California Dreaming
Whenever anyone discusses the healing and protective properties of jewelry design, it's hard to keep my eyes from rolling into the back of my head.
In this town, such wares are generally the offerings of well-meaning former film- professionals who've been bit by the yoga bug. As such, the resulting designs are brimming over with sanskrit symbols, tassels and jade and are the sort of adornment one might expect to see on a lass in a circa-2003 Juicy Couture sweatsuit.
Thankfully, Dream Collective, a jewelry line by L.A. based designer Kathryn Bentley, who also helms an eponymous fine-jewelry line, manages to hit the haute hippie nail on the head, without ever seeming contrived or silly.
That's because smart, solid, and sophisticated design is at the heart of Bentley's pieces, which, though inspired by esoteric cultures, organic materials, and geometric patterns, never fall into the realm of trite. It's this feeling of authenticity that has boho babes from the left coast to the next coast donning Bentley's brass, wood and bone patterned bangles, cuffs and rings.
Bentley's latest collection showcases new designs alongside her current best-sellers. Standouts include the "Dune 7" series, a series of polyhedron-shaped pendants with engravings — the patterns on the inside are inspired from constellations; Dzi and Talisman beads; and brass beads which display topological patterns and are, according to Bentley, "inspired by Anasazi pottery."
Bentley's also serving enameled Arrowhead Amulet pendants and earrings, which give her earth-toned pieces an unexpected pop of brighter hues. The enamel pieces come in four colors: cobalt blue, turquoise, navajo white and black. "I wanted to give the Dream Collective line an option for adding color," she said, adding that the Kathryn Bentley line has the amulet stone pendant, and "this is the affordable version of that."
Oh, and those amulets also do posses healing properties (stop sneering, you jaded little lamb.)
Upcoming projects for Bentley include a collaboration with [shoe designer] Beatrice Valenzuela making tiny leather pendants and working on her latest design, a copper "Holon" pendant and button. A baby collection is also the works, which will offer baby bracelets, baby spoons and necklaces.
"My dear friend recently adopted a baby. She had been in the process for years and it finally happened. I wanted to make her the perfect gift," waxed Bentley of her decision to design for the nursery set. "I had my ears pierced, wore a bracelet and some baby beads when I was a baby. It's never too early to adorn!"
Lizzy Epstein is a veteran freelance writer — and a Senior Writer for Style Section L.A. — based in L.A. who masterfully (and unabashedly) mixes Chanel diamond necklaces with hippie dresses.