Bess was started as a jewelry and accessories line in 2000 by husband and wife Douglas and Bess Abraham. The first Bess Jewelry shop was opened on East 7th Street NYC in 2002. In spring 2002 Doug began designing jewelry exclusively for Ralph Lauren runway shows. In 2003 Bess opened as a larger Jewelry shop on Elizabeth street in Nolita, then in 2006 the growing boutique relocated to Keith Harings historic former Pop Shop at 292 Lafayette street in Soho. Inspired by possibilities of what to fill up all the square footage with, Doug and Bess stocked the Lafayette Street Shop with custom embellished vintage apparel and footwear as well as vintage works on paper and ephemera. Culminating in a high low mix of everything from diamonds to combat boots, classic punk zines to mid century furniture. Bess has drawn a following from the fashion editorial, music, film, and art scenes. The list includes Marc Jacobs, Carine Roitfeld, Anna Sui, Hedi Slimane, Domenico Dolce, Alexander Wang, Olivier Theyskens, Erin Wasson, Mary-Kate Olson and more interesting folk. Inspired by the dusty, shredded Victorian to Post-Punk custom vintage wares, the collection is a piece by piece trip through the Goth to Grunge Bess experience. BESS WOMENS BESS MENS BACK TO DESIGNERS INDEX