Pippa Small to Open Shop-in-Shop at ABC Carpet & Home

The British jewelry designer is opening a permanent space in the New York retail store.

Ashley Davis Ashley.Davis@nationaljeweler.com

This is a watercolor rendering by Joan Hecktermann of the Pippa Small shop-in-shop opening at ABC Carpet & Home in early September.

New York--Longtime British jewelry designer Pippa Small is known for her global outlook, and now she has her sights set on the Big Apple.

With existing standalone stores in London and Los Angeles, Small is making a home for her namesake brand in New York City via a shop-in-shop at home and jewelry retailer ABC Carpet & Home.

“We began to speak about being stocked in ABC, but it occurred to me that it would be more interesting to have a ‘shop-in-shop’ and to be able to create our own identity and express who we are,” explained Small of the partnership. “We could tell our story by creating a serene little enclave where we have the displays we want and someone who can tell the many tales of the different jewellery collections.”

Founded more than 20 years ago, Small’s designs focus on highlighting natural stone shapes that haven’t been cut or polished. “We lean toward an amulet or talismanic feel, inspired by ancient, tribal and natural forms,” she said.
Small’s aesthetic is organic and earthy. She’s stocked at boutiques like Twist, Broken English and The Clay Pot, to name a few stateside locations.

Still, the designer felt the absence of a permanent footing in New York.

“New York felt like the missing link,” Small said. “I hope it will enable us to have more of a U.S. presence, both for press and growth.”

Small observed a cohesiveness between her brand identity and that of ABC Carpet & Home.

“ABC has a non-Western outlook--their beautiful treasures, from the most exquisite carpets to paintings, clothes and textiles--(and) a great deal of what they carry has a philanthropic, organic or natural approach, which is refreshing and fits with our ethos,” she said.

“We are deeply inspired by Pippa Small’s commitment to the DNA design intelligence of artisan communities," said ABC Carpet & Home Chief Operating and Merchandising Officer Amy Chender. "Her work is a beautiful addition to our curated collection, serving as a platform for handmade jewelry, designed and crafted globally and locally.”

Much of Small’s line is produced in conjunction with indigenous and traditional craftspeople worldwide. The designer has worked on projects with the Kuna Indians of Panama, the Batwa of Rwanda, the San Bushmen of Botswana, urban slum inhabitants in Kenya, Afghan artists and Aymara goldsmiths in Bolivia.

“We firmly believe in supporting craftspeople around the world,” Small said. “I think to be

Banner will be right here …

able to use Afghan gems while working with Afghan stone cutters, Afghan goldsmiths, Afghan stone setters … the process adds value to the country’s economy and includes them in the creative process and the life of the jewel, all while employing and training people at the same time.”

Small’s work with Afghan craftspeople has been a particular focus over the past few years. She is involved with an organization called Turquoise Mountain, founded by Prince Charles and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai that aims to restore traditional Afghan craft-making practices.

“I feel it’s important to keep traditional skills alive; it’s frightening how quickly skills can be lost,” she said. “The pride and satisfaction for someone skilled to work with their hands, to create beautiful things that have an appreciation and a space in the marketplace, is very satisfying.”

For her charitable efforts and commitment to ethical jewelry production, the Queen of England awarded Small an MBE, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2013.

For now, Small is excited to spread her brand’s message to the design capital of the United States.

She said, “New York is such a vibrant and extraordinary city that it is a privilege to have a presence there.”

Pippa Small’s shop-in-shop is slated to open at ABC Carpet & Home on Sept. 7.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.