Where it came from: With boutique stores in Los Angeles, New York and Milan and a celebrity following that includes A-listers and up-and-coming “it” girls alike, it may come as a surprise to learn that the brand began in 1995 in Tarina’s one-bedroom apartment in West Hollywood. A former fashion model and freelance makeup artist, Tarina had always had a love of all things sparkly. She decided to turn her hobby into a career after fellow makeup artists, stylists, photographers and even strangers on the street raved about the pieces she wore and wanted to buy them from her on the spot. Her creations gained almost instant cachet when fashion icon Elio Fiorucci invited her to open a store in Milan, and that gave her the momentum to expand stateside as well.
What it’s all about: With her signature fuchsia hair, you know that Tarina’s designs are going to be bright and playful. She’s all about fun, colorful, sparkly jewelry and hair accessories that let girls of all ages personalize their style and stand out from the crowd. Her pieces are whimsical, romantic and even a touch Gothic, featuring cameos, flowers, skulls, insects and beloved characters like Hello Kitty and Barbie.
Why we love it: It’s couture without being stuffy—her favorite materials are Lucite and Swarovski crystals—and almost looks like life-sized versions of the jewelry that Barbie herself might wear. And it doesn’t hurt that the list of celebs who sport her stuff reads like a who’s who of Hollywood: Heidi Klum, Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, Miley Cyrus, Beth Ditto, Taylor Momsen, Kelly Osbourne, Katy Perry, Pink, Ashlee Simpson and more. The better question to ask might be who’s not wearing Tarina Tarantino?
