Designing Women

Cristen Guest  
René Guest
This 22-year-old UT student, born and raised in Lake Dallas, once had only Vista Ridge Mall to sate her style desires. So she had to get creative. Inspired by her Native American heritage and the loom, Guest began making jewelry at age 8. She now creates bold pieces made of semiprecious stones and natural materials, and she loves to play with color. Mostly self-taught, Guest finds inspiration in antique and vintage styles, incorporating the old with the new. “My designs change with my mood,” she says. $40-$400. Available at Ya-Ya’s Boutique (Shops at Legacy, 7201 Bishop Rd., Ste E9. 972-473-9995) and Rich Hippie (3350 Lovers Ln. 214-358-1968).

Lauren Wiggins  
Lauren Wiggles Jewelry
This gal knows her metals. The Park Cities native became “obsessed” with metalworking while studying interior design at the University of Georgia. She then traveled to Florence, Italy, and San Miguel, Mexico, to hone her skills in jewelry making. After an apprenticeship with jeweler Melissa Joy Manning in San Francisco, Wiggins headed back to Texas and now has her own studio in Austin. A lover of nature and different textures, Wiggins creates designs with unique castings, found objects, and contrasting elements. She recently collaborated with local designer Erika Everett to create one-of-a-kind belts. $300-$5,000. Available at Forty Five Ten (4510 McKinney Ave. 214-559-4510) or www.laurenwiggins.com.

Mary Bickel  
Mary B Knits
This 38-year-old mother of three accomplishes more during carpool than just getting her kids to school. While she waits, Bickel creates hand-knit designs that function as four pieces (and counting): shrug, scarf, shawl, or poncho. What started as a hobby has become Frisco’s latest fad. Each distinct piece is made of coordinating yarn and ribbon—whatever catches her eye. “I always change what I am making, because I want it to be different every time,” Bickel says. “It’s like changing a recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients.” $195-$250. Available at Sussie’s (4760 Preston Rd., Ste. 204, Frisco. 972-335-2792) or www.marybknits.com.

Delight Van Dame
Delight Van Dame
A third-generation artist, this spunky 49-year-old paints, sculpts, sews, and gardens. She got her start in jewelry when Joan & David closed its jewelry department, leaving her with a hobby: taking apart leftover jewels and making her own creations. Inspired by beautiful stones, Van Dame pairs colorful semiprecious stones such as Brazilian agate with gold, silver, suede, or leather. “I don’t ever buy anything with a design in mind,” Van Dame says. “I fall in love with the stone first.” Many pieces in her versatile collection can be worn as a necklace or belt. $89-$2,800. Available at La Femme (8300 Preston Rd., Ste. 400. 214-890-7881) or www.delightvandame.com.

Clockwise from top: Jimmy Choo bronze water snake boot ($1,795/Jimmy Choo, Highland Park Village); Raika mock crocodile leather planner ($150/Needle in a Haystack); Malini M alligator belt ($595/Tootsies); Hermès crocodile watch ($1,750/Stanley Korshak); Jimmy Choo python bag ($3,600/Jimmy Choo, Highland Park Village); python trimmed gloves ($165/Stanley Korshak).