Jessica Kagan Cushman is an independent jewelry and accessories designer.
Jessica Kagan Cushman | |
|---|---|
 Cushman wearing her bracelets in 2008. | |
| Born | Jessica Kagan April 7, 1958 |
| Occupation | Jewelry designer |
| Spouse |
Bill Cushman (m. 1980) |
| Children | 1 |
| Website | http://www.jessicacushman.com |
Early life
editCushman was born on April 7, 1958, in New York City. Her father, Vladimir Kagan, was a German-born furniture designer considered an early pioneer of modern American design.[1][2] Her mother, Erica Wilson, was an innovative British embroidery designer who was known as “the Julia Child of needlework.”[3] Cushman graduated from Smith College with a BA in Art History.[4][5] She resides in Redding, Connecticut,[6] with her husband Bill Cushman.[7]
Career
editJewelry and accessories
editAfter learning scrimshaw from her father and embroidery from her mother,[4] Cushman went into business in 2004, starting out with hand-engraved bracelets.[6] She has since expanded her line to include necklaces, rings, earrings and other accessories. Her items have been featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan,[8] and in numerous other magazines, such as Vogue (UK),[9] Elle,[10] People[11] and InStyle.[12]
Inscribed bracelets
editIn 2007, Cushman began hand-engraving fossilized woolly mammoth tusk bangles with whimsical pop culture sayings.[13] Barneys New York was the first store to offer the line.[6] Cushman then began manufacturing a more affordable resin reproduction version.[13] Two years later, Cushman introduced a line of tote bags inscribed with similar phrases,[14] as well as cuffs featuring zodiac constellations in crystals on black resin.[15]
Honors
editIn 2012, Cushman was named one of three rising star finalists by Fashion Group International in the category of fine jewelry.[16]
References
edit- ^ Patricia Sheridan, “Nantucket bracelets have a lot to say,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 3, 2012.
- ^ Beverley Rider, “Vladimir Kagan’s Comeback Couch,” Wall Street Journal, April 30, 2009.
- ^ Margalit Fox, “Erica Wilson Dies at 83; Led a Rebirth of Needleworking,” New York Times, December 13, 2011.
- ^ a b “Jessica Kagan Cushman,” StyledOn.com. Accessed August 15, 2012.
- ^ Alena Hall, "7 People Who Turned This 'Worthless' College Major Into Successful Careers," Huffington Post, February 26, 2014.
- ^ a b c “Wrist Management,” Connecticut Magazine, January 2009.
- ^ "Jessica Kagan Becomes Bride of Executive," New York Times, December 7, 1980.
- ^ Cosmopolitan, May 2011; Cosmopolitan, July 2011.
- ^ Ally Pyle, “Slogan Kitsch,” Vogue (UK), March 31, 2008.
- ^ Anne Slowey, “Fashion News: Jessica Kagan Cushman Totes,” Elle, November 2009.
- ^ “Tote-ally Chic,” People, July 18, 2012.
- ^ “Shopping With the Stars,” InStyle, Holiday 2007.
- ^ a b Ellen Tien, “Read My Wrist,” New York Times, March 11, 2007.
- ^ “A Quotable Tote-Able,” Style.com, May 13, 2009.
- ^ Doria Santlofer, “It’s a Sign,” New York, May 11, 2009.
- ^ Marc Karimzadeh, “Fashion Group International Names Rising Star Finalists,” Women’s Wear Daily, January 3, 2012.