Jewelry Designer Stella Simona Narrates Her Lifelong Affinity For Creativity and Classic Wardrobes
Photography by Michael Spencer
A turn of season offers the opportunity to embrace fresh perspectives; creatively, stylistically, and even how we approach small facets of daily life. With openness in mind, this month we sit down with Stella Simona—a first-generation Bangladeshi-American jewelry designer, (multi) business owner, influencer and classic wardrobe aficionado.
There are few creative hats Stella refuses to adorn; our interview reflects candidly on the life of an artistic entrepreneur, while allowing a glimpse into how her notoriously tonal and timeless sense of style aligns with our newest fall pieces.
Creativity seems instinctive for you—can you share how this guided you toward becoming both a jewelry designer and brand founder?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with jewelry. Growing up in a private school with a strict uniform policy, I was one of the few kids of color—and often found myself being singled out for being different. As much as I craved acceptance, I never compromised my values to fit in. Instead, I embraced my individuality through the small freedoms I had—my accessories and shoes.
While we all wore the same uniforms, I would go all out with jewelry, layering ornate pieces that my nani (maternal grandmother) brought back from her trips to Bangladesh. The contrast between the minimal uniform and the bold, intricate jewelry was striking and allowed me to express my heritage in a way that felt authentic to me. I realize now how much that era influenced how I style myself today.
Many of my classmates noticed my jewelry and would ask me about it, curious about the beautiful pieces I wore. These moments became opportunities for me to share the story behind the accessories—how my grandmother had sourced them from my native country and the symbolism woven into the designs. It was through these exchanges that I began sharing a message that has stayed with me throughout my life and work: “We are all more alike than we are different.”
Fast forward to my journey as an artist and jewelry designer, and that same message remains at the heart of what I do. My mission is to create pieces that spark inspiration, whether they feel familiar or foreign at first glance. My hope is that they invite people to embrace the unknown rather than criticize it. Through my work, I strive to encourage individualism and foster a world where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin.
Do you find that your artistic avenues tend to cross? How does one offer inspiration to the other?
Absolutely. I think most artists experience this overlap between creative avenues. For me, when I hit a pause on one project, like designing a ring and needing time to figure out the best way to complete it, I’ll switch gears. That might mean starting another ring project, working on a photo series, or even spending time cooking in the kitchen.
It’s really about getting into an artistic flow. Engaging in a different creative outlet allows me to tap into that energy and carry it back to whatever I was initially working on. Each project feeds the other, whether directly or indirectly. For example, I might be working on a ring but need to step back and give it some space. In the meantime, I could start designing another ring, immerse myself in photography, or lose myself in cooking.
The goal is to stay connected to that creative energy. Once I’m in that flow, I can offer it to whichever project needs it. This approach keeps me inspired, brings fresh perspectives, and allows me to return to each piece with the clarity and intention it deserves.
Share an enduring piece of jewelry everyone should invest in
Sit with yourself and reflect on what piece would truly resonate with you—something deeply personal and meaningful. Perhaps it’s a piece of jewelry that carries the birthstones of your children, or maybe it’s a piece you plan to invest in once you achieve a significant milestone, like earning your master’s degree.
An investment piece should be more than just an accessory; it’s something you will cherish forever and eventually pass down to your children, nieces, or nephews. As this piece is handed down through generations, it becomes a part of your family’s story—a tangible reminder of your legacy, continuing to inspire and connect future generations with your journey.
How would you describe your style, and what makes it a true reflection of your inner self and Bangladeshi heritage?
My style is effortless, transitional, and timeless. I love playing with the balance between bold and minimal elements simultaneously. This approach reflects the essence of South Asian style, where subtlety and statement-making coexist in harmony.
In my region of South Asia, it’s common to dress in understated neutrals while adding a pop of boldness—like wearing a striking red lip. Or we might wear clean, flowy silks paired with statement chokers and earrings. This type of styling is truly an art, much like cooking without measurements. You have to step back, assess yourself, and sense whether the combination strikes the right contrast between simplicity and boldness.
For me, this way of dressing is more than just fashion—it’s a reflection of who I am and where I come from. It blends the duality of my heritage and individuality in a way that feels natural and intentional.
Which steps are you taking to update your closet for fall?
I’m currently in the middle of updating my closet for fall by building a capsule wardrobe. My goal is to create a collection of about 12 high-quality pieces that I can mix and match effortlessly. I’m focusing on timeless staples that transition well between different settings, like a tailored blazer, cozy knitwear, versatile trousers, and classic outerwear.
The idea is to curate items that not only reflect my personal style but also offer versatility and durability, ensuring they’ll last through seasons to come. This approach helps me stay intentional about my wardrobe, focusing on fewer, better pieces that feel cohesive and aligned with my style.
As a busy mom of 2, what are your most reached-for capsule pieces on rushed mornings?
As a mom, my go-to capsule pieces on rushed mornings are all about ease and versatility. For jewelry, I always reach for solid gold pieces because I don’t have to worry about taking them on and off—they’re effortless and durable. I usually keep 2 to 3 necklaces layered and a few rings that I wear daily, which adds a subtle touch of elegance without any extra effort.
For my wardrobe, I rely on monochrome outfits. They’re quick to throw on and make me look instantly pulled together, no matter how chaotic the morning gets. This combination of timeless jewelry and simple, cohesive clothing helps me feel confident and put-together, even when I’m short on time.
Which elements set the foundations of a classic wardrobe, in your opinion?
In my opinion, the foundation of a classic wardrobe is built on versatility, quality, and timelessness. It’s about curating a thoughtful selection of pieces that transcend trends and can be styled in multiple ways, regardless of season or occasion.
This process isn’t something you rush—it’s about slowly collecting pieces over a lifetime. It could be a unique bag, a statement pair of earrings, or a beautifully tailored coat—items that stand out and feel personal to you. Year after year, you bring these pieces out, finding new ways to style and combine them. A classic wardrobe is less about following fashion trends and more about expressing your individuality through pieces that carry meaning and tell your story over time.
You’ve had a chance to immerse in our latest Capsule IV drop - which pieces do you feel drawn to this season, and how would you style them?
I’m really drawn to the one-pieces in this collection. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to style. I can pair them effortlessly with linen bottoms, flowy silk pants, or even a vintage pair of Levi’s for a more laid-back vibe.
I’m also loving the trench coat. It adds such beautiful movement to any outfit, and the lightweight fabric makes it perfect for living in a warmer climate. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes you feel polished without too much effort, making it ideal for seasonal transitions. I’d wear it over a cocktail dress for an elegant dinner or pair it with black slacks and an interesting designer bag for a refined, quiet luxury look.
