ON THE GO
with the modern aesthetic and versatility of today’s stylish woman. Her design
experience is truly global, ranging from working with local artisans in India and
Ecuador to the fashion houses in Paris. As an artist in residence of the prestigious
Parsons School of Design/Paris, Blythe studied sculpture and accessories design.
Upon returning to her native New York, she received an MBA from Columbia
and was identified as a rising star at LVMH. At Banana Republic, she led the
dramatic growth of the jewelry department. Peachy recently sat down with this
fearless innovator and inspired collaborator who puts the style in Stella & Dot.
Tell us a little bit about Stella & Dot. Was
there an “aha moment” when you decided
to start the company with Jessica Herrin?
Jessica and I connected at our 10-year
Stanford reunion in 2005. She had just
started the company (then called Luxe
Jewels), and I was overseeing the jew-
elry business at Banana Republic.
I was frustrated with the traditional
retail model for selling accessories
because there was a lack of opportu-
nity to really interact with the product
and get styling advice. We decided to
partner, bringing together her vision
for an innovative social selling model
and my experience in accessories.
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