ANNDRA NEEN
As an expression of their shared vision for jewelry and accessories, Anndra Neen evokes the personal histories and inspirations of Phoebe and Annette Stephens. Born and raised in Mexico City, Phoebe and Annette attended college in the United States. They moved to New York City where Phoebe became a fashion specialist for Philips de Pury and Annette pursued a career in theatre. During a trip to Japan, the sisters decided to start their own jewelry line.
Their inspirations are as diverse as they are and begin with a childhood surrounded by artists. Their grandmother, Annette Nancarrow, who married the avant-garde composer, Conlon Nancarrow, who was a painter, sculptor and jewelry designer and collaborated with the Mexican Muralist Movement. Nancarrow’s jewelry designs fuse pre-Columbian stones and shells with mixed metals. Her pieces were collected by Frida Kahlo, Anaïs Nin, Helena Rubinstein, Peggy Guggenheim, Elizabeth Arden, Dorothy and were sold at Henri Bendel. While attracted to their grandmother’s eclecticism, the sisters have drawn on their own interpretations of antique European jewelry, ancient Egyptian motifs, Japanese design elements and Bauhaus graphics to create a vision that gives reference to its antecedents and is at the same time relevant to the moment.
Each Anndra Neen piece is unique and hand crafted by artisans in their workshop in Mexico City. Their pieces have been worn by Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie, and Anna Paquin, among others.
