Good Vibes with JADEtribe’s Kimberly Hartman
JADEtribe is a brand I recently discovered and will become a summer staple for me. I adore this look for it's boho gypset vibe. The bags and accessories exude a relaxed international glamour for the gal just off the beach in Ibiza to the world traveler in a remote part of India on a personal pilgrimage. If that is not already enough the lady behind the brand, Kimberly Hartman, has a huge heart to help those who produce the items. I cannot get enough of the philanthropic mission that is not only so beautiful but, grateful and giving. I introduce you to….
by
Kimberly Hartman
What is your training / education?
I have a BA in Fashion Marketing from the University of North Texas. After graduation, I began my career working for Leon Max / Max Studio in his Dallas showroom, from there I transferred with the company to sunny Los Angeles. It was there that I met and fell in love with a Parisian guy, moved to Paris and studied French at Alliance Francaise. Eventually, I fell out of love and moved to New York to pursue my career in fashion. I managed wholesale businesses for leading contemporary fashion brands, until I launched my own, JADEtribe in 2009.
What inspires you and your design? Tell us a bit about your mission…
I am inspired by travel, nature, color and emotion. My mission is to create an authentically beautiful collection empowering the female artisans who contribute to JADEtribe and enriching the lives of women around the world who carry my bags.
What is your favorite piece or collection?
I absolutely love my PANADA clutch bag with charm. It was one of the first bags I designed and I always have it with me – it has actually turned into my wallet!
Each clutch is hand embroidered and one of a kind. We over-dye them in seven different color options. My PANADA is then tossed into my NICOLE MESSENGER bag in Indigo/White (my favorite color) and you will always see me on the beach with my Samui Stripe handwoven beach bag and I am constantly toting around my NICOLE WEEKENDER on top of my Tumi carry on bag on all my flights.
How have your Southern roots influenced your work?
Being from Texas I think I have a bit of a pioneering spirit. Authenticity is a core value of mine and people tell me that it comes through in my collection. JADEtribe is colorful and happy – Clients tell me that they want to take a vacation somewhere warm and sunny with my bags.
What is your favorite restaurant in NY?
There are so many but, currently I am obsessed with Buvette for brunch and if it is warm outside chances are you will find me at Bar Pitti for dinner.
What is your favorite cocktail?
A classic margarita, rocks, no salt please.
How do you balance personal life and work?
That’s a challenging one. Running my own global business means I am constantly working. I am awake early and often up late on Skype with Asia.
Even when I am on vacation I am always shopping and finding new clients. On my vacation in Ibiza last summer I opened 3 new retailers on the island.
However, when I walk into a yoga class, that is one time that I am 100% not thinking about work. I try to get myself to a class as often as possible.
Dream trip?
To spend a week in a tented safari in Kenya then a week spent relaxing and swimming in the Maldives with someone I am madly in love with.
Dream client or store for your product?
I want every woman as a client… daughter, mother, grandmother … there is a perfect JADEtribe bag for everyone.
At one time, my dream client was the boutique at the One & Only Reethi Rah (Maldives) but now that they carry my collection, so I need to find a new dream client.
Your favorite hostess gift?
Always something from my collection, the JAEB beaded clutch (that was featured in the New York Times) is always a favorite. A hand woven cosmetic bag with a pompom is a close second.
Who is your style icon?
I love the classic images of Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez.
For current style, I admire Emmanuelle Alt and Kate Moss of course
Via (I could not resist sharing this illustration..hope you like Kimberly)
Kate Moss via
Your favorite up and coming designer?
He’s not so up and coming, but rather quite established, I love the innovative, colorful, graphic modern patterns in Peter Pilotto’s dresses.
What is your most treasured possession?
What I treasure most that I can do what I love, travel the world, meet new people contribute positively to the world in my own unique way.
Fringed Beach Basket…The bag that turned me on to this amazing brand in the Spring Fashion Fantasies. Be sure to support Kimberly and the work that makes you look and and also helps others.
I just cannot decide which items I cannot live without!
