Everything old really is new again in the hands of Pelham’s Randy Kran, who’s been designing jewelry since she was 14. “I used to sell earrings made from antique buttons, sequins, and glass beads in Washington Square Park for five dollars a pair,” she recalls. “I’d go in with a whole board and come home with none left.” And while her work has become more sophisticated, Kran co ntinues to combine vintage and modern elements to create statement-making pieces. Trained at the Parsons School of Design (now Parsons The New School for Design) and FIT, Kran traveled the world as an accessory designer developing collections sold at retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. While home raising a family, the jewelry she created became an instant hit at local fundraising events. Soon in demand with fashion stylists, her pieces were featured in the German edition of Elle and her business was launched.
Today, Kran continues to scour vintage shops, antique markets, and tag sales to unearth the old brooches, fabric, and buttons she combines with newer chains or stones. The leather used in her Rock Chic line comes from vintage leather pants and skirts, while pieces of old mink coats become cuff bracelets and bib necklaces. Bracelets range from $125 to $250 and necklaces are about $185, except for mink pieces, which are between $400 and $1,000. Topurchase: randyclaredesigns.com.
