It's such a nice feeling when you meet someone for the first time and there's an instant connection. That's what happened when I met Isabella Kron at her ultra chic Delray Beach boutique. I walked in and immediately felt transported to Milan as I was greeted by Isabella, a native of Italy, and surrounded by her beautiful quality creations. We started chatting and that's how I found out about her high-fashion pedigree, having worked alongside Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford during his glorious days at Gucci. I initially connected with Isabella because of our shared passion for fashion, but I admire her for branching off to start her very own lifestyle brand evoking a clear confident voice.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” - Robert H. Schuller. I’ve been thinking a lot about this motto my whole life, but especially throughout this year. I believe it is a very important mindset to have in life with all of the adversities that it may bring.
You come from such a high-fashion pedigree including working with Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford (while at the helm of Gucci). What was it like working alongside these incredible designers and fashion icons?
Working alongside all of these fashion icons were incredibly different experiences for me, but all helped me develop so much as a designer myself, at the given time. Giorgio Armani taught me what it takes to be a successful designer while helping me develop strong work ethic and the creative process of fashion. He allowed to me to adopt these skills with his passionate and assertive voice in the design studio. Calvin Klein gave me the chance to improve my leadership skills while I was leading the development of accessories. Calvin showed me a very enthusiastic and free spirited approach to working, set by a desire to create innovative and distinctive designs. Tom Ford allowed me to no longer be afraid of using bright and vivid colors, along with novelty materials. With Tom, we had a connection from the first time we met at Gucci. I feel we have a very similar aesthetic, making my design experience with him a very fruitful collaboration, which led to designing very strong and iconic collections together for a decade.
After years of working for other international fashion brands, what was the catalyst behind launching your very own Isabella Kron brand?
After many decades of working for and alongside incredibly powerful and iconic fashion designers along with many consultancies to help launch accessory lines for brands, creating my own lifestyle brand came naturally to me as a progression of my growth as a designer.
What inspires you when you are designing?
To me, everything could be a source of inspiration to create my designs, but lately my main inspiration has been the elegance of the 1960s and the freedom of the 70s. Establishing a balance between the two decades with the objective of creating timeless collections.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion has been, and always will be, one of the most important parts of my life. As a fashion designer and as a person, I feel that fashion is a key outlet for people to show the world who they are through the choice of their clothes and accessories.
How would you describe your aesthetic and personal style?
My style is a fusion of luxury mixed with laid back comfortable pieces, glamour with effortless dressing, a non seasonal and versatile style for destinations and situations with a clean and contemporary approach, adding a mix of world culture and inspiration.
When you designed your Delray Beach boutique, what was the vision behind the interior decor and vibe?
When creating my boutique, I wanted to give my customers a warm and homelike space, where it is comfortable to shop my designs. The interior is a mix of mid-century and modern styles, displayed with slick and polished furnishing, which products are showcased on.
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
My celebrity style crush would have to be the iconic German model, Veruschka von Lehndorff. In the 60s and 70s she was a fashion icon, and still is to this day.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
When I am pressed for time, my go to outfit is a simple and elegant shirt paired with a fringe scarf, and straight legged pants, all rigorously black. And of course, pointy animal print ballet flats.
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
My fashion indulgence has always been handbags and shoes. I love how these accessories can complete an outfit and bring it together seamlessly, or change the outfit entirely.
Of course we have to talk about shoes. What’s your favorite shoe style?
Although it is very difficult to pick a specific style, I would have to say a pointy ballet shoe with an eccentric material or a pop of color.
As fellow female entrepreneurs, we have shared several conversations about product development. What is it that you like about Protect My Shoes?
I appreciate the concept to want to maintain the life of the shoe. I believe that it is very important to keep the look of the shoe intact throughout its use. The playful colors and lovely prints make it so that the product is not only beneficial to the shoe, but fun to own.
What do you love most about Italy?
To start, I love everything about Italy. Being a fashion designer, what I appreciate most about Italy is the fact that you can create absolutely anything due to the artisans culture that was established throughout the centuries.
What do you hope women feel when they wear Isabella Kron creations?
I hope my customers realize and feel that they purchased an item that is special and unique, as it is only sold in my boutique and because of this, along with the limited run of production, is limited edition.
For more on Isabella Kron and her lifestyle brand, follow her!
Instagram: @isabella_kron
Website: www.IsabellaKron.com