Karyn Cantor is the creative force behind Classic Hardware and each piece is designed by her. Her love of fashion from the 1920's through the 1950's is evident in Classic Hardware’s bold and quirky designs.
Blend of Modern Street Style and Vintage
The appeal of the Classic Hardware jewelry line is its mix of vintage with a dash of modern hip street style. Large plastic brooches shaped like flowers, cowboys, and squirrels are reminiscent of 1930’s Bakelite. Pendants with vintage postcard images are strung on heavy chains. Story box necklaces have pendants that are a mix of images and charms which create a 3-D shadowbox effect.
Retrolite
Collectors of vintage costume jewelry know that Bakelite jewelry pieces are expensive and highly collectible. Fortunately, several of Cantor’s pieces are made from a plastic called Retrolite, Classic Hardware’s homage to Bakelite. If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to Bakelite, be sure to check out Classic Hardware’s extensive collection of sleek, brightly colored brooches and necklaces featuring swallows, horses, and cherubs.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Cantor started contacting up-and-coming young artists so she could use their work in her jewelry line. Many of the distinctive images used in Cantor’s jewelry are the work of artists such as Bonni Reid, Angelina Wrona, KuKula, Kelly Haigh, and Nix Turner. These artists are influenced by everything from Japanese Anime to fairies and bring an uncommon twist to the Classic Hardware line.
Celebrity Fans
Because Cantor’s designs have a rock-and-roll edge, it is no surprise that musicians love Classic Hardware. Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Exene of X and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's have all worn Cantor’s jewelry. Rock legend Madonna even wore a Classic Hardware necklace in her “Hollywood” video. Mandy Moore, Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera, Hillary Duff, and Jennifer Love Hewitt have also been seen sporting the trendy and popular jewelry line.
Featured on Television and in National Publications
Classic Hardware jewelry has been featured in several TV shows like “Bones,” “Nip Tuck,” “Friends,” “News Radio,” and one of the most influential fashion T.V. shows, “Sex and the City.” Classic Hardware's avant-garde accessories have been featured in a variety of diverse national publications such as Seventeen, Teen Vogue, BUST, Siempre Mujer, Budget Living, In Touch, and New York Times Magazine.
Where You Can Find Classic Hardware Jewelry
Classic Hardware jewelry and accessories can be found at your local quirky boutique as well as many online stores such as Daddy-o's, Patina, Pin Up Girl Clothing, Stuff-O-Rama, and of course the Classic Hardware web site.
