About

About Alex

Model wearing the LANE marabou puff worn as a ring in bamboo

View LANE Marabou Puff

Jewelry Meets Textile Art

Alexandria Black Designs

Where Artistry, History, & Sustainability Converge

Handcrafted in my NYC studio, Alexandria Black Designs is an eco-conscious fusion of industrial edge and refined cottage core. Each piece is a carefully curated composition of rare, ethically sourced minerals, talismanic charms, and museum-quality antiquities transformed into jewelry and sculptural accessories that honor the integrity of their origins.

I take immense pride in the sourcing process, selecting each ornament, gemstone, precious metal, bead, crystal, textile fiber, feather, leather skin, or even a fragment of bark with intention. The joy is in the hunt for the extraordinary and the meticulous craft of assembling each piece. AXB designs are for those who seek the rare and meaningful heirloom-quality accessories with soul.

Presentation & Thoughtful Details

Smaller accessories and jewelry arrive in an AXB keepsake storage satchel, handcrafted from 100% repurposed materials to protect your piece from heat, light, and the passage of time. These limited-edition satchels are an art form in themselves, made from a striking blend of antique Metropolitan Opera programs, technical design drawings, antique Indian saris, past-season interior design fabric swatches, and luminous lighting gels. Each is adorned with a 14K gold 14/20 or sterling silver paillette, stamped with the AXB logo or an initial of your choice, a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship.

A Gift of Fragrance & Storytelling

With every purchase of $100 or more, I include a seasonal aromatherapy blend, crafted from the finest natural flower and plant oils - a sensory indulgence meant to elevate your experience.

Each design also comes with a digital Self-Love Tool Kit (SLTK), offering historical insights, scientific details, and the rumored restorative properties of the minerals, metals, and crystals in your piece. These elements have shaped civilizations and continue to influence us today - minerals alone compose 98% of the Earth's crust and have scientifically proven effects on our bodies as we interact with them.

Designed with Intention, Worn with Power

Alexandria Black Designs is more than jewelry - each creation is a power piece, blending affordable luxury with heirloom craftsmanship and versatile styling. Every design is a product of my hands, infused with intention, authenticity, and the empathetic energy of my heart.

Thank you for exploring Alexandria Black Designs. I hope you find a piece that speaks to your spirit or becomes a meaningful gift for someone you cherish. For inquiries, custom commissions, collaborations, or wholesale discussions, feel free to reach out.

Welcome to the world of AXB = where every piece tells a story…

Sunlit green leaves hanging over a soft-focus forest background, with raindrops glistening in the air.

My Philosophy

In my effort to contribute to environmental well-being, I integrate natural byproducts into my designs and prioritize the use of repurposed materials whenever possible.

Bark: Harvested from the ground without harming trees, each piece of bark, primarily birch, is collected and salvaged during numerous hiking expeditions across the Midwest and Northeast.

feather: Alexandria Black exclusively collaborates with humane suppliers, selecting feathers obtained naturally through molting, ensuring no harm comes to the birds during the harvesting process.

leather: Sourced from a supplier associated with some of the most influential fashion designers globally, the leather used in my designs is a natural byproduct.

metal: The paillette-tags, chains, earwires, and all other metals in Alexandria Black designs are skillfully fashioned from metals verified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). These metals adhere to Kimberley Process standards, guaranteeing ethical working conditions in both the manufacturing facility and vendor facilities.

mineral: Jewels are typically acquired from conflict-free suppliers, varying in size and color. These precious stones are often of the highest quality grading, frequently AAA. Inclusions and blemishes occur naturally and contribute to their inherent beauty.

textile: The luxurious textiles are sourced from top mills worldwide, sometimes as "deadstock." Accumulated over a lifetime, these fabrics, a mix of natural fibers, create a rich synthesis of textures and layered colors.

Colorful handcrafted necklace made from eclectic heirloom-inspired beads, gemstones, and metal accents arranged on a dark background.

Heirloom jewelry & apparel inspired by Mother Nature & preserving her

Why Opt for Alexandria Black Designs?

Alexandria Black stands out as an environmentally conscious business that incorporates elements from the realms of both nature and timeless classics. Many of the materials I utilize are remnants of consumerism, repurposing commodities into unique creations.

Alexandria Black components and artifacts are predominantly sourced from conflict-free vendors, geologists, and suppliers who collaborate with them. Special antiquities and lost wax cast beads often find their origins in Indigenous communities, nomadic tribes, and refugee artists from various countries worldwide.

I weave together traditional and cultural elements from diverse backgrounds, creating a new everlasting heirloom. Infusing my designs with a blend of modern, industrial, primal, and sculptural aesthetics, I make a conscious effort to repurpose, recycle, and acquire fair trade fragments whenever possible. Even Alexandria Black tissue paper is food-grade and biodegradable, apparel labels are manufactured using recycled fibers, and my business cards are crafted from recycled t-shirts.

