Brand Spotter // Brand Spotter: Shayla Cox
Think beautiful. Think innovative. Think bold. Think… Shayla Cox.
Inspired by a foundation built in Ohio and a purpose discovered in New York, jewelry designer Shayla Cox has certainly made her mark in the fashion world. Some of you may recognize the talented designer from a collaborative effort with Donna Karan Urban Zen, or for you dedicated fashionistas, from her unique New York City Fashion Showcase, “Guerrilla Glamorous”, last year. If you missed it, be sure to go online and check out the show that went beyond the catwalk into the streets of New York City.
Photo courtesy of Exposed PR.
During Spring 2011 Fashion Week, Shayla found herself outside Lincoln Center, observing her entire collection of unique and hand crafted necklaces draped around the necks of models who confidently walked up and down the cobblestone streets. “I wanted to do something bold…and get peoples’ attention,” Shayla noted. And as onlookers gawked at the stunning elegance of each piece, it was no mistaking that “Shayla Cox” would be a name that the fashion world wouldn’t forget.
Photo Courtesy of Exposed PR. (Edited by CocoKouture Magazine)
In a city where there is a “certain freedom of expression and individualism” that Shayla craves, it is no surprise what she has been able to accomplish. Her collections, which she describes as “sophisticated primitives”, a term she adopted from her mentor Beatrice Wood, includes a series of necklaces that are handmade from ceramic material in Brooklyn, New York. Shayla’s decision to use ceramic material to make the necklaces stemmed from her initial start in creating pottery, which then transitioned into jewelry because of her background in the fashion industry. Whether you prefer a more modest piece, like a crescent-shaped necklace that hangs in the nape of the neck or a more daring piece, like Shayla’s personal favorite, a piece made with a ceramic tube and ostrich egg shells, you won’t be disappointed.
One of Shayla’s most recent collections, intuition, features bright jewel tones and more subtle ivory pieces, while her past collaboration with Donna Karan featured black and white unique pieces. “I have found that creating is just something I must do,” Shayla said. She added that she is often inspired to create because of “love, my environment, my relationships and music.”
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in any of Shayla’s timeless creations, the designer offers a custom order option. Prices range from $75-$295 and can be found on the designer’s website. For all you young fashionistas out there who want to stand out and be noticed, go ahead and do so by incorporating one of Shayla’s pieces into your wardrobe. You won’t regret it.
Finally, the young designer has learned a lot through her experiences, and her learning can be summed up by her personal mantra: “Be led by love, create your own curriculum, and put much care into choosing company.”
