Accessorize!

Ever since Gossip Girl kicked off, headbands have become oh-so-stylish curtsey of none other than Blair Waldorf herself. Kelsi Smiths divine range of hair accessories is perfect for every girl out there from the shy to the more flamboyant. I sat down for a tete-a-tete with the designer behind Style Smith and here is an excerpt for your benefit:

Out of the many options out there from clothes to shoes to handbags, why did you choose hair accessories and jewelry?

Well, it started as a hobby, so I was making things for myself that I wanted – and apparently I wanted jewelry and headwear more than anything else! That said – I’m not that great at making clothes. I’m getting there, but I certainly don’t trust myself to make clothes for others to wear. making a hat is relatively simple. 

How long have you been doing this for?

I opened my Etsy store in April 2008, but had been making hats for myself for about 6 months prior to that, I’d been making jewelry for myself since I was a kid! 

Can you give me a little background about your business — how you got started, etc.

As I said before, it really began as a hobby. I’m actually an actress and a writer, first and foremost, but to pay the bills I’d been working in a restaurant. I really didn’t want to do that anymore, so I decided, in the interim between fame and fortune (ha!) to start my own business making hats! Which, incidentally, doesn’t pay the bills either, but I’m much happier doing it than I was waiting tables! 

Do you have any formal training in this background?

None whatsoever! Just a lot of book learning and trial and error. I tend to just play until something goes right – it just falls in to place with a ‘By Jove, I think she’s got it!” 

How important do you think formal training is in order to make it big in the fashion industry?

I don’t think it’s necessary, but I certainly recommend it. It depends where you want to take your business. what I think is more important is a certain amount of business training. Your creativity can only take you so far, but you do need to be business savvy. 

What inspires your designs?

Well, my latest collection has been inspired by holidays, romance and literature. Anything from gelato to a holiday fling has inspired this collection! On a more general level colour, textures and inherently catwalk trends, I’m a fashion writer, so I can’t ignore them – they’ll all have a place in my work.

Of all the headpieces you have designed, do you have a personal favorite?

Oooh. Can’t choose! Maybe I can. The one I wear the most is the Heart Hat. It was one of my first ever designs – I made it just for me – and it’s so cute, and goes with practically anything. I just re-released in three colours for the new collection, so now it goes with even more.

Which one is more fun, designing hair accessories or jewelry?

Hmm. I love both, but I have more freedom with hat making as I’m not limited on my materials, I don’t have the skills or know how to cast my own pieces for jewelry making, so I am limited to what is available as a supply whereas I can make a hat from scratch. 

What is the best part of being a hair accessories/jewelry designer?

Always having something to adorn myself with! 

 And the worst?

A limited bank balance – but this comes more from being a small business owner in this economic climate that being an accessories designer! 

Is there any particular woman you imagine wearing your designs? 

The Zooey Deschanel type, feminine, girly, a little retro in styling but altogether a bright and vivacious modern woman.

What advice would you offer someone who is interested in pursuing a career in accessory design?

I’m not sure I’m in a position to be offering advice! But what I do have is – take the time to learn your craft, there’s a lot of talented artists out there so it’s good to find your niche and hone it first, and get some business savvy behind you!

Head over to her Etsy webshop and stock up on the loveliness, ladies!

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Submitted on July 1, 2010 in Who's Who.

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