Carolina Cordon-Bouzon, founder of Mercer Street, an affordable luxury jewelry brand out of New York City, spent her youth watching her mother and grandfather run a jewelry business.
“Growing up, jewelry was always a part of my life,” Cordon-Bouzan tells Appetito. “My grandfather and mom ran a jewelry brand together, D. Bouzan Jewelers, for which my mom was the CEO and my grandfather was the designer.”
Years of observation paid off. Now, she’s created her second jewelry brand after selling her first - Montserrat - and has established her own, unique presence as a designer and founder.
Mercer Street, her latest sparkling venture, is inspired by styles from the 1980s and 1990 worn on runways and beyond. All pieces sold run for less than $150, a price point that should make a luxe piece more accessible to her clientele.
Cordon-Bouzon opened up about her experience coming up in the jewelry industry and her ambitions for Mercer Street in a question and answer session with Appetito.
Answers have been lightly edited.
Tell me a little bit about your background in jewelry?
With my mother and grandfather’s atelier and showroom on Madison Avenue and 48th Street, just a few blocks from our apartment, the D. Bouzan showroom was like my second home. After school, I’d spend hours watching my grandfather meticulously craft jewelry at his bench, while my mother managed the business—launching their website, meeting clients in the showroom, and preparing for trade shows at the Javits Center. That's where I absorbed everything I know about jewelry and running a brand. After graduating college, I started making my own jewelry designs in my apartment, which led to launching my first brand. Unfortunately, my mom passed away while I was still in high school, so she never had the chance to see any of my designs. However, I was fortunate to share my creations with my grandfather before he passed, creating some deeply meaningful moments that I will always cherish. Now, following the successful sale of my first brand, I’m excited to continue my journey with the launch of my second brand, Mercer Street.
What's the story behind Mercer Street?
With Mercer Street, I saw a gap in the market for what I call “affordable luxury.” I wanted to create jewelry that offers high quality without the high price tag. My goal was to design pieces that women could pair back easily to their most cherished, high-end items — whether it’s a handbag, a shoe, or a coat. I wanted our accessories to feel like an essential part of their wardrobe, elevating any look with zero effort.
What is the inspiration for the Mercer Street aesthetic?
The aesthetic of Mercer Street is deeply influenced by the brands I grew up with, thanks to my mom’s impeccable taste, which was straight out of Tom Ford’s Gucci era. Some of my fondest memories are of her taking me shopping along Madison Avenue between 69th and 70th Streets, where her personal sanctuary of Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada stood. My mom, originally from Spain, had a distinct European flair that always set her apart from the typical Upper East Side moms of the time. I’ll never forget this lime green, slinky Roberto Cavalli evening gown she owned, which was the perfect blend of chic and sexy. My love for fashion was born in those moments, surrounded by the moody, feminine allure of late '80s, and designers like Tom Ford, Jil Sander, Emanuel Ungaro, Etro, Versace, and Armani. These fashion icons are still my greatest inspirations, and through Mercer Street, I’m fully embracing their influence. I think you can see it reflected in Mercer’s aesthetic and designs.
Can you tell me about current collections?
The Autumn/Winter 2024 collection is inspired by my lifelong admiration for Halston, whose career revolutionized American fashion. While my Spring/Summer collection drew from my love of Yves Saint Laurent’s designs, I’ve taken this collection to his American counterpart: Halston.
I pulled inspiration from three major points in Halton’s life: his Halstonette muses, his time representing the US in The Battle of Versailles, and his nights spent celebrating at Studio 54. The collection will have three drops, each of which ties back to those 3 themes.
Our AW24 collection is designed for the glamorous, on-the-go It girl who craves statement jewelry with timeless style. Drawing inspiration from the bold energy of Madison Avenue – where Halston had his townhouse office / store, and the chic elegance of Paris — echoing back to Halston’s inclusion in The Battle of Versailles, our jewelry this season blends Americana cool with European sophistication.
When people see a Mercer Street piece, what kind of feelings do you hope they have? Or what do you hope they think of?
When people see a Mercer Street piece, I want them to feel that same magnetic allure they might experience with Tom Ford’s Gucci: an undeniable sense of confidence, power, and a touch of daring sexiness. It’s that feeling of wearing something that makes you stand a little taller, like you’re ready to take on the world. At the same time, I hope there’s a resonance with the understated elegance and refined minimalism of Phoebe Philo’s Céline — pieces that speak to a strong, self-assured woman who values quality and timeless style. I want Mercer Street to evoke that perfect blend of boldness and sophistication, leaving women feeling both empowered and effortlessly chic.
How do you see the brand's future unfolding in the next half decade or so?
In the next half decade, I see Mercer Street continuing to grow in really exciting ways. We’ve got some incredible collaborations on the horizon that I think will surprise and delight our customers, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the brand. I’m also exploring the possibility of expanding into other categories, which is something I’m particularly excited about. I’ve always had a deep love for designing women’s wear, so who knows — Mercer Street might just extend its reach beyond jewelry. The future feels wide open, and I’m thrilled to watch Mercer Street grow.
