The life of a Fashion Designer might seem glamorous, but the majority of the time it is the same grind as growing any business: late nights, stressful projects, and long meetings. But every so often, we get to live the movie version of a Fashion Designer’s life. This past week was one of those times.

We’ve been in Paris for Spring 2016 Paris Fashion Week, and WOW are we inspired! The city itself is a dream for any artist, and Paris Fashion Week is the stage for many of the world’s most famous fashion names. But some of the biggest inspirations for us were our fellow accessory designers. We were lucky enough to meet the talent behind three amazing brands: Artesano, Pared, and Donni Charm, and we can’t wait to style their wears with Stella Valle pieces.

Artesano is known for gorgeous, handmade hats out of Ecuador. The designs are modern, but the craftsmanship techniques are time tested. Like Stella Valle, it is a brand that derives dignity from its origins and incorporates a social mission. Xavier, Artesano’s founder, came to the United States with $30 in his pocket, and now his hats are sold all over the world. The company also employs hat makers in rural communities, therefore supporting local artisans and preserving traditions. Artesano hats, with their contemporary designs and traditional craftsmanship, would pair perfectly with our Futuristic Flashback collection. We’d love to sport the Clasico felt hat with our Year 2061 earrings.

Pared is a sunglass brand created by Samantha Stevenson and Edward Baker. We enjoy their designs because they have fun with their fashion! Their collections each reference a specific place and time, making each season’s designs unique and evocative. One of our favorites is their Summer 15/16 line “Le Discotheque”, which draws inspiration from the 1970s disco era. The Funk & Soul burgundy sunglasses worn with the Stella Valle Czech Checkered cuff would be a showstopper!

We also loved the designs and ladies behind the scarf line Donni Charm. This brand is run by passionate young females and named for the founder’s family (sound familiar?). When Donni Charm’s designer lost her father, she found a positive outlet through fashion. The brand is named for and inspired by him, and this love is evident in Donni Charm’s soft and luxurious designs. Our Other Half collection is also a tribute to the love of our family and friends, and the Donni Comfy Fierce scarf worn with a By My Side bracelet stack would be a nod to both fashion and love (two pretty fine things, if you ask us).

Paris was a dream. We loved meeting our fellow accessory designers from around the world. They have motivated us with their art and stories. We are looking forward to pairing our pieces together and using their inspiration to grow as designers.

Lots of Love,
Ashley and Paige