Native Australian designer, Nicholas Bowes began his career in fashion as a successful runway model. Today, he is the Owner/Designer of one of the Hottest Street-Chic clothing labels in NY, LA, and Japan. Krma by Nicholas Bowes launched in 2003. The clever acronym stands for Kangaroos Roam Mainland Australia. His leather jackets and Rock Star Tees have been a favorite among Superstars from Alicia Keys to Adrian Grenier and A-list fashionistas!

MUST HAVE FOR SPRING:

Krma's women's leathers are BAD ASS- with the perfect balance of edge and femininity. These timeless jackets come in an assortment of colors and are cut to flatter various shapes and sizes (they just so happen to be SUPER comfortable too). Oh and guys... Krma's Men's line is just as Hot! The leather used throughout the collection is buttery soft to the touch (as it should be when made with fine Italian lambskin) and just feels lucious. I promise that this will be your go-to jacket once the weather warms up a bit. My fave is the Dean Jacket...

STYLE TIP:

Ladies,with Spring just around the corner, pair your Leather with a soft flirty dress and a pair of high heel booties and Voila! Instant Chicness.

SHOP:

Krma Jackets and Tees at Atrium, Henri Bendel, Barney's New York & LA, Fred Segal, Isetan in Japan and online at Maluka.com, shopmanhattanite.com and Krmaclothing.com

BE CAREFUL: Big Drop is carrying a cheap knockoff of Krma called PORTER. Don't make the mistake of trying to save a few bucks and ending up with the impostor! Honestly, if you don't have the $600 to spend on the real deal, you might as well buy a pleather from Forever21.

Cleopatra, Nefertari, and Nefertiti. Three ancient Egyptian Queens who would ordain themselves with only the very finest linens, silks, and jewels that money could buy... even while they were asleep! If any one of these grandiose beauties were alive today, I have no doubt that she would have joined the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Jessica Simpson, Eva Longoria, and Marcia Cross, who have all been spotted countless times wearing the many majestic pieces of “wearable art" from Stephanie Wells and Alisa Rottenberg’s Double Happiness Collection.

If I were asked to describe Double Happiness Jewelry in one word, imperial, would be the first thought to come to mind. Each one of their hand crafted object d'art is made with 14kt gold fill, sterling silver, and semi precious stones. Think queens, princesses, and the upper echelon during the time of Alexander the Great… (Or think Angelina Jolie’s viperous character in the 2004 blockbuster, Alexander).

Inspired by her versatile travel abroad to places like; Africa, India, Asia, and the Middle East, Stephanie's designs carry a beautiful ancient like quality to them. From deep rich blue lapis to luminous yellow citrine, these pieces are sure to add a lot of zest to any ensemble.

Stephanie focuses on the essential quality of each stone, thus upon wearing a completed piece, one's mood often transcends. It’s an indescribable positive energy that seems to radiate from each innovative design. Even the earrings appear to illuminate the wearer.

Double Happiness has graced the pages of numerous publications such as; Glamour, In Style, Marie Claire, and Cosmo, as another favorite jewelry line amongst the industry’s leading stylists and editors.

The line is moderately priced from about $80 to the mid $300 range and can be purchased directly on their site, Double Happiness Jewlery, and can be found at over 600 stores worldwide including; Fred Segal Rocks in Santa Monica CA, NY Look in NYC, Bloomingdale's in Dubai, Head Over Heels in Louisiana, and Laura Gambucci in San Diego. The choices vary from store to store and what is available online.

Industry Background:

Double Happiness was founded in August 2001, by Stephanie Wells and her sister, Alisa Rottenberg. “Double Happiness” means "marriage" in the Chinese culture. In the Western Hemisphere, it’s a type of karmic chain reaction. It also represents the two sisters.

What began with a pair of sisters working out of a garage, Double Happiness has grown into a wonderful studio in Southern California with a magnificent team of women as unique and well-crafted as the jewelry itself. All Double Happiness jewelry pieces are designed by Stephanie Wells, and manufactured by hand with her distinct style and technique in the studio.