DESIGNER SERIES | Trace AW2026 Collection
To me, the renewal begins with looking inward, it's the quiet work of taking stock, who I've been, what I've carried, and who I'm becoming. Self-reflection asks for patience, and it rarely happens all at once. It makes room for new experiences, new directions, and a new way of seeing. It asks me to let go of what no longer fits, whether that's a habit or version of myself or a way of working that has run its course. Letting go isn't an ending, it's what clears the space for what comes next, and the cycle begins again.
The new Trace collection is made for that cycle in how it translates into life as growth, an infinite cycle that continues to be present, shifting quietly with each season and each version of ourselves. The simplicity of this collection doesn't take into the fact that it's taken a lot to tweak here and there over the course of a year. The idea was inspired by artist Katya Kim Holmes of HolKim Studio. I found her artwork mesmerizing and fascinated by the intricate details within her designs.
I'm always looking for new artwork to display in my home and studio. I'm particularly into the more abstract pieces with pops of color, like this print, Growing, by Katya Kim Holmes of Holkim Studios.
The Trace collection takes its cue from Katya's, whose hand-cut paper works trace the quiet rhythms of fluidity, structure, and composition. When I stumbled upon Katya's work, I was amazed by the detail of her artwork and her use of an x-acto knife with precision. Her fine paper and ink artwork has a delicious presence that draws you in and I'm so thrilled to start collecting her art.
What inspired me the most was how she freehand using an x-acto knife to trace out a repeat of shapes, creating negative space within. As a former paper crafting artist, I understand the time it takes to create these intricate pieces in detail and what truly drew me to her work.
To me, shaping and forming wire with my hand tools is like tracing onto paper with pen or pencil. Katya's artwork soon inspired my idea, translated into metal, that same tension becomes wearable; slim, deliberate forms that hold their shape while staying open, light, alive. Each piece finds its balance between repetition and movement, and geometry.
My new collection uses one element from a current design, the Finn charm, currently being remade to a bigger size. I used its component to create layers of the repetitive flow to create a linear combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical pieces you can wear every day. While I was sharing these new styles at all of my October events, the reaction varied with the consumer, from Celtic, medieval, geometric precision, etc. It's very interesting to learn how others view your work and how they interpret the designs, which I absolutely love. I feel there is a mix of masculine and feminine touch to this series, which makes it even more special where anyone can style these pieces in their own way.
Nonetheless, while these styles have traveled with me to events off and on since late May, I'm so glad to finally have them available to you online.
The first release of Trace is here, hand-fabricated in sterling silver. This series of earrings and necklaces are lightweight, layers easily and hold its own worn alone. I also have a small capsule of 14K gold pieces that will launch in November, with the 24th as the hopeful date; so, stay tuned.
In the meantime, explore the new Trace Collection and shop your favorite style.
Cheers!
Photo credit: Cindy Liebel