Smaller accessory and jewelry items are thoughtfully enclosed within an Alexandria Black keepsake storage satchel, skillfully crafted from entirely repurposed materials, including the thread. This distinct pouch functions as a protective shield, ensuring your design remains safeguarded from potential damage caused by heat and light during periods of non-use.

The current satchel is a blend of antique Metropolitan Opera programs or technical design drawings, vintage Indian saris, repurposed past-season interior design fabric swatches, and vibrant transparent lighting gels.

As a lover of fragrance and natural oils from flowers and plants, I take pleasure in sharing my seasonal aromatherapy blend with you as a special gift for every package totaling $100 or more.

Each design is accompanied by a digital file containing historical insights, scientific details, and rumored restorative healing properties inherent in the precious metals, gems, crystals, and beads on your piece.

Minerals, composing ninety-eight percent of the Earth's crust, have scientifically proven effects on our bodies as we interact with them. Alexandria Black designs are power pieces, offering affordable luxury accessories and heirloom jewelry with versatile styling.

Every design purchased will feature an engraved sterling silver 925 or 14K gold 14/20 filled paillette, providing further authentication of its quality and originality.

Drawing inspiration from my body of work and my appreciation for art history, ethnology, color, textiles, fashion, couture, antiquities, design, travel, architecture, and music, Alexandria Black designs are also influenced by the ethos of nature and global events.

This journey of research, both in my work and in life, is ongoing. As a socially conscious individual, I deeply care for others and the environment. I work with a commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. The Alexandria Black packaging is created through repurposing and reusing, contributing to waste reduction. Each design is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, love, and healing intentions.

Feel free to say hi and ask anything! As a human running a small boutique business, I'm like chosen family, here to respect and respond to you. Follow me for updates on new launches, offers, and additional sales.

Experience the fusion of Bohemian and warrior vibes—come, join our tribe!

Alex Black x

A wide, gently sloping ramp with metal handrails and mesh siding, surrounded by greenery and urban architecture in the background.

take the path... NYC High Line

Two pairs of legs wearing black diamond-patterned tights with white high-heeled Mary Jane shoes featuring gold buckles, standing against a plywood wall.

Prada backstage - Photo by Martina Ferrara

Close-up of a dried flower bud surrounded by green leaves, with sunlight filtering through and a blurred building in the background.

Bud

Top-down view of a slatted wooden bench with metal accents, a person’s feet in sandals above it, and green plants with small flowers below.

Abstract flag - Park bench NYC

Wall mosaic featuring wavy vertical golden lines descending from the top over a white brick-like pattern, with an abstract earthy-toned base at the bottom.

Golden vines underground - Mosaic, underground "poetic art" in the Bryant Park subway station

Two ornate, antique-style necklaces with intricate gold elements, colorful beads, and elaborate pendants displayed against a black background.

Georges Fouquet, c. 1900 - Jewelry by Alphonse Mucha

Close-up of a traditional garment with embroidered Indigenous figures and geometric patterns in vibrant colors on light purple fabric.

Kimono & Obi - Toni Williams NATIVE NOW! exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian

Reflecting pond with giant water lily pads, blooming purple lilies, and a greenhouse in the background.

Lily pads - NYC Botanical Gardens

Reflect

Woman in a white dress lying in a dense field of red flowers, viewed from above.

Dream

Diagonal pattern of uneven, light-colored cobblestones with patches of moss and dirt in between.

Cobble bc i love texture & patterns

Person wearing golden boots and patterned pants walking on a gray tiled pavement with square grid pattern.

Golden boots & silken dress. Boots, start walking...

Close-up of vibrant green leaves viewed through a diamond-shaped black wire fence.

Caged hearts

Scattered pieces of birch bark in various shades of white, gray, and deep brown on a light background.

Birch bark - Naturally fallen birch bark being prepped for new life in BINC designs

Vintage black-and-white portrait of a poised woman seated on a chair, holding a closed book, dressed in a dark satin dress with embroidered detailing, surrounded by potted plants.

Frida Kahlo - NY Botanical Gardens Exhibit

Wall display of five ornate-framed classical oil paintings in a museum or gallery, showcasing romantic and mythological scenes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Gold-lust Art-love

Tall green cacti with vertical ridges standing against a vibrant yellow wall, creating a bold and minimalist color contrast.

Sometimes prickly

Tall green reeds with brown cattail heads growing densely in an urban garden, with buildings and blue sky visible in the background.

Pussy willows - NYC

Portrait of a person with white face paint in dotted patterns, wearing a crown of pink and purple flowers and layered beaded necklaces, set against a warm-toned background.

A young child with flower decoration on his head in Korcho, Omo Valley, Ethiopia - Eric Lafforgue/Barcroft Media

Photograph of a serene monk figure seated cross-legged in a richly ornate temple. Dressed in traditional saffron robes, the monk sits with a meditative posture, surrounded by dark wood carvings and golden statues in the background, evoking a sense of stillness and spiritual depth.

