Powered by People is not a single design studio, it is a sourcing platform that connects independent makers directly with the stores that sell their work. It launched in 2021, founded by Ella Peinovich, Hedvig Alexander and Alison Phillips, and the network now reaches more than three thousand maker partners across more than a hundred countries. Mae Bridal carries the artisan jewelry and accessories side of it, pieces made by small independent producers in their own countries rather than in a single house's own studio.
Below is our pick of the Powered by People pieces now available to order through Mae Bridal, our Santa Monica bridal boutique.
What makes Powered by People pieces different
Every maker on the platform goes through Powered by People's own verification standard before a piece reaches a retailer, which is the mechanism behind the name on the label. Runs are small and worked by hand rather than produced on a line, so no two pieces come out quite identical, something worth knowing before you order a pair that needs to match exactly.
Because the network spans makers across North and South America, Africa, Europe and South Asia, the material and technique vary piece to piece rather than following one house style. What ties the pieces together is scale: nothing here is made in volume.
The pieces
Eva hoop earrings, 14k gold plate
A clean hoop in 14k gold plate, sized to wear every day rather than just for the wedding. Like every Powered by People piece, it comes from an independent maker rather than a single house's own production line. Shop the Eva hoop earrings, $270.
Frida earrings, 14k gold plate
Frida has more presence than Eva, a sculpted shape in the same 14k gold plate, built for a bride who wants her earrings to actually read from across the room. Shop the Frida earrings, $320.
Sonia tassel earrings, 14k gold plate
A 14k gold plate top gives way to a cream silk tassel, so there is movement built into the earring itself. It is the most dressed up piece in this group, worth saving for the ceremony rather than everyday wear. Shop the Sonia tassel earrings, $240.
Gold organic shape earrings
An irregular, hand formed shape rather than a symmetrical stud, which is part of what makes every piece from this maker read as genuinely handmade rather than cast from a mold. Shop the gold organic shape earrings, $110.
Keshi pearl and crystal drop earring
Keshi pearls, which form without a nucleus and come out irregularly shaped, are paired here with a crystal drop for a little extra shine against the skin. Shop the keshi pearl and crystal drop earring, $110.
Pearl white bralette
The one non-jewelry piece in this lineup, a handmade bralette in pearl white meant to sit under a gown or stand on its own for the wedding night. Like the jewelry, it comes from an independent maker through the same network. Shop the pearl white bralette, $350.
Shop Powered by People at our Los Angeles bridal boutique
Powered by People pieces are available to order through Mae Bridal, each one made by an independent maker verified through the platform's own standard. We are the stockist, not the maker, and because the shipping and return terms for this network are still being confirmed with us directly, email team@maebridal.com before you order if you want current timing on a specific piece.
Shop the full collection
Browse every Powered by People piece in our Powered by People collection. For more on how we think about finishing a bridal look, see our guide to bridal accessories beyond the veil and jewelry, and if clutches and bags are more your focus, our roundup of bridal clutches, bags and purses for the wedding day covers that side of the collection too.
Powered by People jewelry, answered
What is Powered by People?
It is a sourcing platform, not a single design house. Founded in 2021 by Ella Peinovich, Hedvig Alexander and Alison Phillips, it connects independent makers across more than a hundred countries directly with the retailers that sell their work, including Mae Bridal.
Is every piece really unique?
Runs are small and worked by hand, so slight variation between pieces is expected rather than a flaw. If you are ordering more than one of the same style, say so when you email us and we will flag it.
How is a maker verified on the platform?
Powered by People checks how each maker produces their goods against its own verification standard before that maker's work reaches a retailer like Mae Bridal.
Where can I see Powered by People pieces in Los Angeles?
They are available to see by appointment at our Santa Monica showroom, or over a live virtual shopping session if you are not local yet.
Ready to see them in person? Book an in-person fitting at our Santa Monica showroom, or book a live virtual shopping session from wherever you are.
Book your appointment
Searching for wedding dresses near you? Come find us in Santa Monica. Our showroom is minutes from LA but a world away from the typical bridal salon, come see why Mae Bridal is where modern, non-traditional brides find their dress in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Book appointment