David and Rose Zuill, the husband-and-wife duo behind Bermuda’s renowned jewelry brand Davidrose Studio, are experiencing an extraordinary moment of recognition after global superstar Beyoncé showcased one of their signature pieces on Instagram. The couple, who have dedicated their creative lives to crafting exquisite jewelry inspired by the natural beauty of Bermuda, received a thrilling message on October 21, when stylist Shiona Turini shared a link to Beyoncé’s Instagram account.
A Moment of Shock and Excitement
On a seemingly ordinary evening, the Zuills found themselves at a children’s birthday party, surrounded by other parents. Their casual gathering took a surprising turn when they received the text from Turini, who has become known for styling some of the most high-profile looks for Beyoncé. “There was no message—just a link,” David Zuill recounted. Upon opening the link, the couple was met with an electrifying revelation: Beyoncé had posted images of herself adorned with a ring from Davidrose’s Ocean Collection.
The couple’s reaction was one of sheer disbelief. “We started screaming. I couldn’t breathe. Everyone at the party was like, ‘What in the world is going on?’” recalled Rose Zuill, her voice filled with excitement. “It was unimaginable, incredible, amazing…every word I can think of. Truly, truly a dream come true.”
Styling Beyoncé: A Collaborative Journey
Beyoncé’s stylist, Shiona Turini, has played a significant role in the rise of Bermudian brands within the fashion industry. Since last year, she has been curating stunning looks for Beyoncé, including those for the singer’s highly celebrated Renaissance tour. Turini has frequently highlighted local Bermudian brands, making Davidrose one of her favorites. In a New York Times article earlier this year titled “The Jewelry Shiona Turini Never Takes Off,” she referenced Davidrose, further solidifying its status in the fashion world.
Rose Zuill revealed that she had given Turini the ‘Drop of the Ocean’ Cocktail Ring for use with any of her clients, unaware that it would be worn by Beyoncé during a performance by Solange Knowles at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Captured by photographer Blair Caldwell, Beyoncé’s stunning images prominently featured the ring, with one particularly striking shot showing her hand placed delicately over her face, drawing attention to the exquisite piece.
Craftsmanship and Emotional Connection
The ‘Drop of the Ocean’ Cocktail Ring, a hallmark of Davidrose Studio, features the exclusive Bermuda Blue stone—a unique creation that encapsulates the beauty of Bermuda’s oceans. Rose expressed her pride in the ring’s design and its presentation by Beyoncé, stating, “It’s an eye-catching stone, and styled by Shiona alongside a muted-color suit, it really pops! We are just so full of emotion and gratitude to Shiona that she would choose to highlight our design in that way. And, we know that Beyoncé wouldn’t wear something she didn’t like, so to be affirmed by one of the greatest artists of all time is overwhelming.”
A Surge of Global Interest
Following the unveiling of Beyoncé’s images wearing the ring, Davidrose Studio’s Instagram account witnessed an explosive response, gaining over 2,000 new followers overnight. The brand also received a flood of inquiries about the ‘Drop of the Ocean’ ring, with numerous emails pouring in from eager customers. Traffic to the brand’s website surged, leading to several sizes of the coveted ring selling out quickly.
“It’s hard to process it all,” said Rose Zuill. “We’ve always been a global brand, but this will take us to another level. This has cemented us in Bermudian culture as a key brand and reinforces the potential that Bermudian artisans have.” She emphasized the talent present on their small island, expressing pride in how figures like Turini have showcased what is possible for Bermudians on the global stage. “We are so proud and thankful that she sees our brand as deserving of this sort of recognition.”
A Journey Rooted in Bermuda’s Culture
David and Rose Zuill’s journey began when they met as university students in Toronto, where they discovered their mutual passion for design. It was in this vibrant city that they envisioned a jewelry collection that would celebrate Bermuda’s seas, skies, and stories. In 2012, they opened their first location in St. George’s, although that store has since closed. They currently operate two locations: one on Front Street in Hamilton and a newer outlet in Dockyard.
Reflecting on their year of milestones, Rose shared that designing rings for Bermuda’s Olympians was already an honor, but having Beyoncé wear their piece adds a new layer of prestige. “We are beyond appreciative for all of the purchases, comments, likes, and shares,” she said. “And we’re really excited to see what happens next.”
Impact on Bermuda’s Artisan Community
The recognition from an artist of Beyoncé’s stature not only enhances the visibility of Davidrose Studio but also serves to uplift the entire Bermudian artisan community. It highlights the remarkable talent and creativity that can flourish in small, local settings. The Zuills’ success story is a testament to the potential of local artisans to reach broader audiences when given the right opportunities and support.
A Celebration of Artistry and Culture
The collaboration between Davidrose Studio and Turini exemplifies how local artisans can align with influential figures in the industry to gain recognition and success. The celebration of Bermuda’s unique culture through jewelry design creates an avenue for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The ‘Drop of the Ocean’ Cocktail Ring, now a symbol of this extraordinary partnership, stands as a piece of art that encapsulates not only the beauty of Bermuda’s oceans but also the passion and dedication of its artisans. As the world takes notice, the Zuills express their commitment to continue creating pieces that reflect the essence of their homeland while inspiring future generations of artists.
Looking Ahead
As Davidrose Studio embarks on this new chapter, the Zuills are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. With the potential for increased demand and recognition, they are ready to seize the moment and further establish their brand on the international stage. “This is just the beginning,” Rose concludes. “We are excited to grow and to keep sharing the beauty of Bermuda through our jewelry.”
With Beyoncé’s endorsement, Davidrose Studio is poised to make waves in the fashion world, reinforcing the message that local artisans can indeed shine brightly on the global stage. The Zuills’ journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring impact of cultural heritage in the world of fashion.
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