After nearly 18 years working as the CEO of women’s ready-to-wear brand Rebecca Taylor, a fashion brand she co-founded when she was 23, Beth Bugdaycay left in 2014 to launch Foundrae, a fine jewellery line consisting of what she refers to as “modern heirlooms.” Not long after, Bugdaycay’s line has found its way to becoming a household name.
Bugdaycay’s collections incorporate elements like 18k gold, enamel, and strategically placed stones. Each piece is based on a lexicon of symbols that Bugdaycay and her husband Murat culled from different cultures and time periods. These are more than jewellery; they are modern heirlooms. “The reason that we do that is because you can pass them down to members of your family. For me, the value that you are passing down is actually these tenants and your own story. Sometimes that story gets lost, unless it’s done in a way that’s permanent, ” says Beth. And like all heirlooms, these pieces tell a story. It’s not often a jewellery brand redefines an industry, but this is one of them. This is the jewellery brand every woman should buy for herself.
We delve into Beth’s suitcase psyche and discover her personal travel story…
What is the first trip you remember taking?
We used to drive to my grandparent’s house in Kentucky from Brownsville, Texas. It took 17 hours just to cross the Texas State line. So I was ecstatic when my sister and I were able to take our first trip to visit them by plane on our own. My Grandmommie made a pair of matching outfits for us for our return trip, so when we got off the plane we were each wearing a pinstriped short and tank top set.
Which holidays have been your favourite and why?
It’s definitely the trips that we were able to share with our family. Murat’s mother went to Bald Head Island with us after our son was born and my parents came to Turkey with us a few summers later. Being able to share our experiences with our parents makes is much more meaningful.
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Where or what is your escape?
Books. I escape in between the pages of books.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Experience something particular to that locale no matter how short the duration of your trip is.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow you’d go to:
A small three table fish restaurant in the south of Turkey that you can only reach by boat.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Time to explore.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
Mostly from friends and then we look up more details.
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If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Dolly Parton.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I just keep going. I walk, stay active and try to immediately follow the time zone that I’m in.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
It’s very easy for me to enjoy an extra hour of downtime. Delays really never upset me. I would just read more, daydream or write notes in my journal.
Favourite Hotel? Why?
Park Hyatt in Tokyo. We started staying in there in our 20’s twice a year and feel like that period of our life was a real “coming-of-age” time for us. We grew so much from the exposure to the Japanese culture.
Favourite airline?
I’m not a loyalist.
What do you love about returning home to New York?
I love everything about New York. I love driving into the city and seeing the sky line. It never fails to remind me that I have the privilege to live here.
What’s on your travel playlist?
I never had a playlist. I just made my first playlist 2 weeks ago called “reuniting” when our team was coming back to work. It was 8 hours long! So my first playlist was a doozy.
You’re currently binge watching…
Zumba’s Just Desserts with my daughter.
What are your must-have travel picks?
What’s the one accessory from your own collection you don’t leave home without?
My jewelry! I’ll make sure that I have everything I want to wear on. I don’t carry any additional jewelry with me. My enamel thin bands (karma, dream, strength) and my heart love token with my family’s initials.
Where next?
Somewhere sunny! Maybe the Caribbean…
First thing that comes to your mind?
Hand-luggage essential?
Large shopping tote.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold.
Inflight book or inflight film?
Book.
Music or podcasts?
Neither-just books.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
I think of the extra time more like a gift. Having a long span of time in front of me feels like a luxury.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Wine.
Bucket list top destination?
Morocco. And Tahiti and the surrounding islands. I’m very interested in seeing the harvest of pearls first hand.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Our first painting that we bought in our early 20’s by Devrim Erbil in Turkey.
Beach or City?
Beach. We travel to cities for work so when on vacation, tend to go where the water is.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Seeing my kids enjoy themselves.
Any Questions or Tips to add?