As the president and chief creative officer of Kate Spade New York, Deborah Lloyd has an insanely full plate (those quirky accessories don’t design themselves!). Not only does she oversee all creative design aspects of both the Kate Spade and Jack Spade brands, but she works on merchandising, creative services and public relations. We caught up with the designer in between meetings to ask her our burning quickfire questions.
- I usually wake up around… 6:00 a.m.
- A key to starting my day on a positive note is… spending a few moments with my dogs — Stan and Lulu.
- When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I… work out with a trainer and drink green juice for breakfast.
- The most inspiring place I have ever traveled to is… Morocco — I went a few years ago and LOVED it! The colors, fabrics, art of entertaining, markets and riads are all so inspiring.
- My most treasured piece of clothing is… a vintage Christian Dior cocktail dress from the 50s.
- The best gift I ever received was… the surprise gift of Harry Winston Churchill, my first dog.
- When I’m looking to get inspired, I… travel or go vintage shopping.
- When I’m stressed, I… escape to our country home and spend time in my garden — plants don’t talk back!
- What keeps me excited about working in fashion is… every single day is different and exciting. I’m never bored!
- If my days had one extra hour I’d… spend it in my garden.
- My beauty essentials include… a pink lipstick for a dash of color, Joanna Vargas serum, Eve Lom cleanser, spritz of Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien and CND Shellac Romantique pale pink nail polish.
- The thing that always makes me laugh is… the English sense of humor.
- The spring/summer trend I’m loving is… boho chic, feminine, floaty dresses. I can’t wait until it is a bit warmer and I can wear our new Kate Spade New York Belted Chiffon Maxi Dress.
- I’d never travel without… my iPad —I always download a new season of a show to watch on the plane, a great cashmere scarf in a bright color (perfect for flying), my white Montblanc pen is a must anywhere I go, my iPhone (essential for taking photos) and I love the whimsical case options we have for spring, like the version shaped as an ice cream cone.
- My biggest fashion pet peeve is… following trends too closely. Know what looks good on you and wear it well.
- The thing that drives me crazy about NYFW is… working too hard and not having time to see the other shows.
- What I love most about NYFW is… seeing the fashion girls styled to go.
- Every woman should own… a fabulous dress, a giant cocktail ring, a colorful, whimsical pair of shoes and a statement coat worn with the perfect tote bag.
- My favorite quote is… I always say, “work hard and do what you love.” I love what I do and I have an incredible team who make magic happen.
- My biggest style regret is… not having legs for days!
- The one career highlight I’ll never forget is… joining Kate Spade New York. Everything I had done before prepared me for this moment. It’s been an incredible roller coaster ride building this amazing brand to where it is now.
