Isabel Sitar

I had the opportunity to design earrings in the TXA Accessory Design class partnered with the philanthropic jewelry brand, Kendra Scott. Our project brief was to investigate earring design through reinventing Kendra Scotts core collection. Together four peers and I spent all semester designing the Wishbone Studs. They are small in size to be wearable everyday and symbolize good luck and celebration. They are gold plated with two white baroque pearls. View more here:

Semester of Work


Note about designs:

When I was first introduced to the Kendra Scott brand, I was immediately inspired by the philanthropy to use design to “do good” in the world. I thought it was unique that Kendra started her company by making hats for women with hair loss from chemotherapy. Since our design brief was earrings, I thought about types of people who might experience complications or difficulties in wearing earrings-people who have hearing aid devices and if their experience of wearing earrings with a hearing aid differs from people who do not. I found that over 5%, of the world or 430 million people have a hearing disability and it is estimated that by 2050, 700 million people will. I reached out to my school's Audiology department, the Texas School for the deaf, and friends and family to discover any correlation between hearing aid devices and earrings.

I researched the history of hearing aids. In the 19th century the first hearing aid was an ear trumpet that was hidden in walking cains, fans, or hats. So when people who were hard of hearing had conversations they would hold that item up to their ear in order to communicate with another person. Eventually, after the second world war, the population of people who had hearing impairments drastically increased from war affects. The first transistor emerged including a microphone, an amplifier, and a battery in one unit. In postwar years the size of the units dramatically decreased. These units were put into headbands, tie clips, and barrettes to be disguised. By the 1980’s all hearing aids were made to be behind the ear. Cochlear implants became popular, being surgically placed under the skin.

Invisibility has constantly remained the motto for the deaf community. This idea of concealment is deeply rooted in American cultural expectations to fit in, abiding by conformity. But, people who have hearing impairments should not be expected to assimilate into hearing culture. Fashion is so special because it can instigate transformations from expectation to celebration, to allow someone to reclaim identity, since disability is not the opposite of ability, it is simply difference in human condition. In the end, inspired by sign language, the deaf community flag, and the color blue, symbolic to the community, I designed a pair of studs that have a gold hand and a navy blue Kendra Scott Danielle stone. This earring is wearable for people with hearing aid devices and those without but still wish to celebrate deaf culture. Profits from these earrings are to go towards funding deaf schools. Even further, I proposed creating an entire collection of adaptive jewelry, including fitted bracelets for people in wheelchairs, fidget rings, and magnetic clasps on necklaces or bracelets. As a designer I strive to create pieces that are intentionally inclusive. I strongly believe in using my talents and pursuits towards celebrating differences.