Courtesy Red Earth
Actress Angie Harmon’s new “X Red Earth” is no ordinary jewelry line. Her edgy, socially conscious collection combines chic designs, unconventional materials and artisan craftsmanship that takes skull and bone baubles to a sophisticated new level.
Angie Harmon X Red Earth is a labor of love designed in partnership with Red Earth–an ethical lifestyle brand that creates “ruggedly elegant jewelry with a purpose.” The company employs talented artisans and craftsmen in rural, poverty-ravaged African villages who are enabled to sustain their own families through their hard work and creativity while also creating jobs for others in their community. Red Earth helps these artisans grow their businesses and, in turn, gives even more people in the region hope and opportunity through gainful employment. In this way, Red Earth tells a different story about Africa—one of beauty and entrepreneurship rather than of charity.
As a UNICEF ambassador, Harmon, who is best known for her starring role as Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on NBC’s Emmy-winning drama Law & Order, “was a natural fit for our first celebrity partnership,” notes Red Earth founder Travis Gravette. “Angie’s sense of design and fashion is totally in sync with our brand and she ‘gets’ that the heart of our company is to use business for good. We are so excited to have released this collection.”
And what an amazing collection it is, with each unique handmade piece exuding substance and character. In further alignment with Red Earth culture, all pieces in the collection are also notably created from recycled materials such as old locks, door knobs and ethically sourced animal bone from Africa. The exquisite pieces are designed in the U.S. but are hand-crafted by the artisans in and around Kenya.
While one might expect Harmon’s A-list celeb status to command a hefty price tag for her wares, the cost of the items in this collection are decidedly affordable–ranging from $195 on the high end to just $30 on the low end–assuring it’s accessible for most style-seekers.
Then there are the designs, themselves. I am admittedly a sucker for edgy statement jewelry and the Angie Harmon X Red Earth line more than fits the bill. The collection features skull rings and bracelets, and black-beaded “refined bone” necklaces and bracelets as well as super sexy reverse choker necklaces, chain link necklaces and bracelets, stud earrings, and a simple yet striking brass ear cuff.
Angie’s “signature piece” also happens to be my personal favorite item in the line and one I wear often: the 17.5” long black-beaded Skull + Bone Necklace ($165). It’s a truly memorable piece that commands attention everywhere I wear it. It’s made by an artisan named Raymond in Kenya who works with his wife and employs four others just outside of Nairobi. I love to wear this piece in combination with the elegant Simple Reverse Choker ($85), which is incredibly versatile for both day and night looks. Together they proffer an unexpected aesthetic that’s a true standout. Pair these with the Skull Cuff ($68) and Bone + Brass Bracelets ($45) along with the Skull Ring ($78) and Ear Cuff ($30) and you’ll have yourself a cohesive, uber-cool look that’s sure to get you noticed time and time again.
Of course, if skulls and bones aren’t your thing, the Angie Harmon X Red Earth collection does feature other pieces that are quite delicate and feminine. Though not a hugely expansive line, there is enough design versatility to suit a wide variety of tastes and styles.
As if all of the above-described do-gooding isn’t enough, cause-conscious accessory aficionados can also take heed that a percentage of all revenue from this collection is donated to UNICEF. My hat’s off to Red Earth—a shining example of how to cultivate hope and opportunity through commerce.
Check out the designs online at http://redearthshop.com/product-category/angie-harmon-x-red-earth/.
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***