IN CONVERSATION WITH

Lizzie Fortunato

Issue 12

We love talking business and design with fellow founders, so we were thrilled to sit down with friends of NAGHEDI Kathryn & Lizzie Fortunato. The twin sisters are the co-founders of jewelry brand Lizzie Fortunato, one of the first brands we sought to feature in our Curated Shop. 
Lizzie began designing jewelry in her Duke University dorm room, then officially launched the brand in 2008 from her Lower East Side walk-up. On their 24th birthday, Kathryn left Lizzie her Goldman Sachs bonus check with a note that said “follow your dreams.” Kathryn left Wall Street and officially joined the business in 2010. Since then, the Fortunato sisters and their team have continued to produce pieces “designed to tell a story and transport the wearer,” with many crafted locally here in NYC. 
We spoke to Kathryn and Lizzie about sisterhood at work, where they look for inspiration, and how to style their signature statement jewelry with ease. 

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QUESTION 01

What created the spark for you to design jewelry? 

I have always been creative. As a kid I was constantly drawing and creating; I remember cutting apart my denim jeans to turn into pillows and I hand-sewed my senior year prom dress. Ironically, I decided to try my hand at jewelry because it seemed like it would take less time than making clothes (little did I realize that I now labor over a statement necklace for days before perfecting a sample).- LIZZIE

LIZZIE FORTUNATO

“We’re really lucky that after 17 years we still love leading the business everyday and more importantly, doing it with each other.”

QUESTION 02

How do you navigate sisterhood at work? 

In the early days it was trickier to navigate our working relationship because there was no one to delegate to and we were working around the clock. That’s not to say it wasn’t fun, we were in our early 20’s, building a business, full of adrenaline, and had ultimate trust and confidence in each other - as sisters and business partners. Plus, any squabbles would instantly be resolved with “I’m sorry, 
I love you”. -KATHRYN

LIZZIE FRORTUNATO

“My materials often provide some of the greatest inspiration for my designs. Visiting a vendor whether in NYC or further afield (we source materials and techniques from a range of vendors around the world) and finding new materials is the best way to jump start a new collection.”

QUESTION 03

Where do you go for inspiration if you’re feeling stuck? 

Travel informs so much of my design process. I love getting inspiration from new places, cultures, and a region's tradition of craft and handiwork. I am currently en route home from Menorca...I am brimming with energy and inspiration after soaking up the island’s incredible vistas, rocky coves, beautiful baskets, and clay pieces. When I am not able to jump on a plane, I will explore exhibits and museums in our own backyard.-LIZZIE

KATHRYN & LIZZIE FORTUNATO

"The natural world plays a large role in our collections and themes so you will often see floral motifs, shell and coral references, and sometimes even more literal creatures in our pieces. We’re recognized for mixing a large range of materials."

QUESTION 04

Do you have any tips or styling tricks for someone who feels nervous wearing jewelry?  

Sometimes people shy away from a statement collar because it’s a “lot of look” but we design pieces that are really easy to wear, they should—and do—feel effortless. Half the battle is just trying it on; my biggest advice is not to shy away from a statement look, especially when 
I guarantee you will get compliments! - KATHRYN

KATHRYN & LIZZIE FORTUNATO

“One thing we did have to learn is to not “act like sisters” (no more squabbling) in front of a big team. We’ve really practiced and focused on developing our management skills as our team has grown beyond just a sister duo.”

KATHRYN AND LIZZIE'S PICKS

LIZZIE

ST BARTHS LARGE TOTE IN JASMINE

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LIZZIE

HAVANA SANDAL
IN JAIPUR

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KATHRYN

NOMAD LARGE HOBO IN CAMEL

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KATHRYN

OJAI SLIDE IN CHOCOLATE

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