11 Juillet is a luxury handbag and accessories brand celebrated for its fusion of fine craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and refined jewelry design. Founded by twin sisters Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, who were born on July 11th — inspiring the name 11 Juillet (“July” in French) — the brand has quickly distinguished itself through its signature star-shaped motif and dedication to wearable artistry since celebrating it’s launch in March 2025.
Each piece is meticulously crafted with ethically sourced and lab-grown diamonds from renowned partners worldwide. The brand’s latest collection, Éclat de Joie, features diamonds ranging from 2.6 to 17 carats, exemplifying 11 Juillet’s commitment to precision and luxury. Their handbags and jewelry have already attracted a devoted following among celebrities, including Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Katie Holmes, solidifying the brand’s place as a rising name in modern luxury.
As 11 Juillet expands its presence in the luxury accessories space, its creations continue to embody a balance of opulence and artistry — equally suited for wedding celebrations, elegant soirées, and everyday refinement. In an exclusive interview, Mary Kay and Kim reflect on their first year in business, the brand’s evolution, and how their designs are redefining the intersection of fine jewelry and modern luxury.
SB: Can you share the story behind 11 Juillet — how the brand began, and what inspired you to create it as a personal representation of you?
11 Juillet was born from a challenge we set for ourselves: to reimagine what modern luxury can be. We spent years exploring craftsmanship and sourcing the finest materials to bring our vision to life – creating something elevated yet deeply personal. With a strong background in the manufacturing industry, from previous entrepreneurial ventures to launching lingerie and loungewear brands, we understand the importance of working with high quality materials. We introduced 11 Juillet to the market to offer our customers the very best! The name, 11 Juillet – French for July 11th – is our birthday. It carries a piece of who we are and our enduring love for Parisian elegance.
SB: Could you detail the specific metals and gemstones you work with, and what drew you to those materials, including sourcing to ensure quality and ethical craftsmanship?
Our commitment to expert craftsmanship is what truly defines 11 Juillet. Each of our designs reflects a dedication to quality and artistry, with every handbag and accessory meticulously crafted in Italy by master artisans using some of the finest materials in the world. Our handbags are made from full-grain calfskin leather and feature our signature Éclat de Joie’ emblem. The emblem – crafted from malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds, is available in options ranging from 2.6 to 17 carats. The radiant star can even be transferred from one bag to the next, allowing your collection to evolve over time. Our fine jewelry collection – including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, all designed with the 11 Juillet start-shaped motif – is similarly crafted from malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.
SB: What is the inspiration behind each of your collections, particularly your latest heirloom-style pieces? With heirloom and legacy pieces becoming highly sought after this year in the bridal industry, has that influenced your design direction?
Since launching in March 2025, we’ve seen great success with our debut collection – Éclat de Joie. Beyond the collection itself, the vision behind our brand is to create pieces meant to be cherished and to last a lifetime. While 11 Juillet is not specifically a bridal brand, we’ve observed how fashion trends often influence the bridal industry. The growing appreciation for heirloom-style pieces aligns perfectly with our approach to design – crafting timeless, meaningful jewelry that can be treasured and passed down through generations.
SB: Handbags are a beautiful incorporation into wedding style. In what ways do you envision your handbags being used in weddings, rehearsals, and receptions?
Our bags – Mayfair, Clementine, Annabelle, and Chickie – are all available in a Blanc colorway. Whether it’s a large tote for wedding preparation meetings or a chic crossbody for a festive rehearsal dinner, our bags are designed to be both elegant and practical, helping brides carry their essentials in style throughout every moment of the celebration.
SB: In an increasingly saturated bridal market, what do you feel sets 11 Juillet apart?
While our brand is not specifically a bridal brand, we naturally resonate with the luxury bridal market through our versatile, timeless designs. Our fine jewelry – including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings – and our handbags, available in a chic Blanc colorway, offer pieces that can be treasured for a lifetime. What truly sets us apart is the attention to detail and signature elements in every creation. Our bags feature the Éclat de Joie’ emblem, while our jewelry is crafted with the distinctive 11 Juillet star-shaped motif, creating meaningful, elegant pieces that complement bridal style while remaining versatile beyond the wedding day.
SB: 11 Juillet has been worn by well-known figures like Jenna Ortega and Emma Roberts. How has that visibility impacted your brand? Which pieces resonate most with your clients, such as your chandelier earrings or signature rings?
Our pieces have been worn by A-list celebrities including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Roberts; a testament to our craftsmanship and attention to detail. Seeing our handbags and accessories on such style-forward and notable figures helps introduce 11 Juillet to a wider audience while reinforcing our position in the luxury market.One of the reasons our collection resonates so strongly with clients is its versatility. Whether they’re seeking statement chandelier earrings, our signature rings, or a timeless handbag, our pieces elevate both everyday looks and special occasions.
SB: Can a bride come to you to customize her engagement ring or add unique accessories? How does that process typically begin: with a consultation, design meeting, or digital collaboration?
Yes, we do offer customizations for engagement rings and accessories, as one of our main priorities is building strong, long-term relationships with our clients. All of our pieces are made to order, allowing us to offer a personal touch and ensure every detail is meticulously crafted to meet our client’s needs. Our jewelry collection features diamonds and emeralds set in 18k gold, with each design incorporating our signature Éclat de Joie star motif in some form – making every piece inherently unique and timeless in its own way. Additionally, we offer customization for our handbags. Our signature emblem – crafted from malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds – is available in options ranging from 2.6 to 17 carats and can be transferred from one bag to the next.
SB: What advice would you give to brides looking to create something truly one-of-a-kind with you? As experienced jewelers, how do you envision the 2026 jewelry market evolving, particularly within the bridal and heirloom sectors?
For consumers seeking something truly one-of-a-kind, our advice is to focus on meaning and longevity – values that our brand is built upon and that are reflected in every piece we create. Our versatile fine jewelry collection allows consumers to discover designs that are not only unique in style but also exceptional in craftsmanship. We always encourage our clients to invest in pieces that express their individuality while remaining timeless enough to be passed down for generations – qualities that perfectly embody our products. At 11 Juillet, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. Every piece is designed to last a lifetime, becoming part of each client’s story and allowing us to grow lasting relationships with consumers that resonate with our brand. Looking ahead to 2026, we see the desire for heirloom pieces continuing to evolve as consumers are increasingly drawn to pieces that embody purpose and craftsmanship. 11 Juillet was founded with the vision of creating jewelry that celebrates both – and our goal is to continue honoring that commitment as we grow.
SB: When someone invests in one of your creations, what story do you want that piece to tell generations from now?
When someone invests in one of our creations, we want that piece to tell a story of intention, artistry, and individuality. We hope our pieces become cherished heirlooms that carry memories and milestones for years to come. Every piece reflects our personal touch, with our signature Éclat de Joie motif present, but most importantly, we want our clients to resonate with their products. Generations from now, we want our collection to be seen as timeless designs that continue to embody expert craftsmanship and elegance.
photo credit: 11 Juillet