Monk - Image by Amy Lemyre

Image of a pink metal roll-down gate covered in hundreds of hand-drawn, multicolored hearts. The overlapping heart outlines create a dense, energetic pattern filled with vibrant colors like blue, red, yellow, green, and purple, giving the piece a joyful, chaotic feel—like street art love confetti.

The LOVE wall

A confident woman in retro-style roller skates, red shorts, and a white tank top poses powerfully at a skate park under a clear blue sky, with another skater mid-jump in the background.

I am rollergirl

People sitting on wooden benches in front of a brick building with faded painted advertisements and greenery, under a sunny sky.

Original advertising facade - High Line NYC

A butterfly with black and orange wings perched on bright pink and yellow flowers, with a person in light pink heels standing on the sidewalk below.

City garden vignettes ...bonding with this butterfly

A young woman in a voluminous pink gown sits outdoors at golden hour, leaning on an oval mirror that reflects blooming pink flowers, creating a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere.

Tule, flowers, mirrors, oh blush

Bare feet with a small tattoo step delicately onto the edge of a stone ledge beside clear, shallow water, framed by green aquatic plants and the hem of a pale yellow dress.

Take a dip...

Woman in a patterned dress walking barefoot into the ocean during a soft pastel sunset, with gentle waves washing over the shore.

Reboot

Children reaching out with brightly colored hands as pink powder is distributed from a bag, capturing a lively, festive moment reminiscent of Holi celebrations.

Holi=Happiness

Woman in a sheer black dress lying beside a mirror with her hands gently touching her reflection, adorned with small pink flowers in her hair and scattered nearby.

Selflove club

A caravan of camels led by a person crosses the sweeping red-orange sand dunes of a desert under a sky that transitions from bright blue to soft clouds — evoking a sense of timeless journey, warmth, and open expanse.

Quiet

Four women from multiple generations stand closely together, smiling and embracing, with scarves in shades of turquoise and green draped over their shoulders. They are outdoors in a sunlit field with horses grazing in the background, evoking themes of family, heritage, and connection to nature.

Generations - All wearing our FLORA earrings

Colorful bowls and dishes filled with vibrant powdered pigments in shades of blue, green, orange, yellow, red, teal, and purple, arranged artfully on a light surface with dramatic lighting.

Color is life

Close-up portrait of a woman with straight dark hair, wearing a bold black leather choker with a silver clasp, and soft-toned makeup featuring peachy lips and copper eyeshadow, set against a smooth, neutral background.

I love collaborating with musicians, photographers, makeup artists, influencers, & more. I’m available to design custom pieces tailored to your specific taste.

My Story

A native New Yorker, my early days were filled with the joy of raising horses and exploring the serene beach shores and expansive woodlands of upstate NY and MI. My indoor hours were devoted to the art of design and sewing, a self-taught endeavor where I favored cast-off upholstery textiles and leather skins sourced from the local Herman Miller furniture factory in MI.

Throughout my youth, one of my cherished hobbies involved collecting gemstones and crystals, delving into the intriguing history and science behind their inherent beauty. The energetic qualities and purported healing properties of these treasures fascinated me. My educational journey led me to study fine art, color, and art history at Aquinas College and Kendall School of Art & Design, where my preferred medium was sculpting repurposed items.

Post-college, I returned to NY, refining my craft and style while ascending through the ranks of the fashion and beauty industries. My diverse experiences spanned markets such as jewelry, accessories, interior, accessory and costume design, public relations, and styling for editorials, photo shoots, and film.

As a creative director in beauty markets, including at Temptu, I took risks and experimented with innovative ideas, producing the original temporary "Metallix" (metallic) body art and other groundbreaking products. Transitioning into a publicist role at an exclusive NYC P.R. agency, I went on to produce and coordinate runway shows and special events for renowned names such as Chanel, Cynthia Rowley, HBO, and editorials like W, Harpers Bazaar, Time Out, Cosmopolitan, Vogue Girl, and Teen People.

My foray into interior design involved reinterpreting and renovating Cedarmere - The William Cullen Bryant House Museum, as well as working on interiors for mansions on the Gold Coast of Long Island, NY.

Following the launch of Alexandria Black (formerly bincbodybaubles), I embraced the role of a featured designer, exclusively showcasing my creations in pop-up markets around Manhattan. This journey included the opening of "The Market NYC" in Soho, a trendsetter in what is now a widely accepted trend. I cherished being selected as a featured designer for trunk shows at the renowned former Fifth Avenue Flagship store, Henri Bendel.

I am grateful to continue living out my dreams in one of the world's most exciting cities. For press and wholesale inquiries, please reach out for more details. Special thanks to William Clark Photography and Alberto Machuca makeup for the atmospheric opening image and many others throughout the site.

With inspiration and gratitude,

Alex Black x