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Foundrae was founded by Beth Bugdaycay and Murat Bugdaycay with the goal of creating not just fine jewelry, but modern heirlooms. The brand is rife with symbolism and meanings both astral and spiritual; in addition to astrology and the zodiac, it creates an original visual vocabulary by mixing concepts together to create timeless pieces. Signature items include beautiful enamel charms on necklaces and bracelets, medallions, and sculptural earrings. Since launching the brand in 2015, Foundrae has amassed a cult following by both celebrities and industry insiders alike.
Now, the brand is starting to set its sights past fine jewelry. Just before the pandemic, Foundrae introduced a line of glassware that felt equal parts homey and collectible, striking the perfect balance between uniqueness and function. To expand on its homeware offerings, Beth and Murat hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate the launch of their latest venture: flatware. They invited editors and A-listers including Jennifer Connelly, Cipriana Quann, TK Wonder, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, and Brooke Wall to their home to celebrate the chic tableware.
The tablescape, designed by Laila Gohar, featured Foundrae’s plates made in collaboration with Laboratorio Paravicini. The plates are all handcrafted in Milan by Paravicini; she and her two daughters create and hand-paint everything in their hidden studio located in the heart of the Italian city. The new dishes will be instantly recognizable to any Foundrae fan—expect to find similar symbols featured on charms, such as compasses, crowns, and stars. Plates are named based on the energies the featured symbols will bring; for instance, “LOVE” has a heart, feathers, and keys, while “PASSION” has arrows, angel’s wings, and a flame.
The brand is also celebrating its steadfast commitment to craftmanship. A few years ago, Beth was able to hire an in-house enameler to work at her store, and she is now adding an in-house engraver to her stable of in-house artisans. The brand has debuted a new heart-shaped chainlink bracelet that you can personalize with custom symbols and have monogrammed for a special someone (or yourself).
Before dinner was served, guests had the chance to personalize a piece of jewelry downstairs at the Foundrae studio, honoring the art and craft that the brand is celebrating with its expansion into flatware. The mini plates and dessert plates are available for purchase now from the Foundrae store at 52 Lispenard Street in downtown Manhattan.
Kevin LeBlanc is the Fashion Associate at ELLE Magazine. He covers fashion news, trends, and anything to do with Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
