Introducing Celeste Starre founder: Andraya Kenton

Celeste Starre was created by Andraya Kenton, taking inspiration from her great grandmother, Celeste. After welcoming Celeste Starre to Bicester Village this March, we couldn’t wait to take this opportunity to get to know Andraya on a more personal level.

Where did the inspiration for your brand come from?

The inspiration for all my Celeste Starre jewellery designs comes from my love of travel, and obsession with lucky charms and talismans from across cultures around the world.

What inspires you the most?

Art, fashion, travel, architecture, and music all act as a great source of inspiration in not only my designs but my daily life.

Is there a meaning behind the name Celeste Starre?

Celeste was my great great grandmother. Although I never had the chance to meet her I have always felt connected to her and inspired by the life she lived. She moved from Italy to NYC in the 1920s and created a life she loved. She was the ultimate girl boss at a time when most women didn’t have the opportunity to persue a career they loved. She was passionate about fashion and had a deep love for her family. I am lucky enough to have some of her fabulous fashion pieces all of which I treasure dearly.

Which is your favourite piece and why?

This is almost like asking me to pick a favourite child! I suppose it depends on my mood and styling choices of the day. I love layering pieces so tend to stack up Celeste Starre jewels to the max. My motto when it comes to jewellery is always more is more! If I had to choose one today it would be our star sign pieces. I love stacking my own star sign with the stars signs of my husband and children.

What steps are you taking as a brand to be more sustainable?

I am really passionate about the environment and we have worked tirelessly to make as many moves as possible to become as sustainable as we can. We committed to making all our jewellery produced from January 2022 with recycled gold. We are also planting a tree for every pieces of jewellery we create. Our packaging is all designed to be reusable as well as totally recyclable. All of our Bicester Village shopping bags are made from recycled paper and we only ship goods in recycled packaging.

How would you define your brand in three words?

Fun, lucky, stackable.

Who’s the most famous person that’s worn your jewellery?

We have been very lucky to build a really long list of fabulous women that are fans of the brand. Winnie Harlow, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively, Demi Lovato, Halsey, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Cyrus, Venessa Hudgens, Isla Fisher, Addison Rae, Kelly Roland, Bella Thorn, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kate Bosworth, Kate Hudson, Maya Jama, Dua Lipa, Oliva Wilde, Rita Ora and many more!

What’s your number one tip to unwind?

Can I say tequila? Other than that, time away in the sunshine with my family is my favourite. We love the Maldives, it is the place in the world that truly brings me total peace. Being near the ocean makes me feel equally the most relaxed and the most alive.

What are three things you couldn’t live without?

My favourite pillow, Elemis marine collagen cream, sweat and salty popcorn.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The harder you work the luckier you get!

What’s been the biggest achievement for your brand so far?

Opening our first store at Bicester Village has been a total dream. Seeing so many of my designs in one place at my favourite location to shop in the world is beyond exciting.