Jessica Kagan Cushman

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Jessica Kagan Cushman
Jessica Kagan Cushman.jpg
Cushman wearing her bracelets in 2008.
Born
Jessica Kagan

(1958-04-07) April 7, 1958 (age 67)
New York, NY
Occupation Jewelry designer
Spouse
Bill Cushman
​
(m. 1980)​
Children1
Website http://www.jessicacushman.com

Jessica Kagan Cushman is an independent jewelry and accessories designer.

Contents

Early life

Cushman 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

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. 1 2 “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. 1 2 3 “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. 1 2 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.
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