Fit for a Princess

I am a bit of an Anglophile and I love royal watching. I was one of the millions that tuned in to watch both Kate and Will and Meghan and Harry tie the knot, getting up around 4 a.m. both days and indulging in champagne way, way before brunch time. One of my favorite podcasts is Royally Obsessed (I’m convinced hosts Kaitlin Menza and Lisa Ryan are bound to be my besties some day).

I also love the fashion. During my first trip to London, I purchased a Reiss dress that I had seen on Kate Middleton at the 2011 Epsom Derby. Since Meghan Markle came on the royals scene, I have been lusting after many of her looks, especially her jewelry. Which is why I was thrilled to discover one of Meghan’s favorite jewelry designers, Zofia Day. Meghan even gifted Kate Middleton, Jessica Mulroney, and Benita Litt, the three women involved in her wedding day, with a bracelet she designed with Zofia Day founder, Lisette Polny.

Delicate, dainty jewelry works well on my petite frame, and that’s what Zofia Day specializes in. So I ordered the Markle-approved Kensington bracelet immediately. But I like to do my research and when I was looking into Zofia Day, I found very little information about the woman behind the royally loved brand. So I reached out to Lisette. She shared with me how the Zofia Day line was started, where it’s going and how she gets the inspiration for her beautiful pieces.

Fashionably Kate &Co.: You have over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. What was that experience and how did that help you get to where you are today?

Lisette Polny: Well, my sister has had a boutique for over 20 years so she was my first introduction to the industry; I have to give her credit for all she has done for me.  But I’ve worked in all realms of the fashion world: sales, wholesale, design, merchandising, creative direction, buying. You name it I’ve done it.  I spent over ten years as a director of merchandising and design for a luxury lifestyle brand that really enriched my experience in the fashion industry and gave me a strong direction of the vision I have for Zofia Day Co.

Your line was named after your grandmother and your daughter. Do they also inspire the designs?

Unfortunately I never met my grandmother but she was a huge part of my dad’s life and had an exquisite sense of fashion and an amazing jewelry collection.  I definitely draw inspiration from the love she shared with my father and her gorgeous pieces!  My other grandma was a jeweler and my mom worked in the jewelry industry so there is a lot of energy coming from all of their experience.

My daughter is my universe and everything I do is for her and her future.  She has given me the empowerment to be strong, courageous and stay true to my vision.  More of my creative inspiration comes from Nature and the endless beauty it shares with us.

Your jewelry is mostly delicate and elegant but you also have an edge. That is such a hard balance to maintain. How do you balance it and also, is this your personal style?

My personal style is a little bit of everything. Some days I am edgy, some days I am bohemian, others classic.  My fashion style is very similar to my music taste.  I overall try to maintain a delicate nature and timeless sense to my design to allow it to transform into to whatever you are feeling for the day.

What are a few of your favorite pieces that you’ve created?

I love my organics collection, I am huge fan of slice diamonds and raw stones.  The Big Sur Slice ring, Reflective Slice studs, and Love ring.  I also love ear cuffs!  They are such fun way to play with your look!

What is your design process?

Inspiration comes first, then concept, then I sketch or piece together my design, pass off to my amazingly talented manufactures who understand my overall aesthetic, then prototype, approval and then off to full production.

Your stones are ethically sourced. Why is this important to you and the Zofia Day brand?

My company is based on good practice and ethics I would not have it any other way.

If you could describe Zofia Day in three words, what would those three words be?

All things beautiful…

Who is the Zofia Day customer? What do they love? Where do you want them to wear your jewelry?

It is amazing my clients range from 4 to 90 years old.  The brand is ageless. I want them to wear my pieces everyday wherever they may be going, as long as they bring them personal happiness.

Zofia Day has attracted a few celebrity customers. Even the Duchess of Sussex is a fan! What is it like seeing your designs on these famous faces?

It is an honor but to be honest I look at all my customers the same, we all are our own celebrity.

Zofia Day was founded six years ago. Where do you see your company going in the next 10 years?

I want to maintain longevity and to me that is staying true to who I am and what I believe in. My success is not determined by quantity but quality. That being said I want to continue being a boutique brand with an organic growth and following.  The area I would like to grow is my charity work, this is truly important to me and is the most rewarding aspect of having a successful brand.

What do you want the Zofia Day legacy to be?

To be remembered as a brand that was built on integrity.

Thank you so much to Lisette for speaking with us. For more on Zofia Day, check out their website and Instagram.

0