Introducing Lizzie Fortunato SS14 Collection

Each season, I travel to market finding the best designers for McMullen.   In some cases, something so beautiful happens and I fall head over heels in love with a designer and their work.  This happened with Marcus and David from Rag & Bone and with Andrea Lieberman for ALC when I bought their first collections and watched their brands grow and evolve into what they are today.  

I have the same feeling about designer, Lizzie Fortunato and her twin sister, Kathryn Fortunato.  They are incredibly talented and ever so grounded that you want to spend hours talking with them about their love for travel and their inspiration.  

I first bought Lizzie Fortunato in 2012 and each season, I watch it get better and better.  Last year, they introduced Italian leather handbags with intricate beading and whimsical details like hearts, lips, bananas and other spirited motifs.  They also happen to be my personal go-to jewelry when I have an event, travel or just want a special piece to wear with a simple cotton button down shirt. 

This season, Lizzie focuses on two stories: The Shibuya story and the Naoshimi story.  

 See her collection below and at McMullen in store or online

LOOK 20 CHOKER    

THE NEW BLUE NECKLACE    

MODERN KYOTO NECKLACE    

FISHERMAN'S HAUNT NECKLACE    

THE SCHOOLGIRL MINI IN BLACK & WHITE EMBOSS    

PORT OF CALL CLUTCH IN SUSHI BUN    

PORT OF CALL CLUTCH IN NAVY SPORT    

SAFARI CLUTCH IN MONET    

SAFARI CLUTCH IN BUZZ    

SAFARI CLUTCH IN NAOSHIMA LADDER    

xo

McMullen

For The :: Woman Who Does it All

At McMullen, we are thrilled to showcase three new designer labels that are perfect for that woman with a lengthy to-do list. Be on the look out - Victoria by Victoria Beckham, Whetherly, and Currer Bell arrivals this week!

xo
McMullen

Getting to know our designers: Lizzie Fortunato - McMullen exclusive Q&A

About Lizzie Fortunato
Lizzie Fortunato Jewels is a NYC-based accessories line designed by Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Fortunato and operated by her twin sister, Kathryn.  The Wilmington, Delaware natives moved to NYC after college and were soon being commissioned by fashion editors and designers for their signature statement necklaces and perfectly layered bracelets.
Lizzie's bold jewelry fuses found, reclaimed, and precious materials in fashion forward silhouettes.  The collections have been featured on the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar (who twice recognized the line as 'one of the world's most promising accessories lines').

Kathryn Fortunato (left) and Lizzie Fortunato (right)

McMullen Q&A with Lizzie & Kathryn: We asked this fabulous design duo a few questions about their Spring / Summer collection, what keeps them inspired and their favorite spring indulgence!

• What was your inspiration for the recent collection?
  SS12 was inspired by mid-century American architecture,
  particularly the Eames House and Edward Neutra's Kaufmann Desert House
  in Palm Springs, California. These architects perfectly fused practicality
  and high design which was our goal for SS12, to create signature, Lizzie-esque statement necklaces that were also effortless and practical.
  The Palm Springs influence also affected the palate for SS12 --
  you'll see lots of peaches, sandy colors, and wood tones.

• How do you stay motivated and inspired ?
  I have a regular morning routine of some serious blog perusing over coffee.
  It gets me inspired to see the work of fellow friends, artists, illustrators,
  editors, musicians and designers and starts my day off right.
  I have recently started my own blog and its a great way to channel my energy
  in other ways than pure design -- it's a perfect mix of diary, mood board
  and story telling for me!

• What are you most excited about in fashion & accessories right now?
  I love all the muted colors for spring. I feel like I have a lot of "dusty rose"
  in my closet right now, perfect for with our SS12 collection - especially
  the Case Study I and Mesa necklaces. (see below)

• What is your top style tip for women (of any age)?
  Dress your age.     

• What's your favorite springtime indulgence?
  Tequila, fresh lime juice, rocks, no salt.
  
  

Getting to know our designers: Kathy Kamei ~ a McMullen exclusive Q&A

We are such big fans of jewelry designer Kathy Kamei.
Beyond her absolutely gorgeous jewels, she's local to the Bay Area (yay!) and is one of the sweetest ladies we've had the pleasure of meeting.  We think you'll agree.

About Kathy Kamei

"The most important thing I have learned to do is to trust my inner voice," says Kathy Kamei, designer and CEO of the line of jewelry that bears her name, "and if I can create a piece of jewelry that inspires a person to break from the pack and celebrate their own uniqueness, that is the most exciting thing I can ever hope to do in my work."

Kathy, who grew up in Alberta, Canada created her company after a trip she took to Bali with her daughters. "The Balinese are the most beautiful human beings I have ever encountered," says Kamei, whose six-month excursion turned into a nine-year romance with the land. " I had never seen such heart, love, sprit and graciousness expressed in a community."
 

Before Kamei left the island, she created her line of jewelry. Each piece is crafted by hand in Bali by local artisans and are made of 92.5% solid silver.
Her two-tone pieces are overlayed with 18K gold vermeil. 
 
Her pieces invite the wearer to imbue them with their own meaning. Kathy believes that the beauty of her work is that it encourages people to seek their own truth. 

Photo courtesy: Kathy Kamei

McMullen Q&A with Kathy: We asked this fabulous designer some questions about her collection, inspirations and her style tips. Enjoy!

 

Q : What was your inspiration for the recent collection?
A : My Inspiration always is women. Adorning the beauty that already exists.
Celebrating relationship with self and others.
I believe in understated elegance and beauty.
Pieces that transition from morning until night with ease and grace. 
Effortless and timeless elegance.   

