Family Jewels

Kylie and Kendall Jenner launch new jewelry line and offer Kardashian advice

Kylie and Kendall Jenner, the teenage sisters of reality TV stars Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, are shaping their own career paths with a new jewelry line called Metal Haven by Kendall and Kylie.

The collection is one of Pascal Mouawad's latest Glamhouse jewelry brands, next to Low Luv x Erin Wasson, Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960, and Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian. The lines are sold in major department stores worldwide.

The Jenner girls may be following in their sisters' heels by welcoming the cameras into their daily lives for Keeping up with the Kardashians and indulging in the spotlight. (Kendall is pursuing a modeling career.) But they're putting their own edgy stamp on a jewelry collection that Nordstrom is now exclusively carrying. The line is also available online.

In advance of their personal appearance at Nordstrom NorthPark in Dallas yesterday, we chatted with the pair to see what makes these beautiful brunettes tick. (There is no Houston appearance planned.)

CultureMap: Why start a jewelry line?

Kylie: It's just something we always wanted to do, and when Glamhouse gave us the chance, we jumped on it. We're so excited it will be at Nordstrom.

CM: What was your inspiration for the designs?

Kylie: Everything, but we wanted it young and edgy.

Kendall: We love spikes, wings and skulls, so it was a mix of light and dark — kind of like us.

CM: Your collection will be available in the juniors department of Nordstrom. Is that the target market for your designs?

Kendall: Most of the pieces can be worn by everyone; it doesn't matter what age you are.

Kylie: We design for our fans, who always ask what we are wearing.

CM: What's the best advice you've received from your sisters?

Kylie: Don't read or believe gossip!

Kendall: Know your true friends and keep them close.

CM: What has your experience been like working together?

Kendall: It has been fun. We have different styles, so it's a good mix of both of our tastes; there is something for everyone.

Kylie: We didn't always agree, but we always found a way to make it work. I really like to design, and then to see it actually become a piece is cool.

CM: What have you learned from growing up in such a close-knit family?

Kylie: Our mom always said to put family first; that's why she's so big on getting everyone together for dinners.

Kendall: Khloe tells us, "It doesn't matter if you two fight. You’re sisters, and she'll be your best friend for life."

CM: Kendall, how are you balancing modeling, your jewelry collection and school?

Kendall: It's a lot of work, but it's all really exciting. I just keep a calendar handy so I know where I'm supposed to be and when, and I stick to the schedule.

CM: What are your future plans for your business? Is higher education on your radar?

Kylie: Keep doing what we are doing and we'll see what happens.

Kylie and Kendall Jenner recently launched Metal Haven, a new jewelry line available exclusively at Nordstrom.

Kylie Jenner Facebook

Kylie and Kendall Jenner recently launched Metal Haven, a new jewelry line available exclusively at Nordstrom.

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BIJOU BAGS

Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

“I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

“Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

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