A New Craft for Alicia Keys
by Chie Davis

While most celebrities branch out by creating apparel lines for branding, Alicia Keys decided to take a different path when marketing her coveted name. She has stamped her imprint on The Barber’s Daughters, a jewelry line engraved with poetic and spiritual inspiration. Keys, met the creator of the pre-existing collection –Gisele Theriault – through one of her band-mates, while backstage in Toronto. “I fell in love with the individuality of the pieces, but more than that, the words that were written on them really resonated with the songwriter in me,” Alicia told WWD. Keys will preview her exclusive necklace collection with The Barber’s Daughters in New York in late November, with pieces available by 2010.

Ranging from $85 to $2,500 her collection will be crafted with precious gems and metals and inscribed with messages of hope, prayer and encouragement. Theriault says that the original line was “inspired by the discoveries of Dr. Masuru Emoto.” The Japanese author sparked controversy after making a claim that “vibration of words (whether they be positive - crystals or negative – distorted droplets) has a profound effect on water within his photographs,” she describes. Continuing Theriault explains, “Since our bodies are 70% water, positive words worn upon them reflect the same back. Creating a talisman, a grounding agent or vitamin for the soul.”

Truly moved by the message of the line and its visual presentation Keys expressed, “I knew at that moment, for the first time, that through a whole other medium I would be able to spread inspiration, and that’s what got me started.” Igniting a longtime desire to get involved in the accessories arena, her venture with The Barber’s Daughters is the first in a line of independent endeavors.

In addition to touring to promote her new album, “The Element of Freedom,” which drops in December, the songstress / actor also has her hands in the production pie. She’s slated to produce a film with Miramax, a separate TV show, and is one of the producers (alongside Jay-Z and Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith) of “Fela.” The Broadway play traces the work of famed African musician and political activist, Fela Kuti. All of Key’s non-musical projects will live under her newly founded company, AK Worldwide. While her schedule is stuffed to the gills, Keys remains confident that she will find time for The Barber’s Daughters. A majority of the proceeds from the line will benefit Keep A Child Alive, Alicia Keys’ charity that provides medial care to children and families afflicted with AIDS in Africa and India. The collection has already gained support from fellow entertainers like Halle Berry. She purchased a 18-carat gold and ruby necklace, from the line, at a Keep A Child Alive charity auction in October. Berry took the piece home for $40,000.