St. Croix Designers Featured in Harper’s Bazaar
Thanks to USVI Ambassador Danielle Hawkins, fashion editor and stylist, several St. Croix jewelers and designers are being featured in a famous fashion magazine halfway around the world! The July 2021 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam features a stunning spread of top model Maria Borges wearing handmade jewelry from local artisan jewelers Crucian Gold and ib designs, as well as swimwear by St. Croix designer Keiki Bikini.
Danielle Hawkins, a native of St. Croix, has built a reputation for style in the New York fashion scene that has earned the respect of many and made her one of the most sought after stylists today. Her flare and unique eye for what’s stylish has earned her editorials in magazines like InStyle, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Vogue France and GQ. Luckily for St. Croix, she obviously still loves the unique island jewelry you can only find here. Featured not only on the cover, but in a beautiful multi-page spread in the 10th Anniversary issue of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam are dozens of pieces of jewelry created by local jewelers Crucian Gold and ib designs.
Crucian Gold is the studio of the Bishop family of artisans and metal smiths. Together they design and create original pieces in gold, silver, copper, and local materials of their island home. Included in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar you’ll find Crucian Gold’s 14k gold TSK Jimmy John Pendant on the 14k gold Heavy Wheat Chain, the Love knot Hand Chain, the Twisted Three Tone Cuff Bracelet, Crucian Knot Two-Toned Classic Bracelet, and 14k gold Four Corner Hoop Earrings.
ib designs is home to the distinctive designs of local artist/metalsmith, Whealan Massicott and his talented artisan family. Whealan is motivated by the complexity of the Caribbean’s people, beauty, and culture. Being a musician at heart allows life’s movements, patterns, and rhythms to play out in his raw, organic designs. Included in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar you’ll find ib designs’ 14k gold Bamboo Necklace with the 14k gold Disc Pendant, as well as the Anchor Bracelet, Breadfruit Bracelet and Dreamcatcher Bangel.
Take a look at the featured Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam pages in our slideshow:
Photos by James Barnes of JD Barnes Photography
Swimwear designer Keiki Bikini, a native of St. Croix and founder of SWIM Kass, had her swimwear featured in this spread as well. According to the article “Ten Caribbean Designers You Should Know Right Now” on LargeUp.com: “SWIM Kass, out of St. Croix, does sexy tastefully. The owner, who goes by the name Keiki Bikini, has a special understanding of the female body, as she effortlessly incorporates unique cutouts into her designs that are extremely flattering…. It’s no wonder the label was featured in the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.”
To find much of the jewelry featured in these photos, and more, you can visit both the ib designs and Crucian Gold showrooms in Christiansted or order through their online stores. Congratulations to our local jewelers and designers for such a prestigious feature, and thank you for showing the world the unique offerings you can only find here on St. Croix.
-Jennie Ogden, Editor