EMERGING DESIGNER

Carole Kotler and Ana Schoenberg

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Ana & Carole Fashion Focus

t's amazing, what can blossom from a friendship...
Carole and Ana have an energy that seems magical. Their accessories company, B-Low the Belt, is growing fast, and these two women have got all the style, passion, and down-to-earth sensibility to support their magic!

Carole Goebels has true instinct about fashion that just can't be learned. A native of Los Angeles, she knows exactly where to find unique, quality materials like one-of-a-kind vintage straps and raw materials. Her designs reflect a heart-felt connection to music and culture of the 60's and 70's, and of course... the latest trends in fashion.

Ana Schoenberg was born in Cuba, raised in Mexico and Los Angeles. Her knack for business started with JLS Collections, a home accessories company. Ana also has great vision but she especially has an innate ability to connect with people and an understanding of her customer that goes way beyond just the sales. Ana's knowledge of the industry is the perfect complement to Carole's creative vision.

Ana and Carole started as neighbors and quickly became fabulous friends. Now, sixteen years later, B-Low the Belt has blossomed from that friendship. They shared their first designs in 2002 with the shops Kitson and Intuition... who immediately placed orders. Now, they cater to specialty boutiques and high-end department stores nationwide, and internationally as well with reps in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Hamburg. They've been featured in Vogue, Elle, WWD, InStyle, and the cover of Glamour. B-Low the Belt has outgrown Carole's townhouse, their initial office in Beverly Hills, and now the company resides in Culver City, which has become the new creative epicenter of Los Angeles. These accessories are all made in the USA and the styles are fresh and hot! B-Low the Belt is getting noticed everywhere from Los Angeles to New York, London to Tokyo.