Kendra Scott brings colorful accessories with a philanthropic twist to Shadyside
Does your Zoom wardrobe need a pickme-up? Colorful customizable accessories by Kendra Scott could be the answer.
The Texas-based accessories company opened its first Pittsburgh store this month at 5505 Walnut St., in Shadyside, inside the former Alex and Ani storefront.
There are several reasons Kendra Scott isn’t your typical accessories store, according to marketing director and philanthropic manager Devin Carroll.
“We live by the values of fashion, family and philanthropy,” she said. “Kendra herself designs each of the pieces, and they’re all inspired by her personal experiences.”
In-store shoppers also have a chance to add their own twist to the jewelry at the Kendra Scott trademarked Color Bar, which invites people to mix and match stones, metals and charms to create their own designs.
“That’s been a great way for us to stand out,” Ms. Carroll says, adding that the Color Bar has been popular for birthday and bridal parties or teens looking to personalize pieces to match their school colors.
Uplifting others is another pillar of the brand, thanks to its Kendra Gives Back community giving program. Kendra Scott recently launched a limited-edition apparel line with an optimism theme. For every purchase, 20% of the proceeds will benefit local hospitals’ COVID-19 relief funds. Kendra Scott also introduced virtual ways to shop and give back in response to the novel coronavirus.
Community organizations can partner with Kendra Scott, too, for their own giveback shopping events. During the Pittsburgh store’s opening weekend, a portion of the sales were donated to Lending Hearts, which supports children, adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Ms. Carroll says the brand lives and works by the philosophy “What would you do if this person [was] your family member?” That spirit of unity is reflected in the mural by artist Ashley Hodder that greets shoppers outside the Shadyside store. It depicts the Smithfield Street bridge with vibrant flowers, geometric designs and the message “building bridges together.”
When it comes to the jewelry, there are selections that range from $40 to $4,000. This summer, delicate colorful necklaces that can be layered have been popular. The layering trend will carry over into the fall collection, which will be released in early August, along with earthy colors and nods to vintage.
“With everyone working from home and doing their [video] conference calls, we want everyone to feel gorgeous from the neck up,” Ms. Carroll says.
The Shadyide store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Curbside pickup is available at kendrascott.com/ curbside.html.