Meet Miss Larroudé, Kirsty Stone

Retrouvai holds a special place in our hearts. Mentored in her earliest days by our co-founder Marina Larroudé when she won the inaugural The Next Now competition for emerging jewelry designers (for which Marina was a judge), Kirsty Stone brings a reverence for time-honored techniques and enviable sense of whimsy to her unique collection. We spoke to the designer about life as a mom of three, an average day in L.A., and what’s inspiring her right now.

 

Name:

Kirsty Stone

IG Handle:

@retrouvai

Where do you live?

Santa Monica

What is your job title?

Jewelry Designer of Retrouvai

Favorite Larroudé shoe for Spring?

The Blair Patent Mule—it’s so versatile. 

What excites you about Spring?

Longer days and Spring flowers in my garden.

Favorite restaurant/dish in your city?

The Gjusta Falafel Plate and all of their pastries.

IG Account(s) you follow for Inspo:

@lalareimagined, @collectoworld, @eggcollective, @coupdetatsf, @fabienne_lhostis, @paulmatter, @sarastorydesign.

What inspires you?

So many things. I'm inspired by optimism and connection with others. Also a lot of furniture, vintage Italian glass homewares, and objets d'art. I'm always inspired by our craft as well—old pieces, vintage diamonds, and reclaimed gemstones. 

 

How did you get your start?

I have no formal jewelry design education but everything I know about production and gemstones I learned from being immersed in the environment. Before I had a brand, I was introduced to a jeweler who took me under his wing and basically opened his space to me despite having no reason to be there other than to learn. I spent countless evenings and Saturdays in his office while I was still working full-time. He eventually created some of my very first samples and wished me luck. We’re still friends today. I would remind myself that jewelry is incredibly personal and you can't be everything to everyone and you will not appeal to everyone. I would also tell myself that many of the constructs or reasons we don't do something are self imposed. I think about this a lot.

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

I would remind myself that jewelry is incredibly personal and you can't be everything to everyone and you will not appeal to everyone. I would also tell myself that many of the constructs or reasons we don't do something are self imposed. I think about this a lot.

What does a typical day at work look like?

I typically spend mornings with my 3 girls before heading to the office. Once at the office, every day is different. One constant is that I like to be in close contact with my production team and we are back and forth pretty much all day every day. Otherwise I might be working on bespoke work for clients, sourcing gemstones, or working with my small team on anything related to new collections. We mostly have an afternoon treat delivery. 

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

My biggest challenge as it relates to growing a small business has been everything other than designing and making jewelry. I do wish I could focus solely on the jewelry and I struggle to oversee accounting and operations. 

What is one of your biggest successes so far?

For me, my greatest success is the fulfillment that I get from building a loving family with my husband and having a job I would do for free. All buckets are never full at the same time and that's ok with me!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A slightly less chaotic home life with all children in school. I would love to have a Retrouvai flagship in Los Angeles for our clients to experience a space entirely curated by us.

What’s your go-to Spotify Playlist?

French Jazz Cafe.

What is your fashion uniform?

For everyday, it would be straight leg jeans, Blazé blazer, Leen t-shirt, and flats, love the cushion insole of the Blair shoes.