I love to discover unique, amazing lines of jewelry. And when the product is made in the USA? Thats great! When it’s made in St. Louis? Even better! BelleStyle is the creation of local artist Heather Krako. Her pieces are visually stunning. Crafted using precious metals, stones like black jade or freshwater pearls, and unexpected elements such as vintage items, feathers, fur, even leather. It all comes together to create a line of jewelry that is unlike any you have seen before.
Krako got her start in Miami, working at Intermix NYC on South Beach, “I think every designer needs to work retail at some point. It’s the only way to find out what will sell in the trenches!” she says. During this time, Krako was making jewelry for herself on the side, often selling a piece or two while she was wearing it. One thing she noticed early on in retail, was customers dissatisfaction with broken jewelry. “Women would come in and buy a $300 necklace, only to have it break that night, but the store couldn’t take any returns.” When she launched BelleStyle, a top priority was offering a product which was not only gorgeous and made with high quality materials, but one that also came with free lifetime repairs. After honing her line in LA, Krako moved home to St. Louis with her family in 2009. BelleStyle is still crafted by hand with Krako personally filling orders. Her inspiration comes from scouring antique and vintage shops for rare, unusual finds that she incorporates in her pieces. This adds to the appeal of knowing you are getting something no one else will have!
Heather Krako is extremely proud of her pieces and it shows. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she walked me through her collections, making sure I saw it all, from the one-of-a-kind necklaces to the new lines for 2015. My favorite BelleStyle pieces were these amazeball Fur Charms. Clip one of these onto your purse or necklace, the possibilities are endless! So, so cool! My prediction: these are going to be hot for spring!
Krako’s beautiful line is available locally at boutiques like BLUSH and Klutch. Or it can be purchased online at: www.bellestyle.com *Fun note: BelleStyle jewelry will be worn by actresses in the upcoming film “Entourage”- now that’s Hantastic!* Here is a peek inside the BelleStyle showroom: