Axl & B, based in Santa Monica, CA, offers handcrafted couture cuffs designed by Claire Cole. Passionate about reviving the discarded spirit of our world, Cole breathes new vitality and beauty into Axl & B’s truly unique pieces. Having always been inspired by the cast aside treasures of the world, she began designing jewelry with reclaimed elements and materials transforming them into precious pieces. The pieces are more than adornments; they are a realization of the philosophy that matter is neither created nor destroyed, merely just reconfigured.
Each couture cuff is handcrafted entirely from reclaimed materials: belts, earrings, broaches, cufflinks, buttons, keys, anything and everything. While belts are the primary source of leather in Axl & B’s signature designs, occasionally a purse strap or a dog collar might be used. Rummage sales, thrift stores and junk drawers have always held endless possibilities of reincarnated treasures for Cole. Every couture cuff is delightfully unexpected.
Axl & B collections are inspired by Cole’s travels: the attitude, essence and life of each city where materials of her locale-named collections originated. During her travels, Cole seeks out unique materials at thrift stores and rummage sales to be incorporated into truly exceptional pieces. Ultimately, each design is a wearable souvenir from the city in which it originated from. Axl & B’s pieces are organic extensions of Cole’s adventurous and insightful spirit as a designer and world traveler.
Due to the materials used and the nature of Cole’s design ethics, all couture cuffs are limited run productions with only two pieces per design ever existing in the world. Each Axl & B design is uniquely different embracing and personifying individuality.
