LOCALLY MADE: Kim and Zozi features colorful handcrafted bracelets made in the company’s Vernon, Calif., factory, which also serves as a showroom and office space.

LOCALLY MADE: Kim and Zozi features colorful handcrafted bracelets made in the company’s Vernon, Calif., factory, which also serves as a showroom and office space.

NEW RESOURCES

Kim and Zozi: California Brand Drumming to a World Beat

Australian Kim Ben Shimon and Canadian Zoar “Zozi” Asher together form Kim and Zozi, their jewelry line born in Israel and produced in Los Angeles.

With heavy beading details and gold and silver chains, the pieces favor a hippie, bohemian vibe but with a bit of “bling” to create a contemporary look.

The jewelry designers had been making friendship bracelets when a friend in Paris inquired about mass producing and selling the bracelets.

“Kim and I were making everything by hand,” said Asher, and before they knew it, they established a fan base with press requesting pieces for editorial shoots. It was not long before the friends became business partners. They met Philip Simon Chemla, former Ed Hardy licensee, at a dinner party in Tel Aviv, and within a month, the three teamed up to take their company to the U.S.

“Phillip has been a tremendous help to us and gave us an opportunity to expand so quickly,” Asher said.

The factory is based out of Vernon, Calif., where employees make the bracelets and necklaces by hand. “When you have people working for you in your own workshop, you have more control and ability to change,” Asher said. “I love everyone who works for me; everyone is so nice. And they have expressed how work can be therapeutic. If you enjoy working with your hands and crafting, you are in a different space.”

Asher—who studied textiles, photography and advertising—said she utilizes these skills in her design work, which features intricate weaving techniques and conceptual patterns.

Asher and Ben Shimon take inspiration from all sorts of things, including their travels. Asher also said shopping for materials helps the creative process.

Wholesale priced from $20 to $60, Kim and Zozi currently retails at Fred Segal, Bloomingdale’s and their e-commerce site kimandzozi.com.

The latest collection will show at ENK @ MAGIC in Las Vegas in August, where the designers hope to showcase an expanded collection consisting of boyish tees and sweatshirts made out of French terry and linens, as well handbags and shoes (sneakers and sandals) that incorporate the Kim and Zosi signature jewelry design.

For more information, contact Patrick Benazera at (213) 748.1038, Ext. 420, or at patrick@psdiusa.net.