Big names boost a jewelry designer

Who: Martine Ali, 31, lives in Brooklyn Claim to fame: Ali has a namesake line of unisex jewelry that evokes early 2000s hip-hop with its street-wear-inspired use of hardware staples like chains, dog tags and safety pins. Rapper Kendrick Lamar is a fan and has worn her bracelet, necklace and wallet chain on tour this year, as well as in several videos, including “Humble” and “Element.” And just this month, Rihanna wore Ali’s bracelets and earring in her “Lemon” video with N.E.R.D, which the designer long considered a dream.

Big break: In 2010, while interning at DKNY, Ali wore her pieces to work. They were noticed by a DKNY designer who commissioned her to create pieces for the coming collection. Soon after, Donna Karan herself saw the pieces and asked if Ali could adapt them as handbag adornments.