How I Got Here: Kris Avakian’s Hard-Won Experience Fuels His Jewelry Expansion

By Karen Dybis | August 06, 2025

Kris Avakian started out in the jewelry industry behind the scenes, where he learned how big companies develop accessories before stepping out on his own.

And step out he did. Avakian took the knowledge he’d gained working for his family’s business—which created jewelry for wholesale clients—and turned it into Black Suede Studio. From his Montreal offices, he designed a shoe wardrobe befitting Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, and footwear became Black Suede’s first product launch, in 2018.

Now, Avakian is expanding the company’s scope to include belts and fashion jewelry. It’s a full-circle moment for the founder and president, who says he wants his jewelry to make a statement about his brand and the wearer.

Black Suede earrings — *Black Suede Studio’s Block earrings ($198) with resin square pendant in 18k gold–plated brass*

“I design with versatility in mind,” Avakian says. “Less is better. Each piece should carry meaning and elevate your everyday style. Pieces should be able to be worn alone or layered, dressed up or down.”

Avakian’s story begins in Montreal, where he grew up in a close-knit Armenian family. Creativity and entrepreneurship were a part of their lives, he says. His family ran a company, Axesory Source, that designed jewelry and accessories for prominent retailers such as Zara, Aldo, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and Wet Seal.

“My first real job was working in our family’s accessory business, where I learned everything from the ground up: packing order, sitting in on sales meetings, helping with product development, and traveling to trade shows.

“It gave me a deep understanding of work ethic, attention to detail, and what it truly takes to build a product-driven business from the inside out,” says Avakian, who received a business degree from Montreal’s Concordia College.

In 2014, Axesory Source rebranded as the Jewelry Box and shifted its manufacturing operations to Qingdao, China. Avakian lived there for about two years, helping his family establish a factory. The role taught him how to set up quality-control systems and an export office.

Black Suede bracelets — *Originally a shoe brand, Black Suede Studio recently expanded into fashion jewelry, such as the Via ($148) and Slice cuffs ($128), both in 18k gold-plated brass.*

“It was a crash course in international business, manufacturing, and cross-cultural collaboration, skills that have been invaluable in launching and scaling Black Suede Studio,” he says.

Thanks to what he learned about trend forecasting, product development, and how to scale for mass retail, Black Suede Studio is now available at more than 70 retailers globally, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette, Harvey Nichols, Revolve, Kith, and Shopbop.

One reason Avakian wanted to move Black Suede Studio into jewelry was his memory of how his mother could transform an outfit with accessories.

“She always had an effortless sense of elegance,” he says. “I remember being fascinated by how a single pair of earrings or a delicate chain could completely elevate her look. That was my first lesson in accessories—even when they are subtle, they can hold meaning and transform a person’s presence.”

Avakian describes Black Suede Studio’s jewelry as minimalist and geometric, a look he hopes his customers can add to any outfit and make it feel bolder and more interesting. Right now, his jewelry is in 18k gold– and rhodium-plated brass, but fine jewelry is on his radar for development.

“It’s about a broader vision to create thoughtful, timeless essentials that empower confidence with every step,” Avakian says.

Top: Kris Avakian founded Black Suede Studio as a shoe brand but is now also making jewelry and belts. (Photos courtesy of Black Suede Studio)