While different fields and subfields in fashion converge to form style, it is rare that designers jump from one field to another—especially people who have already established their name in a certain sphere of influence. But still, the fact remains that fashion is an inclusive world where different pieces interact harmoniously. So when a clothing designer suddenly changed course and started designing jewelry, it can be unexpected move, but not an entirely shocking occurrence.
Among those few that have thread this path is Beth Bugdaycay, a co-founder and the former CEO of the clothing brand Rebecca Taylor. After 19 years of working with the brand, she decided to move on into something that was more meaningful to her when the brand was sold to Kellywood. That new venture and passion is her very own jewelry brand, Foundrae.
Best Places to Shop for Foundrae Jewelry
Top 12 Best-selling Foundrae Jewelry
$1,925
$1,825
$4,450
$5,100
$1,595
$1,995
$7,640
$4,195
$7,995
$2,850
$2,850
$2,850
The switch from one fashion lane to another
Hailing from New Zealand, Beth is one of the few who broke into fashion fame, even gaining respect and admiration from known icons both in and out of the industry, including Alexa Ching, Kate Middleton, and Rashida Jones. Her love for fashion stems way back from her childhood, and every step she took as she grew up were all pointed towards her ultimate dream: to go to New York and have a full-blown career in fashion.
Her quick year of learning at FIT, then her first OJT and job in New York, plus all the hardwork she put into her passion through all those years paid off when she, together with her close friend, launched Rebecca Taylor. The brand had a phenomenal success, but eventually was sold after a decade. Soon enough, Beth prepared her transition into another fashion lane—jewelry. She envisioned a more harmonious life and somehow treating her new business with her husband, Murat, as an extension of their home in the sense that it should be in a comfortable environment. And that’s exactly what they aimed for.
Profound inspiration behind the brand
The whole essence of the brand and its collections circle around the ancient quests of every individual: for love, for inner peace, for wisdom, and for other fundamental aspects of life that one longs for. The charm instilled in each of the brand’s designs is directly influenced by Beth herself and her deep belief in people’s capacity to gather essential values as we go through the journey called life. And like a true believer, she wants Foundrae to serve as wearable pieces that remind assure people that they can grow and change for the better.
Beth herself carries with her talismans—charms of Srength, Protection and Dream to counter her tendency for self-depreciation. Such perspective ushers her into fully committing to her journey in the world of jewelry. It was indeed a new chapter for her, one that allowed her to be more personal with work and to get something more meaningful in what she does.
The quick ascent to fine jewelry fame
It hasn’t been exactly a huge start for Foundrae on its first two—the “operations” were setup in the couple’s home, releasing their first product for two stores. Both Beth and Murat hadn’t exactly planned immediately on how to go about growing a huge brand, they just went with it, releasing the first few pieces that eventually became their medium for the deeper symbolisms and meaning their brand wants to share. Eventually, the thin and thick band, cigar bands, chains, and medallions resonated with many people, which prompted the duo to launch a store this 2018 to have way to connect with its customers.
Meaningful collections
Beth’s inspiration for pieces also includes her very own soul and style—a blend of traditional and unconventional styles that captures meaningful stories behind. Like the brand’s core collection which reflects a person’s journey. The brand deem the collection as a representation of reminders of who people are meant to be, and that whatever that may be, it is already waiting for them.
Passion as a key to reach whatever people want to become was the next main inspiration for the brand’s second collection. That same passion will push an individual to do everything to take the necessary risks, harness the strength, and prepare to be fragile and vulnerable just to do inch towards that particular passion.
On its third year of existence, Foundrae now has a mix of pieces that offer different values and meanings for various tenets, including Resilience, True Love, Karma, Dream, Wholeness, Protection, Strength, and Passion. A variety of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, charms and links can be found in all of the collections, giving customers a good range of choices of style and design.
More than just accessories
Ever since the brand began, it has already established that its pieces are more than just accessories. They all contain symbols that are both ancient signs and powerful reminders for an individual’s journey to a better life. The Triangle, for example, exudes strength and is a water sign that has a powerful energy of traditional female. The crown, serves as a symbol of triumph, while the start is divine guidance and energy. There are a lot more symbols that can capture what a certain customer would need, and even just the physical act of buying a Foundrae jewelry becomes a powerful step towards change itself.
With this premise, Foundrae has a very promising future ahead. With its fans and follower growing year by year, our only hope is that the brand never loses its profound charm and meaning—and with Murat and Beth’s love and support for the brand, we know that what we have come to love about the brand will never change.
