Katharine Sise (rhymes with ice) and/or her fabulous jewelry have been prominently featured in such magazines as Glamour, Marie Clair, W. Bazaar, Lucky (who launched her career by anointing her a “designer to watch) and Elle.Many of us aspire to own a career using our God given talents and Katharine, too, strived for nothing less in her own life.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she came to New York City equipped with big dreams and a degree in film, television and theater. She originally hoped to thrive as an actress.
And what do most of us hopeless thespians end up doing to make a living starting off, even with a college degree? You guessed it. But when Katy nearly spilled an expensive bottle of champagne on Robert Deniro while waitressing one evening, she knew it wasn’t the job for her. There had to be a better way. Turned out there was.
She put her instinctive talent to work and started designing and selling jewelry and her innovative creations were soon in demand.
Katharine Sise and/or her jewelry have appeared on “Good Morning America,” The Oxygen Network”, “The View”, “Live With Regis and Kelly”, “Good Day New York” and one of my personal favorites… “Gossip Girl”. We are so honored and delighted to have her here with us in “The Love Spot” today.
Read on for a Q&A with Katharine Sise. You’ll learn more about why we have so much love for her and her jewelry and also discover some exciting news about what’s coming up in her life...
PMB: Katy, You have designed jewelry for so many celebrities, is there someone that you have yet to design for that you would like to? And what can do you envision designing for that person?
KS: Michelle Obama! And I'd design one of my multi-layers with a strand of pearls. A twist on a conservative necklace.
PMB: I have no doubt that that day is to come. Mrs. Obama came to my mind as well. She is certainly someone that I’d love to see rocking your jewelry. Give us a day in the life of a fabulous jewelry designer. Take us through your creative process...
KS: Every day is different depending on what I'm working on. Some days, I may have a specific trend story to make pieces for. If a magazine requests a specific trend, I'll make about 12 to 20 pieces that week for that particular story. Other weeks are spent making orders for boutiques and individual clients.
PMB: You mentioned trends, but tell us how a woman/young lady should go about deciding what style of jewelry works specifically for them?
KS: I say, whatever jewelry pieces make you feel good the moment you put it on is what you should go with. Vintage jewelry is a great way to achieve a timeless look and works with almost any style. If you have a conservative style, find pieces that you can go to again and again, like a classic stud earring. If you're more experimental by nature, try a bold cuff and a cocktail ring to spice up your look.
PMB: I love it! And I think it is that mentality that makes certain celebrities more iconic and stand the test of time for popularity. Who comes to mind when you think of style icons? And why?
KS: To me, a style icon is a woman that knows what works for her. She isn't guided by the trends, though she may incorporate elements of them into her signature style.
PMB: Agreed! Now, as you know the three women dearest to me—my mother, my sister and my niece “Jada” all received jewelry that you specially designed for us this past Christmas (unforgettable by the way) but I am curious about your Mr. Sise line, particularly because father’s day is coming up and dad was a little left out ;) Mr. Sise is your developing men's line and I love it. Some men aren’t so keen on jewelry though and might need to be convinced. What do you say to men who don't think jewelry is for them? And what type of man should consider jewelry as a part of his personal style?
KS: This is tricky. Many of my male friends (my husband included) only wear their wedding rings. But, if a man is comfortable wearing jewelry, it can be such a great look. I love tough jewelry pieces for men for a laid back or rocker look!
PMB: Me too. And just to add to what you’ve said, I love it when a man has a statement piece—a bold ring or a stern necklace—because it can really accentuate their masculinity. Besides the men’s line, are there any other things in development that you'd like to share?
KS: This month my jewelry is featured on a few pages of Lucky magazine and in July Target will launch one of my jewelry pieces on their website. Very exciting!
PMB: Oh congratulations, Katy! You already know how excited I am about your developing career. Finally, as is tradition in our newly re-launched “The Love Spot”, please tell us… how you define love?
KS: Love is really all there is. If you're filled with love, there isn't room for anything else.
PMB: And what are three things that you, Katharine Sise, love? Tell us why if you would....KS: Family. (That is my mom, dad, sister, brother and my husband.) Dogs. No one does unconditional love like a dog! And books! I feel an instant comfort as soon as I open one.
PMB: Awww! And ditto! Thank you Katy!
Visit www.katharinesise.com to order her jewelry and follow her career and also be sure to check her out on HSN (The Home Shopping Network) where she co-hosts her own show!
LOVE!
