Inspired by the unconventional beauty in objects found from her everyday life, Beth Hutchens designed a distinct fine jewelry collection of vintage-inspired yet modern keepsakes for her brand Foundrae. In the spirit of her grandmother, an American artisan who utilized antique materials in her works—and whose middle name is Rae — Hutchens’ creative process entails breathing new life into otherwise traditional jewelry styles. By incorporating elements such as 18k gold, enamel, and strategically placed stones into her designs, the result is Foundrae – a chic, yet effortlessly free-spirited jewelry line of modernized heirlooms.

Hutchens grew up in a close-knit family with strong Quaker roots where she learned to value the American heritage that is so personal to her and her family. She was born in Ohio, raised in a Mexican-American border town in Texas and launched the Foundrae collection based on a lexicon of symbols that they culled from a variety of cultures and time periods with the intention to create an inclusive language that not only appeals to the individuality of the modern consumer, but that also celebrates a set of values that is greater than the value of the gold itself. Each symbol within the Foundrae tenets is a tool for both self-discovery and self-expression.

Shortly after moving to New York in the early 1990’s, Hutchens and her close friend decided to open the fashion house Rebecca Taylor, where Hutchens was distinguished as the company’s Co-Founder and CEO for over 18 years. Finding interest in both the strategic and the creative roles in business, she left Rebecca Taylor in 2014 to explore a new path rooted in design when she decided to launch her own brand, Foundrae, in NYC.

“I’m very inspired by women; the story of how each of us got here as well as our next chapter,” she says. “When I was designing our first collection, it was important for me to incorporate iconic spiritual and mystical symbols resulting in a collection that is highly personal yet charged with an energy and style that’s meant to empower and to be shared.”

Foundrae is Hutchens’ first opportunity to take on the role of Creative Director, and as that leader, she has developed a business and a brand that inspires one to live authentically, to love what you do, and to nurture an environment where passion drives performance. This company culture and brand messaging are only strengthened by her distinct approach to design that speaks to the individual; one who is sophisticated, but also loves the unexpected and artful elements that define Foundrae. The result is a fine jewelry collection that balances individuality, as well as a sense of effortless and timeless appeal, and offers elements that encourage self-expression for the individual who celebrates their free-spirited identity.

Foundrae has been well-received by high end retailers nationwide, and the collection is sold via Moda Operandi, Net-A-Porter, Ylang 23, and Broken English, among others.

Beth Hutchens has been a CFDA Member since 2019.