Kendra Scott returns to New York Fashion Week after 20‑year hiatus
Kendra Scott is returning to the New York Fashion Week runway after a 20‑year absence, with its jewelry featured in PatBO’s show this week and available for immediate purchase. Blakeslee said the brand aims for a larger fashion‑week presence in coming seasons and eventually a standalone runway show for its Yellow Rose line. The runway pieces will be sold on Kendra Scott’s website and in stores immediately after the show, supported by social content and e‑commerce assets directing viewers to the items.
A Tuesday evening event called After Slice will showcase creators and feature more of the brand’s fall collection. Blakeslee noted that fine jewelry is now the company’s fastest‑growing category, while eyewear and fragrance are also being expanded with personalization options. The Ever collection, described as suitable for swimming, exercising and showering, marks Kendra Scott’s first new material in seven years and will be highlighted at After Slice before going on sale the following day.
“This year, the products will be on the runway, but that is really the first chapter,” Blakeslee, CEO said.
Blakeslee became CEO in January after founder Kendra Scott temporarily returned to the role last August following Tom Nolan’s departure. The CFO and chief people officer also left at that time, while Scott remains majority shareholder, executive chairwoman and chief visionary officer.
What we know
Kendra Scott is returning to the New York Fashion Week runway after 20 years, but CEO Chris Blakeslee is already thinking about what could come next.
Blakeslee became CEO in January, after founder Kendra Scott temporarily returned to the role last August following Tom Nolan’s departure.
Kendra Scott has since reported double-digit year-over-year growth during August rush weeks, according to its agency, January Digital.
During his tenure at Alo, the activewear brand grew to more than $1 billion in annual sales in 2022.
Following fashion week, Kendra Scott is introducing its first new material in seven years through Ever, a jewelry collection Blakeslee described as suitable for swimming, exercising and showering.