Lady LUX

Well, we can’t all jet off to Paris to find that perfect corner jewelry shop. But you can log on to ICUinPARIS.com. Standing for Independent, Curated and Unique, the site is a high-end boutique that offers a range of designer jewelry and other accessories. The creative team scours high and low to find and then promote the best independent designers from around the globe.

From delicate gold and pearl earrings to vibrant silk scarves, the one-of-a-kind pieces are not just stylish, but also have a story to tell. All items are carefully selected based on their uniqueness, quality, wearability and, most importantly, their boldness. Both mass market trend followers and trendsetters will discover products that are high quality and original.

“(We bring a) unique and valuable product at an affordable price,” Christan Summers, owner and founder, said. “The current market is saturated with private sales, flash sales, H&M, Zara, etc. Consumers are losing the notion of value in product and especially the idea of craftsmanship. ICU reminds consumers 'handmade' still exists and so does the designer who creates behind the workbench. We sell truly unique product that, I assure you, won't break in a week nor will you see five other women at the office wearing it. And the kicker, it is affordable!”

With price points from $42.60 to $1,476.80, the site offers options for those looking for a deal to those wanting to splurge.

As ICUinPARIS.com is based in Paris, unearthing designers is easy. The team checks out fashion salons, gallery openings and expositions and networks extensively to find someone who knows someone who knows that perfect unknown talent.

Not only do the pieces tell a story on their own, but the site also tells the story behind each item, detailing in a profile where the designers draw their inspiration and how they craft their jewelry. Emerging talent Charlotte Martyr, for example, declares on her page that her jewelry is inspired by Superman and “glamazon muse” Grace Jones. The stories show the process behind the collection while presenting the designers as real people.

“We focus a lot on the personality of our designers, our level of accessibility for designers to approach us and our photography and product styling,” Summers said. “Even though we re-shoot all products the ICU way, we make sure each designer's personality is expressed. We maintain close relationships with our designers and take time to understand their individual style. Our customers really enjoy shopping on a clean platform where they can still see the individual personalities of each designer.”

After launching a jewelry collection in Bangkok, Summers learned the hard way that there were no real outlets supporting independent designers. Believing that these designers do not receive enough credit for their talent and efforts, it was a need she could not ignore. She decided to launch a site himself and soon discovered many of his peers were also searching for an online platform to present their lines and draw shoppers worldwide.

“We present and sell products by unknown designers and have successfully built trust from a worldwide customer base through our unique product photography and styling and fantastic customer service. We are bringing value and originality back to the market!” Summers said.

All products are professionally presented, shot on models on a consistent background to create an aesthetic that draws the shopper in.

Summers intends to grow the site by branching out to clothing designers. She also hinted at a new campaign for customers and designers, but would not disclose full details.

ICUinPARIS.com ships worldwide and accepts pounds, Euros and U.S. dollars.

Tagged in: jewelry, paris, boutique, independent designers, icuinparis.com,

Fashion / Features