The Ultimate Arm Candy: Ettika

Ettika Arm Candy.

What began with a single leather band has since ballooned into an international phenomenon with more variety and options than customers seemingly have time to look through. Made in Los Angeles, Ettika is a haven for bracelet-wearers currently infatuated with stacking their arm candy, including the barely clad Sports Illustrated swimsuit models. Leaving little to the imagination, the ladies certainly did not skimp on loading their forearms with Ettika’s beaded and braided bracelets, and I for one welcome the addition. When it comes to the arm party, the more the merrier.

It is little surprise these bracelets complement beachwear so well, considering designers and founders Ettie and Joey Rafaeli (mother and son) concoct their creations with California’s whimsical beach lifestyle in mind. “My inspiration stems from our surroundings: the people around us, so many faces, the places – which is why at Ettika we like to cover all colors of the rainbow. The laid-back-luxe lifestyle that we soak up everyday in Southern California also plays a part: from the sandy beaches of Malibu to the neon bright sparkling lights of Tinseltown, each piece definitely reflects these daily inspirations as well,” Joey says.

With little to no design experience, Ettika’s designers have relied on intuition and creativity to craft their creations, as opposed to formal training. “None of us have any specific background in design. We do things the way we do it, which might not always be the conventional way, but that is what makes every piece feel handmade and unique. Nothing is “perfect,” Joey says.

Best of all, each bracelet is equipped with a little charm bearing the “Made in USA” logo. I smile each time I look at my wrist and see those three magical words (I currently love wearing this one and this one, both of which were Christmas presents to myself.) To see Ettika’s entire line click here, but be forewarned there are enough bracelet, necklace and earring options to keep you occupied for the entire afternoon.