The Daughters of the West collection is inspired by the female outlaws of the Wild West. Born during a time when women stood in the shadows of their rugged men, the Daughters of the West proved that they were as good - if not better - than their male counterparts. Some of them became legends as outlaws and bandits, shocking society with their ruthless and unladylike behavior.
NINA BERENATO
In this collection I used traditional western motifs and folk art patterns to create old west style jewelry pieces with the Nina Berenato twist. I wanted this collection to be super editorial and high fashion, creating pieces that would sparkle in the sun, reminiscent of traditional oulaw dress like spurs, bolos, and elaborate gun holsters. I incorporated body jewelry like harnesses that drape accross your chest, hand jewelry that adorns the nails in an unusual way and earscapes that line the entire ear with southwestern shapes.
There were a few female outlaws that particularly inspired me when I created this collection. The pieces are actually named after them. Pearl Hart was a robber who liked to dress as a man, with short boy-like hair, and arming herself with a .38 revolver. The novelty of a female stagecoach robber quickly spawned a media frenzy and national reporters soon joined the local press clamoring to interview and photograph Hart. One article in Cosmopolitan said Hart was “just the opposite of what would be expected of a woman stage robber.” Pearl's Bolo, Pearl's Cuff and Pearl's Ear cuff set are inspired by her style.
Rose Dunn, known as “The Rose of Cimarron,” was a famous outlaw who learned to rope, ride, and shoot thanks to her two older brothers. It is said that after her lover was shot in the street, Rose ran to the rescue with ammunition and a Winchester rifle in hand. Thanks to her cover fire, both managed to escape the law. Rose's Ring, Necklace and Earrings are inspired by her adventures.
Belle Starr had a strong sense of style, which fed into her outlaw legend. A crack shot, she used to ride sidesaddle while dressed in a black velvet riding harness and a plumed hat, carrying two pistols, with cartridge belts across her hips. She remains a fixture in Texas outlaw culture and is sometimes referred to as the female Jesse James. Belle's Harness, Belle's Nail Rings and Belle's Ear cuff are inspired by her rebellious attitude.
Nina Berenato
Every piece from this collection is made to be adjusted to you if needed. From the flex bead chain on the bolo to the moveable bands on the nail rings, I wanted to make sure that even though these pieces are large statements that they are still comfortable to wear. The designs are made to be layered up as well and lean into a maximalist look that I think pays tribute to these female bandits and their flashy style.
Western wear has always utilized metal stamping to create patterns on metal that reference flowers, landscapes and our relationship with nature. For these new designs I leaned into the floral patterns often seen in the Southwest to give these pieces a feminine edge. As jewelry inspired by female outlaws, it was important to me to maintain the femininity and remind the wearer that being a woman has always been a strength.
