Jessica Kagan Cushman

Jessica Kagan Cushman

Cushman wearing her bracelets in 2008.
Born Jessica Kagan
April 7, 1958
New York, NY
Occupation Jewelry designer
Spouse(s) Bill Cushman (m. 1980)
Children 1
Website
http://www.jessicacushman.com

Jessica Kagan Cushman is an independent jewelry and accessories designer.

Early life

Cushman was born on April 7, 1958 in New York City. Her father, Vladimir Kagan, is 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

Jewelry and accessories

After 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

In 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

In 2012, Cushman was named one of three rising star finalists by Fashion Group International in the category of fine jewelry.[16]

References

  1. ↑ Patricia Sheridan, “Nantucket bracelets have a lot to say,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 3, 2012.
  2. ↑ Beverley Rider, “Vladimir Kagan’s Comeback Couch,” Wall Street Journal, April 30, 2009.
  3. ↑ Margalit Fox, “Erica Wilson Dies at 83; Led a Rebirth of Needleworking,” New York Times, December 13, 2011.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 “Jessica Kagan Cushman,” StyledOn.com. Accessed August 15, 2012.
  5. ↑ Alena Hall, "7 People Who Turned This 'Worthless' College Major Into Successful Careers," Huffington Post, February 26, 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 “Wrist Management,” Connecticut Magazine, January 2009.
  7. ↑ "Jessica Kagan Becomes Bride of Executive," New York Times, December 7, 1980.
  8. ↑ Cosmopolitan, May 2011; Cosmopolitan, July 2011.
  9. ↑ Ally Pyle, “Slogan Kitsch,” Vogue (UK), March 31, 2008.
  10. ↑ Anne Slowey, “Fashion News: Jessica Kagan Cushman Totes,” Elle, November 2009.
  11. ↑ “Tote-ally Chic,” People, July 18, 2012.
  12. ↑ “Shopping With the Stars,” InStyle, Holiday 2007.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ellen Tien, “Read My Wrist,” New York Times, March 11, 2007.
  14. ↑ “A Quotable Tote-Able,” Style.com, May 13, 2009.
  15. ↑ Doria Santlofer, “It’s a Sign,” New York, May 11, 2009.
  16. ↑ Marc Karimzadeh, “Fashion Group International Names Rising Star Finalists,” Women’s Wear Daily, January 3, 2012.

External links