Tarin Thomas.
The story of Tarin Thomas begins on the lively streets of New York City in 2013. Kylie Nakao, the owner and founder, moved to NYC from Toronto in 2008 to study Fashion Marketing/Merchandising at Parsons. She was very eager to get as much experience as possible in the fashion industry and completed internships in PR, Couture, styling, etc. She ended up at a specialty store in Nolita, which became her fulltime job after graduation as a buyer/merchandiser. That is where the idea for a jewelry brand came to light. Kylie was looking at rings for herself and couldn't find anything that felt quite right so she figured why not make them herself. She discovered her true passion for jewelry design and began creating pieces and collections which took off very quickly. It has continued to be Kylie’s mission to bring daring, unique and timeless pieces to passionate, fashion-forward individuals at an affordable price point.
Kylie Nakao
Tell us about your journey with Tarin Thomas, how did it begin? My Tarin Thomas journey is like a rollercoaster of trial and error, creativity and milestones! It all started when I decided to turn my passion for jewelry into a business. The idea of creating Tarin Thomas emerged after graduating from Parsons, while working as a buyer/merchandiser at a small specialty store in Nolita. Jewelry was a significant part of their business and I wanted to design and create special timeless pieces for everyone who wants to create their own adornment story.
Your pieces blend masculine & feminine qualities. Where do you draw your inspiration from for each collection? Well, inspiration can strike at the most unexpected times! I'm inspired by the duality of life, the contrast between hard and soft, masculine and feminine. Inspiration can come from anything - a cityscape especially NYC, a vintage photo or fashion or even a delicious meal! One of my signature looks is wearing a men’s blazer with a lace top and accessorizing with a mix of TT and vintage jewels.
Do you offer any custom jewelry? Absolutely! We're all about personalization here. Our custom pieces are like little wearable pieces of art that tell your unique story. Just drop us a line and we'll make your jewelry dreams come true. Customized jewelry is so special because it is designed and crafted with the individual in mind. It can be tailored to their unique style, personality and tastes so that it is a reflection of who they are mixed with the Tarin Thomas touch. Quite often, we get to reimagine vintage pieces and heirlooms into something reflecting the inspiration of the recipient, making the piece special and meaningful to them.
You have a collection called ‘Cloud Lustre’ which we love. Can you tell us more about it? Oh, 'Cloud Lustre,' it's like wearing a piece of the sky! This collection was born from my fascination with clouds and the ethereal quality they bring to our lives. Each piece is designed to capture that dreamy essence and make you feel like you're floating on cloud nine. Who doesn’t love beautiful pearls!
West Village Store.
What is trending in how people are wearing jewelry these days? Stacking is all the rage, whether it is your finger, neck, wrist, ankle or ear! Layering necklaces, stacking rings, piling on bracelets - it's all about building your own unique jewelry story.
Your store is based in New York, do you feel the city inspires any of your pieces? Most definitely! New York City has been my home for 14 years and TT was born over a decade ago. NYC is a melting pot of creativity and culture. The city's energy and diversity seep into my designs. It's a constant source of inspiration, from the architecture to the people and the ever evolving fashion.
Do you ship globally? We ship our jewelry to all corners of the globe. Wherever you are, we're just a click away!
What are your plans for the store in the coming years? We're constantly evolving and expanding our collections. We're also planning to create more immersive in-store experiences for our customers. So, keep your eyes peeled for some dazzling surprises coming your way!
Best seller: Samuel Mini Ring - Checkered
You source beautiful vintage pieces, where do you search for these and how do you make your selections?
Vintage hunting is a passion of mine and a thrilling adventure! I scour flea markets, estate sales, and sometimes even stumble upon hidden gems in the most unexpected places. It's like a treasure hunt. I pick pieces that have character and history, ones that can seamlessly blend with our classic, timeless designs.
What are some of your favorite pieces?
That's like asking a parent to pick their favorite child! But if I had to choose, anything checkered, the Charles and the Jordie rings. Our Cloud Lustre Bae Earrings have been making quite an appearance in my rotation this fall. They're timeless and versatile, just like a classic New York bagel.