Karyn Cantor

Background

About Karyn Cantor

Karyn Cantor is the owner, creator and designer of Classic Hardware. Her love of vintage fashions mixed with a strong post-industrial aesthetic is further influenced by the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, bold clean lines of Art Deco and the humor of DaDaism. This striking amalgam of sensibilities, coupled with Karyn's fashion flair and sense of humor has developed into her current line of accessories that reflect today's sense of individuality, sophistication and chutzpah. Born and raised in Los Angeles, jewelry designing came naturally to Karyn, she created her first line as a teenager in the early 80's LA Punk Rock scene. Thrift shore finds such as rosary beads, jewelry parts and fishing lures were repurposed into bold statement pieces her and her friends would wear out to punk shows at places like the Whisky on Sunset. She subsequently studied photography at Rutgers and San Francisco State University, developing her current love of image and composition. Teaching in the Bay Area followed, where she inspired her middle school students to create in unique and individual ways. She continued to teach Photography, Jewelry Design, Metal Art, Video Production and The History of Rock 'N Roll. Karyn's sculpture and photography have appeared in over a dozen gallery shows. Her photography documenting musicians and musical performance has been published in numerous music magazines, album covers and CD packaging. Karyn started the line in San Francisco returned home to family and friends in LA, where she has continued to successfully grow Classic Hardware for 16 years and counting.