victorian era and I love that jewelry had meaning and symbolism. Women would wear memorial pieces in honor of family members, and the imagery they used was beautiful.”
The Blair necklace combines two popular Victorian motifs, wishbones and bows, and another new design, Grace, has Victorian roots as well. Linking a heart with an anchor was a symbol that while your love was away, you remained “anchored together.”
That heady symbolism of years past is seen throughout the collection. “I try to incorporate emotional imagery into my designs. I really want my pieces to transcend fashion and have meaning to the people who wear them.”
Her reversible medallion necklaces feature insightful proverbs on one side and imagery on the other. The most popular in the series of seven: “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” featuring an 18th century dagger design.
Kimberly’s innovative designs are distinctly feminine with an unexpected edge. Fans of her line often have that oft imitated, unique sense of style. Not the prom princess, but that cool girl with the swagger and style all her own. Her designs are worn by Mary Kate Olsen, Scarlett Johanssen, Lucy Liu, Blake Lively and Zooey Deschanel.
Costumers on Gossip Girl rival Pat Fields with their ingenious styling choices, and they often turn to Kimberly for key pieces that serve as iconic designs for their characters. They choose pieces with bows for the classically styled Blair Waldorf, quirkier designs with chiseled hearts and feathers for fashion maverick Serena, and most recently the Wolfette ring, which was seen as bad girl, Georgina delicately tapped a vial of poison into a cocktail. A styling choice that was pure genius.
Kimberly’s designs have been featured in numerous publications including WWD, Nylon, Giant, InSTYLE, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Lucky and US Weekly. The line has also been profiled on Daily Candy, CNN, The Today Show and The View.
Kimberly Baker Jewelry is available at some of the country’s most distinctive, trendsetting boutiques including Bettina Duncan at Fred Segal and American Rag in Los Angeles, Tangerine in Chicago, Eliza Page in Austin and TG-170 in New York.
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