Barry Kieselstein-Cord studied at Parsons School of Design, NYU and the American Craft Institute and worked as an art director/producer for advertising agencies before joining Georg Jensen in the jewelry industry. He founded his own company in 1972, selling jewelry, gloves, handbags and accessories. In 1976, he started making fashion belt buckles—an instant hit. A good friend of Andy Warhol, Kieselstein-Cord also worked with Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein, gaining access to celebrity clientele. Kieselstein-Cord pieces are bold and often inspired by nature, art and architecture.