On December 15, 2011, The Evolution Store played host to the talented designers of
Lifetime's hit show PROJECT ACCESSORY.

Their challenge: to design three accessories inspired by one of the hundreds of insects The Evolution Store carries.

The twist? They had to incorporate the actual bug in at least one of their creations!

Behind the Scenes Gallery

Bios

Rich Sandomeno

Influenced by his multi-generational roots as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic in the post-industrial wasteland of east New Jersey for 15 years, Rich Sandomeno's aesthetic was formed early on by his love for machines and the decaying urban cityscape, as well as the obscure and organic. Jewelry making began as a hobby, but the growing interest from friends and collectors alike led Rich to the path of designing accessories. In 2002, Richard launched his company, Spragwerks, and moved to Brooklyn. The steady rise of demand and attention from both clients and media led to Spragwerks' 2006 relocation to Los Angeles. Spragwerks designs are favored by Hollywood luminaries and can be spotted on numerous commercials, and in television shows and movies. Spragwerks has been featured in countless media outlets, including Inked Magazine, Juxtapoz, Time Out NewYork and Vogue, to name a few.

Nina Cortes

Named one of Sofi Magazine's "33 Emerging Creative Minds to Know" in 2011, Nina Cortes was born and raised in Miami by her Cuban family. The tomboy-turned-popular-cheerleader didn't discover her design ability until she took a jewelry and metalsmithing class while in college. After that, she began creating jewelry as a hobby and soon started selling her wares to friends and family. She later signed with business partner Iliana Ruiz, and within two years, opened her own studio and store. Her jewelry company, Nina Loren, strives to create jewelry for women of all ages.

Brian Burkhardt

Brian Burkhardt is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and uses his sculpting background in the creation of his jewelry. Burkhardt is co-owner of the jewelry company Triian, with wife and fellow sculptor Trisha Brookbank. The two recently had their first child, a little boy named Oliver. Burkhardt's work has been featured in publications such as Nylon, Time Out New York, Miami Modern Luxury and Cravings Magazine. His artwork has been exhibited at Miller Block Gallery (Boston), Judi Rotenberg Gallery (Boston), Bernice Steinbaum Gallery (Miami), Gallery Diet (Miami), Freight and Volume (New York), Kathleen Cullen Fine Arts (New York), Volume Gallery (New York), Wyoming Art Museum and The Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), among others.

Christina Caruso

At an early age Christina Caruso knew that she wanted to work in the fashion industry. When other kids were getting summer jobs at the mall, she was applying for internships. While in high school, she interned with Isaac Mizrahi and got her first taste of the fashion world. Caruso attended Parsons School of Design, where she was encouraged to focus on accessories. In her senior year, Caruso started making jewelry and hand-knit bags out of her apartment. At a downtown party, her bold jewels attracted costumer Patricia Field, who selected many of Caruso's jewelry and bags for Sarah Jessica Parker to wear in "Sex and the City." Caruso went to an open call for Bendels and had her line selected to be sold in their store. She also sold her handmade accessories to Fred Segal in Santa Monica, California, Patricia Field boutique, Hotel Venus and Takashimaya. Her designs have been featured in magazines such as W, Vogue, Allure, Seventeen and Lucky, and have been seen on Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears, Kim Cattrall, Claire Danes and Rosario Dawson. Caruso has also dabbled in fashion styling for Jive Records and was a spokesperson for Suave HAIR VIBE.

Diego Rocha

Diego Rocha is a Brazilian-born handbag designer who started out in accounting in the financial field in Sao Paulo, before he began chasing his dream. His mother was a patternmaker, and he grew up playing with needles, scissors and colorful scraps of cloth. Diego is inspired by interesting skins and animals, influenced by growing up in a country known for its huge variety of unusual wildlife. Before choosing Chicago in 2005, Diego lived in New York, where he perfected his self-taught skills. Creating his own collection, he locked himself in his apartment for six months and experimented with materials, struggling with unsuitable equipment as he taught himself techniques to crystallize his vision. Although his specialty is handbags, he also designs cuffs, wallets, card holders and bags for men.

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