Tessa Marie Images
Our winner for Best Accessories shares her personal style, what inspires her collections and how she supports the community.
Founder and jewelry designer Marlyn Schiff launched her namesake firm in 1989, transitioning from a career as an account executive for several fashion houses in New York. Honored with this year’s readers’ pick for Best Accessories, Schiff came home to Philadelphia in 1992 and has been a stylish presence ever since.
MLT: When did you first become captivated by fashion?
MS: I became interested at a young age, sketching designs and reading fashion magazines. I remember admiring the fabulous, big hoop earrings my mom would wear when I was younger. Inspired by this memory, hoop earrings have become a core style in every season of my jewelry collection.
MLT: What’s your personal style?
MS: Classic with trendy silhouettes. This is also how we design our collections and buy for the boutique and our customers. Our boutique styles will always take you from season to season.
MLT: What inspires your collections?
MS: I’m most inspired by runway fashion, red carpets, and domestic and international travel. We also incorporate the Pantone color of the year into our designs.
MLT: In 2019, you broadened your horizons with a boutique. What inspired that move?
MS: The Ardmore offices we were located in were no longer going to be available. It essentially forced me start looking for real estate for us to relocate to. After finding the space in Haverford, it offered the space for me to also open our first boutique.
MLT: In what ways have you supported the community through your business?
MS: We partner with local and national organizations, designing jewelry specifically to give back to their designated causes. Our Shop for a Cause program hosts yearly shopping events that have grown in attendance and fundraising efforts each year. It’s a great way for people to shop, give back and spend time with others in the community.
MLT: Any advice for other entrepreneurs?
MS: It’s important to take risks. Sometimes you may fail, but you must be able to pivot and create answers as problems arise. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Stay true to yourself, don’t take things personally and don’t give up on your dreams.
Visit marlynschiff.com.
Related: This Unique Chester County Home Is Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
