Behind the Label | Holst + Lee

The colorful rope necklaces and exotic bracelets by designers Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee for their Brooklyn based jewelry label Holst + Lee, can be best described as playful statements to celebrate the adventurous side of life. Designed with rope, beads and semi-precious stones, each piece seems to be the lead in its own ?triballicious? story, reflecting the creative passion of its storytellers.

 

The colorful rope necklaces and exotic bracelets by designers Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee for their Brooklyn based jewelry label Holst + Lee, can be best described as playful statements to celebrate the adventurous side of life. Designed with rope, beads and semi-precious stones, each piece seems to be the lead in its own ?triballicious? story, reflecting the creative passion of its storytellers.

 

What is the overall style of the collection?

 

We both come from art backgrounds, specifically painting, so we try and use our  knowledge of color and texture when we are designing. This particular collection drew inspiration from Africa and South America. We referenced many artists with their use of color and found inspiration from one of our favorites, Frida Kahlo who played a huge role in our collection. We really like the jewelry of West African tribes like the Maasai , but also love the hand weaving from South American traditions.

 

 

What encouraged you to start your own line and how did you go about doing so?

 

We both have lived and worked in New York City for a while and ran nightlife all over the city for years. We always found when getting dressed to go out or to work we were always looking for that finishing touch. The line kind of grew organically out of the need for the one thing that ?made the outfit? and  it was pretty much a guarantee that at least twice a night someone would ask to buy the piece right off of us.

 

Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

 

Pretty much from everywhere. Living in New York City gives you this rare opportunity to see so many different cultures and influences. On any given day you can feel like you?ve travelled the world just by walking around. We love to people watch, especially in Williamsburg where our studio is. You never know what you?re going to see next and what will spark inspiration. We also like to pull a lot of images from art books and nature. The most brilliant colors come from nature.

 

www.shoplatitude.com/safari-king-necklace.html

 

What do you find the most inspiring destination in the world?

 

We love so many places on the globe and pull inspiration from 10 different cultures a day, but I think that?s why we love New York so much. New York has a representation for every culture and offers so much inspiration for artists of all kinds.

 

What is  your own personal style?

 

The best way to describe our personal style collectively is that we wear what makes us feel good. You can pretty much rock any style as long as you own it while doing so.  In spring/summer, we?re all about color and in the fall/winter we love our grays and blacks. A | HOLST + LEE | piece helps bring a bit of life to all seasons no matter what you?re wearing.

 

 

What is one of the best shopping finds you?ve had in your travels?

 

We took a road trip down the coast of California last Fall. While we were in Venice Beach near Abbott Kinney we found the best vintage shop. It was called Gotta Have It and we found the most amazing sequenced dress and blue velvet cape. We pretty much wanted everything in the store. It lived up to its name.

 

To shop the Holst + Lee Collection please click here.