Fashion and the Steal

Both members of this designing duo come from creative backgrounds, and naturally gravitated towards a career encompassing their own brand of creative expression.

From an early age, Ken was exposed to lapis and other beautiful stones (his parents' business), which remained one of the constants in a childhood where Hong Kong, San Francisco and Florida were called home. With artists and educators as parents, Dana's early years were as filled with stained glass and candle making as they were with berry picking and ski slopes.

Ken and Dana met at Lehigh University. Both ended up working in finance, on Wall Street. In 2003, they decided to pursue their innate creativity, and joined

Ken's parents' company while trying to figure out their path.

The duo met designer Doori Chung in 2004, and the three collaborated on

Doori's Spring 2005 show. The collaboration motivated Ken and Dana to open a studio workshop and start their two lines of handmade jewelry; b-side and BYLU.

The label b-side is an avante-garde creative expression that mixes abstract shapes and unusual materials. The b-side includes the graffiti, rights and geometry series

BYLU is a more romantic interpretation, with several distinct series; isis, gaudi, compass rose and bridal.

Their designs are striking, unusual, clearly for those who like to be different, appreciates artistry and doesn't just follow the typical dictates of the fas

hion trends herd.

They are getting quite a lot of press too.

PLUS, Ken and Dana offer you the chance to participate in their weekly "Battle". Inspired by NYC "Art Battles", they design a new work and feature it for a special price (always under $150) for one week. The current battle piece (the mixed metal circle necklace) was worn by models at the Geren Ford Spring 2010 runway show at NY Fashion Week.