#AllCoopedUp with Alli Webb & Meredith Quill of Becket + Quill
I’ve spent more hours at DryBar than I could possibly count. So when Alli Webb, founder of DryBar, announced she had co-founded a new jewelry line with my longtime friend Meredith Quill, I knew it would be good (spoiler alert: it is). In this interview, they share some of their inspiration, as well as some great Los Angeles hits. Stop by my shop, +COOP, on February 11 + 12. I’m hosting a Becket + Quill trunk show just in time for Valentine’s Day. So come take a look - I promise it will brighten your day. - Jenna
What inspired you to create Becket + Quill and how has it evolved over the past few years?
AW: Meredith was already creating beautiful jewelry on her own, and once we met we both wanted to elevate the brand a bit and allow for a wider audience to experience our high end, but low spend pieces. I’m so proud of the unique and special jewelry we create.
We only have one year under our belts (stay tuned for our anniversary sale!) but have already learned so much -- it’s such a fun business. I love the creation process. Meredith mostly comes up with all the designs, but she always entertains my ideas too.
MQ: I was making jewelry for everyone I know and had a crappy little website. Alli had received a piece of mine from a friend and posted about it (she’s the biggest cheerleader for small businesses). I saw her post and reached out to thank her. I sent her some more pieces, she loved them, and after some back and forth, we decided to build the business together.
What’s one piece of jewelry every person should have in their collection?
AW: Any of our link necklaces - so great for stacking or a simple chic look.
MQ: I think everyone should have a gorgeous strand of pearls! The Becket + Quill pearls are so modern and versatile and look great on everyone.
What are your personal favorite pieces of jewelry that you own?
AW: It vacillates a lot! The circle link chain is always a staple, but I love our Disc Necklace and Onyx Black Heart (we are launching a new version soon that is so dope) and our pearls (with black silk)!!
MQ: I never take off our mini link choker - it’s the perfect first layer. And my other favorite pieces are from my grandma - a jade ring and a link bracelet.
When it comes to your personal style, what's one rule you live by?
AW: Feel good in what I put on. Whenever I forget that, I really regret it.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
AW: The diversity! I have my hands in a lot of projects right now and love how different they all are!
MQ: I love creating pieces that people enjoy buying for themselves or as gifts. Our price point makes our jewelry so accessible and it is really rewarding to see the joy our jewelry brings.
What neighborhoods do you live in and what are your favorite things about them?
AW: I live in West Hollywood and absolutely love that I can walk to so many of my favorite spots, like Jones, Bunda, Warby Parker, and +COOP :)
MQ: I live in Hancock Park and I love how walkable my neighborhood is. I walk to get coffee, send Becket + Quill packages, and grab lunch all within a mile of my house.
Where are your favorite places to find creative inspiration in Los Angeles?
AW: I really love to walk. It’s meditative for me to be outside listening to music and letting my mind wander.
MQ: I spend a lot of time in downtown LA and do lots of browsing of vintage jewelry. It’s super inspiring to see pieces from the past and see if I can modernize them.
Can you both share a few of your favorite local businesses in LA?
MQ: I have so many local favorites - +COOP being at the top of that list! I also love Rolling Greens for all things flora, and The Great for all of my clothing.
How would you describe your home aesthetic, and can you share some of your favorite
pieces from +COOP?
AW: Clean neutrals with small pops of color. Fresh flowers and beautiful wood accents. I looove the Blackbird Incense Meredith bought me from +COOP.
MQ: My home aesthetic is California meets Scandinavia. I’ve said this to Jenna many times that every piece in +COOP would look perfect in my house. My absolute favorite +COOP pieces are the ceramic Dog Match Striker and Blackbird Incense Gift Set (which I buy for absolutely everyone!)