Designer Christina Caruso
Designer Christina Caruso’s jewelry collection hits the Hamptons.
The season just got a little more dazzling thanks to New Yorkbased designer Christina Caruso (christinacaruso.com). The maven recently debuted her chic jewelry collection at Wyld Blue stores in Montauk and Aspen (and soon NYC as well). Worn by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and the fashion flock, we expect the handcrafted line to add some sparkle to the season. We polled the designer for her stylish scoop.
Why did you decide to launch the collection? After working as an executive in the fashion industry for over a decade for designers and global brands, it was time to go back out on my own and focus on the values that are important to me.
I’m passionate about partnering with female founders, working with recycled metals and small-batch manufacturing, and creating timeless pieces of wearable art that will live on.
YSL’s home and garden in Morocco
What’s your favorite look in the new offerings? I love the look of the gingko earring. It’s bold, hand-sculpted and organic. I designed this piece during the pandemic when we spent a lot of time at the beach in southern Florida. This style really frames the face and reflects light in the most gorgeous way. They really are a showstopping pair.
How do you suggest women approach an elegant summer look in a chic way? Keep it simple. Chic. I love wearing white linen in the summer, tying my hair back to show off a gold statement earring like our oval earring. A beautiful gold cuff like our torus cuff or line cuff instantly creates a polished look. It also gives you Wonder Woman power!
Christina Caruso torus cuff
What other upcoming brand news can we share? Our collection just hit Wyld Blue, which has stores in Montauk, Aspen and NYC. We’re excited to establish a local Hampton presence.
Weekend brunch or snack spot? I love Golden Pear in Southampton… Dreaming about their lobster salad.
Cultural attraction or activity? Visiting the lighthouse in Montauk. This was the first attraction out East that my husband and I visited during one of our first vacations together. It turns out that we have a thing for spooky lighthouses, and now our 4-year-old son does too.
The Montauk lighthouse
Any fitness or wellness spots you love? Long walks on the beach are my fitness go-to, no matter what beach I’m on.
Any dream vacay destinations? I dream of visiting Morocco and touring YSL’s home and garden. But after the pandemic—I’ll literally go anywhere!
Summer fashion essential? Bold gold jewelry—oversized gold statement earrings and a sculpted gold cuff—makes even swimwear feel like eveningwear!
Christina Caruso tufted earings
Favorite artist, gallery, design store or interior item? I love the vibe and the curation of Wyld Blue store in Montauk. It’s set up like gallery with the most desirable apparel, accessories, and art and home.
Summer skincare or sunscreen? I love an indie skincare brand called Li Organics based in N.Y. Their Liquid Amber serum is like drinking a tall glass of water for your skin. My skin craves it.
What is your summer uniform? I have two go-to looks: 1. Slicked-back hair, sun-kissed skin, white linen and bold gold jewelry. 2. Big beach hair, swimwear and lots of bold gold jewelry.
What Hamptons essentials save your sanity? Tate’s chocolate chip cookies—guilty pleasure since I was a kid.
Fave store? Wyld blue is my fave store in Montauk.
Fave bar or hotel? My fave bar is Surf Lodge in Montauk.
Photography by: CHRISTINA CARUSO PORTRAIT BY EMILY BILLINGTON; MORROCO PHOTO BY NI FRE/UNSPLASH; PRODUCT PHOTOS BY BRITT KUBAT, ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAND; LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO BY CLAY LECONEY/UNSPLASH; .
