Chicago - August 21, 2009

Leather the Storm

Emma Carroll Etc. Jewelry

When London called, Emma Carroll answered.

Then the Chicagoan packed up and crossed the ocean for over a decade.

Now she’s back — with a fading accent, a London College of Fashion degree, and a new jewelry line that’s bloody spectacular.

Carroll honed her skills working for accessories designer Ally Capellino. In her free time, she made jewelry with leftover handbag scraps (belt loops, straps).

Bringing her appreciation for leather craft stateside, she now uses vegetable-tanned Italian leather (and inspiration from her scrappy years) to create knockout necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Elegant, geometric shapes (discs, feathers) and negative space are her signatures, as is the matte ribbon that holds each piece together. Brassy rivets and studs balance Carroll’s bright color palette.

Not convinced?

Eat Brit.

Available at Habit, 1951 West Division Street, at Winchester Avenue (773-342-0093 or habitchicago.com); available online at emmacarrolletc.com. Enter code DAILYCANDY20 at checkout to receive 20 percent off everything through Sunday at midnight.

Photo: Courtesy of Emma Carroll Etc.