LIKE PARADISE: MARLAINA STONE SPRING 2012

It’s officially spring in Detroit which means one of two things: 1.) it will be 84° today, 2.) it will be 41° today. While dressing for the season may present the thrilling challenge of deconstructed dressing, beautiful accessories always work. This would be the part where I’d write “Meet Michigan-based babe Marlaina Stone,” but chances are you’re already familiar with the name (her striking couture jewelry has garnered attention from major magazines including Redbook, Cosmo and Nylon, to name a few).

From bracelets to necklaces (which can also be worn as hip chains) a Stone creation can be identified by a few (un)common characteristics: unorthodox pairings of hardware and natural elements like, for example, heavy gold chains and dainty pearls. I dropped by her bright, bubbly Birmingham studio/showroom to catch up with the designer and see the new line which, in addition to her space, is also available at eight Nordstrom locations in the U.S. (but she refuses to stop there, trust me). Materials come from all over the world, but the pieces are handmade and manufactured here in Michigan. Marlaina leads the gang of 25 people — which continues to grow — from design, sourcing, distribution and sales. “I wanted to build a team of radical designers,” Stone says. “I get tired but tired is what fuels me. For us to be big, you have to think big.”

For spring, Stone combined warm-hued materials and aquatic-esque beads with her signature aesthetic to create “Paradise,” a collection of necklaces and bracelets that beg to be worn in your own way whether you’re strutting the sand or cement. “Paradise” pieces range from $95 – $225. Bonus: You can also create custom pieces from materials at the studio and your own. Explore more of Marlaina’s world in the gallery below.

For more visit MarlainaStone.com or visit her showroom located at 933 S. Eton Street, Birmingham; Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat: 11am – 5pm, Sunday by appointment; 248.792.2956;