Stella & Dot markets itself as a luxury brand at an affordable price, and now that I've learned about what goes on behind the design, I know that it truly is affordable luxury. The quality is top-notch putting it into the category of designer brands. For example, our How Does She Do It (HDSDI in Stella terminology) Bag is made of the same nylon that Longchamp uses on their bags. Many of the other bags are manufactured in the same places as Coach, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton but are a fraction of the price. Affordable. Luxury.
Let's dig a little deeper into the design process though because I think it's something so fascinating about the brand that only the Stylists know about.
Stella & Dot has two design studios - one in Soho, New York City and one in Sausalito, CA. There are in-house artisans that work in both to hand set and hand cast various stones until the pieces are perfect in the chief designer's eyes. Here's a start-to-finish of our new Norah Pendant.
Let's dig a little deeper into the design process though because I think it's something so fascinating about the brand that only the Stylists know about.
Stella & Dot has two design studios - one in Soho, New York City and one in Sausalito, CA. There are in-house artisans that work in both to hand set and hand cast various stones until the pieces are perfect in the chief designer's eyes. Here's a start-to-finish of our new Norah Pendant.
The Avalon Crescent Necklace is another perfect example. A designer worked on this piece for 2 weeks to get the cut-out design just the right shape and size. But when presented, it still wasn't top-notch, so the artisan got back to work to perfect it.
Or one of my favorite bags from the Spring 2014 Collection: The Shift.
The intricate perforation on this bag and our equally beloved Avalon Tote were actually inspired by our unique laser cut Avalon necklaces (see above). What's even more special, though, is that no one else in the industry is doing custom perforation on a bag like this, except for Azzedine Alaia. His similar bag, while also impressive, costs $2,200.
Source: http://www.bayareabags.com/bags/alaia-perforated-leather-oversized-tote.html
Not only is the detailed design of Stella & Dot's products impressive, the quality and manufacturing are extraordinary as well. All Stella & Dot jewelry is nickel and lead free, something I can personally attest to, as I'm highly allergic to nickel. Those who have rashes from their jeans understand where I'm coming from! Most of the jewelry is gold or silver plated or made with semi-precious stones. Most of the delicates are sterling silver or Italian bronze. Very few pieces tarnish over time (of course there are always some; as a new company, there are still kinks to work out).
The bags are made of various materials - a nice wipeable nylon on the HDSDI Bag, Saffiano Leather on the Madison Tech Bag, and of course real leather on some of the bags like the Paris Market Tote.
The bags are made of various materials - a nice wipeable nylon on the HDSDI Bag, Saffiano Leather on the Madison Tech Bag, and of course real leather on some of the bags like the Paris Market Tote.
Last but not least is the manufacturing of the products. As the Chief Designer, Blythe Harris, says, "There are some manufacturing places I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole." And that's part of the reason Stella & Dot's pieces are more expensive. Stella & Dot also has a commitment to social responsibility, which is something important to me and something I researched before joining the company in 2011. You can read more here.
Stella & Dot is not looking for the quickest and easiest way to mass produce jewelry. They put as much detail into making the pieces as designing them. The Pegasus is the perfect example!
Stella & Dot is not looking for the quickest and easiest way to mass produce jewelry. They put as much detail into making the pieces as designing them. The Pegasus is the perfect example!
This gorgeous statement piece - which now comes in silver! - is hand-sewn to silk organza cascade. It is made in India and takes 3 days to make. Talk about attention to detail!
Similarly, our new Fleurette Statement Necklace has 90 hand-set stones, and yet is very lightweight for such a show-stopper.
Similarly, our new Fleurette Statement Necklace has 90 hand-set stones, and yet is very lightweight for such a show-stopper.
So now you have it: a peek into the design process at Stella & Dot. It is details, details, and more details from start to finish. Combine those design details with high quality materials, a commitment to social responsibility, and hand-made products, and you've got a luxury brand at an affordable price.