When Fisher made her own piece of jewellery to celebrate the birth of her first child, little did she know it’d lead to the creation of her own brand. BAZAAR speaks to the savvy designer about her business and finding strength in her work.
When Fisher made her own piece of jewellery to celebrate the birth of her first child, little did she know it’d lead to the creation of her own brand. BAZAAR speaks to the savvy designer about her business and finding strength in her work.
1. Would you describe yourself as a rational or emotional designer? I’m super emotional. For me, jewellery is a form of identity and it lets you voice your personality. But I’m definitely more constructive now. As I grow and the brand matures, I’m trying to be more rational about things.
2. What do you think your own jewellery says about you? It’s like my body armour… a defense against the world. I feel naked if I’m not wearing any jewellery. But the first thing I do when I get home is to take off all my jewellery. It’s the end-of-the-day feeling. I don’t know how women can sleep in theirs. I can’t do it!
3. You’ve recovered from an illness (she was previously diagnosed with desmoid tumor). How has that shaped your outlook towards life? I always think back: “How did I get through that?” [Had that not happened], would I still conduct myself in business the same way I do now? I think I would. My father was an entrepreneur and he taught me that relationships are everything. It’s super important to know that whatever you’re doing is the right thing.
4. How would you describe yourself as a business woman? I’m a hustler. I’m a tough chick. I think it’s my personality. I don’t take “No” for an answer. I tell that to young designers all the time. You’ll meet detractors who won’t like your work, but it is fine because it is design and it’s not for everybody. You have to brush it off , not take it personally and keep going. With any business, you need to have the mental stamina if you want to be successful.
5. How are you planning on growing the brand? It’s not about growing the business bigger, but growing it the right way. I think so many designers get caught up in opportunities that were given to them and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I haven’t taken. I see how some of these choices haven’t worked out so well for them. You really have to listen to your gut instinct. And I think knowing when to pull back is important. Small is key—small but powerful.
SWEET MELODY
Deborah Lloyd celebrated spring Kate Spade New York with flowers for fall, she’s heralding the arrival of cooler climes with the power of dance and music. She took cues from ballet and jazz, orchestrating a collection of pitch-perfect wardrobe investments. A floral dress worn over a shirt, plus a tweed coat in gorgeous red will keep fans of the brand happy. And what’s a Kate Spade New York collection without some outré accessories? The collection its reached crescendo with handbags shaped in the likeness of pianos, cassettes and yd ring at Old School radios.
ON RECORD
Published by Assouline, Fendi Roma is a comprehensive book that celebrates the Italian marque’s 90th anniversary and all its past achievements. Fendi’s close relationship with the historic city of Rome is also cemented through a dazzling selection of pictures. Available at Fendi boutiques and select bookstores come September, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be getting in the impressive tome: 5 chapters, with each covering a particular subject integral to Fendi’s history, such as the innovations it has made and enduring legacy of this dynasty. 272 pages: Fendi’s exceptional journey from mere fur and leather workshop, to global powerhouse is spread across these pages for easy reading. 300 illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld are shown alongside collages, editorial shots from magazines and other visuals.
