If you’ve ever doubted your ability to be a successful wife, mom, business woman, and world traveler extraordinaire, think again. Kristen Noel Crawley might just be the woman with everything. Her career is thriving and her personal life is in order, what more can a lady dream of? Well, perhaps it’s a collection of some of the most generation appropriate fine jewelry today. Her line, I LOVE KDIA, is full of 18 carat gold pieces that are emoji inspired. From a 100 necklace to a sad smiley, there’s definitely a relatable expression for you to choose from. To some, an emoji inspired collection may seem fun and silly, and fun it definitely is, but silly – not so much. Our generation has learned to express themselves with these emoticons, and it isn’t going to stop any time soon. Maybe you dislike the emoji way of expression, or you feel as though civilization is regressing back to using hieroglyphics. And sure, there is a way for you to communicate any feeling with a word, but to most, an image can describe their feelings beyond their verbal capacity, much like your outer image (jewelry included) speaks on your being before you have the chance to. Is it that some are more knowledgable than others? No. And to each human being, knowledge means something completely different. Ancient Egypt, mankind’s first great civilization and one of the most intelligent to exist, used images to communicate. Let’s just say, emojis as a way of expression works, much like I LOVE KDIA.
Photographed By Andi Elloway
What’s your favorite memory from fashion month?
Definitely getting the luxurious spa treatments at the Dior institute, there’s something about that place that puts you in the perfect state of mind. Also, getting best dressed on @thecut for the Dior show. That really made me happy!
Is there an outfit or shoe from the runway you know you need ASAP?
Yes, all of the fur coats from Louis Vuitton were to die for, can’t wait for next winter!
I’m sure you are beyond exhausted, but are there any fashion/beauty emergency products you will pack more than enough of for next season?
Exhausted isn’t the word! The day after I got back from Paris I got the flu and really am just now getting back healthy. While traveling I use the M-61 Vitamin C Blast Mask every other day along with the Hydra Life Dior Skincare line because I get really dry from all of the flights. I also stock up on vitamins. I take a pre-natal vitamin with added DHA, it’s like an all-in-one.
Why jewelry? What about the design process was so appealing to you?
Jewelry is something that you can put on and instantly feel glamorous. I think it’s so special and I wanted to create things that women (and men) would cherish for years to come. Jewelry is really interesting because it’s so tedious and you really have to know your sh*t. I literally did that 100 necklace 6 times before I got it perfect! It’s challenging and I love it, I love seeing the outcome. I love the highs and lows, I love thinking of new ideas and seeing them come into fruition.
I’m obsessed with the 100 necklace! Is there a particular piece from your latest collection that you find yourself gravitating towards?
Well the 100 necklace was my first piece that I ever made, so I think it will always have a special place in my heart. I also really love the bolt earrings and the heart and arrow ring, the various sized sapphires in this ring really make it special.
How can we buy KDIA?
Well right now I’m stocked at Colette in Paris, Browns in London and D’NA in Saudi Arabia. I do private orders for KDIA in the US. You can email sales@ilovekdia.com. I’m trying to take it slow with distribution. I don’t want to be a brand that you can get EVERYWHERE. Exclusivity is key!
How does LA inspire you creatively? If it doesn’t, what’s the best place to find constant inspiration?
LA isn’t that inspiring, I must say. BUT it does put me in a relaxed mind state and allows me to create, which I think is super important. I was in Tokyo last year and I was really inspired, but it was non stop action, so I didn’t really even have time to sit down and sketch. I love to travel and get ideas, inspiration, etc. But then I come home and get back in my zone and that’s where the creative process really begins.
You have the cutest little boy! Do you find it harder to work on your business? How do you juggle everything?
Thank you! He is my everything :) He is in school now which is SO much easier. Before I didn’t want to start any projects because I didn’t think that anything in this world would be more important than raising my child and I’m really happy that I took the path that I did. Now I can work and do everything that I need to do while he’s at school, then when he gets home it’s “our time” and I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
How has your style changed since becoming a mom?
It hasn’t changed much to be honest. I’ve always been about comfort. Comfort is KEY! I can’t wear shoes/heels that destroy me. I can’t wear too tight pants or too short skirts either. I need to be comfortable whether I’m running errands at home or running the streets at Fashion Week!
You do street-wear-chic VERY well. How do you go about mixing masculine and feminine brands the right way?
Thank you. I’m not sure how I can explain the process, but I just know what looks good on me. And when I try something on, if I don’t feel instantly confident in myself and comfortable, then it’s an automatic no-go. Trust yourself, that’s the only rule!
I struggle with finding comfortable everyday jewelry or just remembering to put it on in general. Do you have any tips for the jewelry handicapped of the world?
I feel you girl! I haven’t worn any jewelry for the past two weeks! I’ve been so sick and I just really can’t be bothered. I do make all of my pieces in 18k gold, so you can wear them all day, every day if you want to. I also find that if you get a cute little jewelry dish for your bedside table that makes things super easy. You just take off your jewels before bed then put them back on right when you wake up.
Any beauty products you are crushing over currently?
I’m ALWAYS crushing on beauty products! Right now I’m indulging myself with the Dior One Essential Detoxifying Serum, I put it on at night and I wake up like a new person, seriously! I also really love the M-61 line of products from Blue Mercury. I just recently had a breakout and they have this amazing Power Spot Blemish Lotion that is everything!!
A shoe that all businesswomen need?
Manolo Blahnik BB Pump in nude suede.
Advice for aspiring designers?
Believe in yourself, you can do it!
