Based in Los Angeles, Kathryn Bentley's aesthetic arises from changing obsessions and visual research. Her inspiration comes from past design movements, travel, artisans, flea markets, architecture, and textiles. Both her eponymous line of fine jewelry and the more playful, non-fine collection Dream Collective flourish from carefully selected materials and the hands that craft them. As a California-based designer, Kathryn Bentley connects to the sense of ease, casual sophistication, and openness associated with her geography. She is committed to sustainability and her collection is made locally. Her belief is that jewelry holds energy, and drawing clients to this good energy has helped give Dream Collective the cult following it has today. They view Dream Collective as an addition to personal collections; future heirlooms to be shared and passed on.

The sweet name of this Swedish eyewear brand is no cutesy ploy. “Sun” is for sunglasses (initially inspired by a style worn by actress Bibi Andersson in the 1966 film Persona), while “Buddies” represents the brand’s spirit of collaboration, inviting photographers, artists, and other designers to the (design) table.