DESIGNER ON THE RISE: CAROL MARIE’S WORLDLY DESIRES

Sometimes, the best way to launch a successful fashion company is the more roundabout way. Jennifer Carol Kramer and Heather Marie White met while working as assistants at W magazine in 2006, and their friendship and mutual love of costume jewelry remained strong over the years and through various job changes.

The decision to start a jewelry line was spontaneous rather than calculated, explains White. “It was a very natural progression—from designing pieces for ourselves, to [making] custom pieces for magazines. At that point we decided to move forward with the idea of creating our first collection and officially filed the paperwork to form our company.”

carol marie was launched earlier this year, and the Fall 2010 collection features bold jewelry inspired by the Greek, Egyptian and Byzantine eras. Timeless yet fashionable, the pieces were quickly snapped up by the likes of Henri Bendel’s and Shopbop.com.

Although neither White nor Kramer had formal training in jewelry making, their editorial and PR experiences (and an undoubtedly impressive Rolodex) have proven invaluable in getting press and creating buzz about the brand. Early on, the line was mentioned in the fashion trade publication Women’s Wear Daily. Since then, their pieces have been featured in countless magazines, including Marie Claire (where Kramer covered the jewelry market for years), Nylon and Glamour.

Having peeked at the gorgeous photos from their recent trip to Marrakesh, we can’t wait to see what these ladies come up with next! “For our Spring 2011 collection we continue to be inspired by worldly travels…the collection will include lots of metals, stackable bracelets, and color,” White reveals.

While they haven’t both quit their day jobs just yet, designing has been a very rewarding process for the dynamic duo. “We’ve both loved having the ability to be creative and to have full ownership over something…[and] working endless nights and weekends doesn’t seem as daunting when you’re working for yourself and with your best friend.”

For more information, or to shop online, visit carolmariedesign.com.