Q : How do you stay motivated and inspired ? 

A : My motivation and inspiration is how to care for myself and the people
and companions with whom I share my life.  I feel I am most inspired
to create when I am on the back of my horse. My full presence is needed
and when I am clear and focused images,thoughts and shapes come easily.

Q : What are you most excited about in fashion & accessories right now?
A : Diversity I see so many colors, shapes and styles.
I love how women can line up with self and artistically create a style
that is uniquely there own. My greatest loves are beautiful
fabric and sophisticated style.

Q : What is your top style tip for women (of any age)?
A : Trust of self. 
Celebrate beauty no matter where you are and take time to know yourself.      
  

Q : What's your favorite springtime indulgence?
A : Flowers and plants.  Ok ok a few shoes to throw into the mix.
I adore refreshing my garden with color. 
And I love to indulge in some comfy shoes to carry me through the days :)

A few of our favorite pieces from Kathy Kamei:

Shop these and more pieces by Kathy Kamei at McMullen now!

And don't forget to SAVE THE DATE for our upcoming trunk show with Kathy.

Just in time for Mother's Day!
Saturday May 12, 2012
12pm to 4pm

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Get to know our designers :: Giada Forte ~ a McMullen exclusive Q&A

This week we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive profile and Q&A with our lovely designer Giada Forte.

Her easy breezy looks are impeccably designed and crafted out of the most luscious fabrics. We're in love with the spring/summer collection - we hope you love it too!

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About Giada Forte

The Giada Forte Collection is designed and produced in Italy by Giada Forte and her brother Paolo Forte.  

Having studied knitwear design in England and worked in the fashion industry for many years, this family duo was fortified by their international work experiences and decided to create something unique and very personal.  A brand that would completely reflect their personalities: pure, real, sincere and emotional.

Giada Forte is their vision come to life.  A complete womenswear collection made of delicate, feminine pieces, characterized by sophisticated, exclusive Italian fabrics, rich in special finishings and lovely hand-made details.  

Every collection tells a fascinating story that speaks about feelings and emotions.  Today the collection is very well known in Italy, throughout Europe and Japan and is now starting its new fantastic "racconto" in the United States.

Image courtesy Giada Forte

McMullen Q&A with Giada: We asked the lovely Giada Forte some questions about her collection, fashion philosophy and some style tips. Hope you enjoy!

Q : What was your inspiration for the Spring Summer 2012 collection?  

A : The (collection's) theme is exoticism chic. I was very much inspired by tropical luxurious flowers and vegetation and its sensual colors and touch: coral tones, deep blues, soft greens and ocra ~ yellows are translated into pure silk chiffon, delicate cotton voile and sophisticated viscose crepe and linen.     

Q : How do you stay motivated and inspired ?
A : I have always been a very curious person and always loved to observe
and capture everyday life images and stories. I love discovering.
And anything can represent a discovery to me.
It is not really a matter of what you see, but about  what you really feel.
I must say the experience of "collection designed by giada forte"
is a truly revealing journey.

Q : What are you most excited about in fashion right now?
A : I believe it is a very important moment of change right now.
People are changing their attitudes towards fashion.
They need to feel somehow reassured and "cuddled" by labels that express a strong
and real personal statement. It goes so much further than just making
"fashionable" clothes.
This is what i admire most.

Q : What is your top style tip for women (of any age)?
A : A white chic simple cotton voile shirt, (like our "Serafino").
It is still one of our best sellers!!          

Q : What's your favorite springtime indulgence?
A : Well i must admit I am addicted to our long silk chiffon skirts.
There is something about wearing that skirt that makes you feel so feminine,
that you just cannot resist!  All the colors are amazing, so I got five of them.
Shhh, don't tell anyone!  :-)

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 Come by the shop soon to see the glorious
spring summer collection by Giada Forte!

xo

McMullen

New arrivals this week :: Parker, Nili Lotan, Epice, Yigal Azrouel, Demy Lee and more!

Stop by McMullen to shop our latest spring arrivals!

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.

New arrivals this week :: Coclico, Equipment, Giada Forte & more!

Stop by McMullen to shop our latest spring arrivals!

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.

McMullen Client Picks of the Week :: Kathleen Winters

Looks 1, 2, 3, & 4 available now at McMullen

Aftelier Perfumes, Berkeley CA
Farmstead Cheeses and Wines, Oakland CA.

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Stop by McMullen to shop Kathleen's picks! 

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.

Get to know our designers :: Amber Patton

Amber Patton is an American designer who started her NYC based line in 2010, and is rapidly enlisting a diverse fan base. 

Her signature style is rendered by a lifetime of travels and a love of vintage fashion, menswear, and fine tailoring. Expect chic wardrobe staples that you will reach for again and again, including suits, dresses and separates that combine function and luxury.

We found a great article about Amber on Dig In Magazine. Check out an excerpt below!

We're SO thrilled to be carrying her line at McMullen - it arrives in store this week, but we're giving you a sneak peek at pieces that will be arriving in the photos below.

Enjoy!
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Getting to know
Amber Patton, designer   

Image via AmberPatton.com

"All the roads I've taken have prepared me for this career - I learned to sew at home as a child - the women in my family made master quilts and crocheted table linens, and we made some clothes too. I have been a makeup artist, a model, a retail manager, an art student, an athlete, a jeweler, an international flight attendant, and an entrepreneur. Then, I married an astute businessman and had children. I'm ready for anything these days!"

To read more click HERE.

Amber Patton Spring 2012 Collection

Pants only in Navy 

Top only 

Top only

Amber Patton Fashion Week Interview

Stop by McMullen to shop Amber Patton ~ arriving this week! 

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.