Meet Miss Larroudé: Kathryn & Lizzie Fortunato

One-half of the charming NY-based jewelry line that bears her twin sister’s name, Kathryn Fortunato has an eye for craft. We talked to the designer to learn more about working with alongside her BFF and feeling the spirit of the season.

Name

Kathryn Fortunato

IG Handle

@LFJewels

Where do you live?

Clinton Hill Brooklyn & my studio is in SoHo, Manhattan.

What is your job title?

Co-founder & Creative Director at Lizzie Fortunato.

Favorite Larroude shoe for the Holiday Season?

The Colette Ruffle Mule is such a chic heel. I love it in Black Raffia for Winter travel and in silver cracked metallic leather for Holiday parties!

What excites you about the holiday season?

Nesting at home, layering well, and celebrating friends and family over the Holidays. Also relishing in the sunshine when we get to travel!

Favorite restaurant/dish in your city?

A bottle of red wine and a long dinner at Frenchette with girlfriends is always a good night!

What inspires you?

Intelligent, authentic, and sincere women. Women who do not follow trends and walk to the beat of their own drum.

How did you get your start?

I was working at Goldman Sachs when Lizzie launched the business (2008) from our Lower East Side walk-up. I gave her my $10k bonus check and told her to "follow her dreams". A few years later, I joined her full time and we've been hustling ever since—that's the only funding we've ever received to date!

Piece of advice for your younger self / One thing you wish you knew when you were first starting out?

Don't be scared to delegate!

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your industry?

Plenty of competition, which is healthy! Brands prioritizing instant fame over long-term success often compromises product integrity and the ethical and environmental concerns of designing and producing product.

What is one of your biggest successes so far?

Doing what we love for 15 years in the way that we want to do it! With an emphasis on product integrity, the health and happiness of our team and vendors. and sparking joy for the customers that wear Lizzie Fortunato!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully doing more of the same: working smarter, making a positive impact on the people who work for us and the environment around us, and creating product that we love.

What is your fashion uniform?

Tailored and neat: Apiece Apart, Proenza, Rachel Comey for chic separates with a layer of Dries for a bit of pattern! And of course Lizzie Fortunato to top it off!