Founded by twin sisters Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, 11 Juillet sits at the intersection of fine jewelry, Italian craftsmanship, and modern sophistication. Handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans, the brand’s handbags are designed to integrate seamlessly into a contemporary wardrobe while offering a distinctly elevated point of view. Each piece is finished with the house’s signature Éclat de Joie emblem—a radiant star composed of malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds—serving as both a design signature and a symbol of confident self-expression.
Mary Kay and Kim share more about their brand and approach to creating heirloom-quality collections.
GO: What is the story behind 11 Juillet? How did the brand begin and what is the meaning behind the name?
A: 11 Juillet was born from a personal challenge of ours—to reimagine what modern luxury could be. We set out to create something truly elevated yet deeply personal, spending years sourcing the finest materials and exploring expert craftsmanship to bring our vision to life.
11 Juillet is French for July 11th, our birthday, carrying a piece of who we are as twins and reflecting our love for Parisian elegance.
GO: What sets your brand apart in a competitive luxury market?
A: Our attention to detail, signature elements, and expert craftsmanship are truly what set us apart in the luxury market. Every product, from our handbags to our accessories, is meticulously crafted by master artisans in Italy.
We create pieces meant to be treasured for a lifetime. Our bags are made from full-grain calfskin leather and feature our signature Éclat de Joie’ emblem, crafted from malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds. The emblem is available in options ranging from 2.6 to 17 carats and can be transferred from one bag to the next, allowing your 11 Juillet collection—and your connection to it—to grow.
GO: What was the inspiration behind your debut collection:
A: Our debut collection, Éclat de Joie, blends expert craftsmanship across fine jewelry and luxury handbags. We were driven to design timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces meant to last a lifetime—pieces that can be passed down through generations.
All of our pieces are made to order, ensuring each and every detail is thoughtfully considered and crafted to meet our client’s needs. Since launching in March 2025, our products have been worn by A-list celebrities including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Roberts—a testament to our design.
GO: When someone invests in one of your designs, what do you want them to feel? How do you want this story to continue to be told through generations?
A: When our clients invest in our pieces, we want them to feel that 11 Juillet embraces their individuality, alongside our unwavering dedication to quality and artistry. Whether through statement jewelry or an everyday luxe tote, one thing remains the same—our commitment to expert craftsmanship and exceptional materials.
As our brand continues to evolve, we want it to continue to be seen as a timeless brand, embodying elegance, Parisian design, and personal touch.
GO: What types of materials do you use, and how do they reflect your brand?
A: All 11 Juillet pieces are crafted in Italy by master artisans and made to order, reflecting our meticulous design process and commitment to excellence. Our handbags are crafted from full-grain calfskin leather and feature our signature Éclat de Joie’ emblem, crafted from malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds. The emblem is available in options ranging from 2.6 to 17 carats and can be transferred from one bag to the next.
Our fine jewelry collection is designed around the 11 Juillet star-shaped motif and are crafted from the same carefully selected materials—malachite, mother of pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.
GO: How do you envision the luxury marketing evolving in 2026?
A: In 2026, we see the luxury market evolving toward a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, meaningful collection, and heirloom-quality pieces. Today’s luxury consumer increasingly values authenticity—seeking the stories and intentions behind what they invest in. For us at 11 Juillet, this shift toward thoughtful investment aligns perfectly with our commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
See more at 11juillet.com.