A Tastemaker's Take
Meet Lizzie & Kathryn of Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry
Lizzie Fortunato is a New York City-based accessories brand founded by twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato. Launched in 2008 from the sofa of their Lower East Side walk-up, the brand is well recognized for its joyful, luxurious costume and fine jewelry. The sisters source materials
and inspiration from around the globe to create colorful collections in limited runs. Working with craftspeople in their SoHo studio and artisan jewelry partners globally, they incorporate a range of materials (semi-precious stones, flame-worked glass, wood, pearls, silk cords, and much more) into statement pieces designed for women who dress to tell a story.
In 2015, Lizzie became a member of the CFDA. The collection is regularly featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and The New York Times and styles have been worn by Anne Hathaway, Solange Knowles, Julianne Moore and Drew Barrymore, among others. In the summer of 2020, Lizzie Fortunato was among 19 renowned designers hand-picked by Vogue’s Anna Wintour to design an exclusive product to support Biden’s election campaign. Lizzie Fortunato is especially proud of building a self-funded, sustainable business that supports over 20 females on a full-time
basis and provides meaningful contributions to the community around them (several of Fortunato’s designs have direct charitable “give back” components). The brand believes in creating luxury in an intentional, sustainable way while making a positive impact on the world around them.
What is inspiring you two lately?
Lizzie: Menorca! We went to the low key Balearic island this past July and my mind - and moodboard - are still steeped in the dark azure blue skies, white washed buildings, clear water, and excellent food and design scene. We did a few days in the “country” (staying at the gorgeous rural retreat Torre Vella Fontenille) and a few days in the “city” (we fell in love with the charming Cristine Bedfor hotel in Mahon). The two hotels were less than an hour apart but provided a huge range of activities and eating. Another highlight was the fabulous Hauser & Wirth gallery on the little “art island” of Illa del Rei just off the coast of Mahon. The island is covered in gallery spaces, gardens, kids’ art programming, and the chic-est restaurant called “Cantina”. Honestly worth the trip to Menorca. (More Menorca inspo here!)
Kathryn: Our kids! It sounds cheesy but Lizzie’s daughter and my son just turned 5 and are teaching us to be more present - and to try to remember all of the hilarious things they say. They are sponges for information and open to every activity. They just got addicted to braiding friendship bracelets which is bringing Lizzie and me back to our 8-year old selves. They’re also providing a lot of perspective as we continue to navigate small business ownership - tariffs and all.
We love how your work nods to travel. Do you have a destination that's currently on your mind or mood board?
Menorca will definitely play a role for Spring’26. And we just launched Fall’25 which is also inspired by a Spanish destination: the city of Seville in the wintertime, and the vibrancy of blooming orange trees against verdant trees and tiled architecture. FW25 features mosaic patterns that nod to the Moorish influences and tilework throughout Seville, and the collection includes ceramic beads and slices of wood inspired by the textures and colors of the city. One necklace in the collection features a stone inlaid pomegranate pendant - a literal reference to the city’s lush fruits. Travel - and more specifically appreciating places’ architecture and traditions of craftsmanship - has played a role in our collections since the beginning of the brand.
What's one piece from your current collection you find yourself wearing on repeat?
Lizzie: I love our 14k Fine collection because despite the elevated materials, I actually find the pieces really easy to wear. For dress-up I gravitate towards our Gold Pool Earrings (the name draws inspiration from David Hockney’s Pool series) - I love the green amethyst. I don’t take many necklaces home from the office but I do keep a personal unit of our Extra Large White Baroque Pearl Necklace. It’s my favorite. I will wear it to a wedding or with a bikini; alone or with a stack of other beaded strands. The pearls are all natural and each is oblong and unique, with tons of character.
Kathryn: We just launched the Delphine Collar in Prussian Blue and its killer. The large glass beads are each created by hand - a lady in upstate New York hand molds the glass over a 2000 degree flame. The piece juxtaposes artisanal handmade elements with a bold pop of color and is really head-turning. I can see this being my Fall go-to. If I am wearing a big necklace I will go smaller on the earrings (plus I wear big glasses frames so need to edit around the face). Our Mini Organic Hoops come in every color so are a great styling tool to match a necklace or outfit.
Favorite way to unwind after a full day in the studio?
Lizzie & Kathryn: Ideal afternoon includes scooting out of work in time for an exercise class or a manicure before scooping up our kids for the evening routine. That barely ever happens! LOL.
As sisters running a creative business, we'd love to hear: what makes your partnership work so well?
Lizzie & Kathryn: We really respect the other’s roles and responsibilities. Since we launched (in 2008), Lizzie headed up all things creative and I (Kathryn) headed up Sales, Operations, and all things finance. I come from a background on Wall Street and never had any ambitions to design jewelry - I am much more comfortable in spreadsheets, and the same is true for Lizzie - she is passionate about design and not about Quickbooks. From an early point in time we established that Lizzie would have “final say” on all things creative and I on all things finance. Fortunately we agree 98% of the time but we also trust the other one implicitly and know that we each have the best interest of the business (and each other) top of mind.
As women-lead entrepreneurs, how do you bring empathy and balance to your leadership, both in the studio and your design ethos?
Kathryn: This is really important to us! We often say we’re not putting a man on the moon so when stress levels get high we try to seek perspective and lead with empathy. One of our core operating principles is: “We recognize that our company is only as strong as our team. Prioritizing their happiness, health, and growth is integral to our success”. We wouldn’t be anywhere without our team so ensuring that they trust us as leaders is critical. We work on being “radically candid” when it comes to leadership and exhibiting empathy, trust, clear feedback, and understanding that we’re all humans doing our best! Plus, when we have “wins” it’s really fun to celebrate each others’ successes.
Both Elliston House and Lizzie Fortunato are known for bold pattern play and timeless design. How do you see the role of color and pattern in your personal style or home?
Lizzie: I love pops of color in my wardrobe and accessories and especially in my home. My Bellport, Long Island home is filled with pops of tomato red and blue against a backdrop of whitewashed floors (more here). I think that’s the key for me: colors and patterns work when they can stand out against neutrals. The same goes for how I dress. I am a uniform gal who gravitates towards the same tailored jeans or neutral Pleats Please monochromatic looks but sets it off with a bright statement collar or bold earrings.
