Meet Renee
City and country. Cosmopolitan and rustic. Industry and nature. These opposite ideas are what inspire Renee Piatt — not only as they relate to her personal style, but also, to her expression of self. By day, you may see her sporting a tribal cardigan, leggings, and distressed boots. By night, a ball gown worthy of any best-dressed list. “I have a bit of a split personality when it comes to fashion, and I run the gamut. I used to fight against my inconsistencies, but now I realize that is my style,” she says. But, no matter the occasion, “I just choose pieces that best reflect my individuality and creativity, whatever makes me feel most comfortable in my own skin. Being true to myself and feeling polished makes me feel confident.” The always-fabulously dressed mom of two and former stylist can now add jewelry designer to her list of accomplishments. The inspiration for Renee Piatt Collection, is pulled from her love of “stones and beads, like geodes, agate, druzy, shell, quartz, crystal, and semi-precious stones, adornments that look like or literally came from the earth, ocean or sky; elements that reflect nature but feel rich and elegant. One-of-a-kind components you might serendipitously find wandering about the earth, traveling, following that desire to see new places, experience new things.” There’s that dichotomy again. It’s a push-pull, a mixture of earth and sky, that brings Piatt’s stylish world to new heights.
What inspires your jewelry design?
“I find that I am most inspired when I have a very clear head. Music, art, nature, travel, anything that pulls me back to center helps open my mind for ideas on design. Sometimes, just sitting in silence, closing my eyes, and quieting everything works, too. Recently, over the past few months, I have had a tidal wave of inspiration, synchronicity, clarity, peace, balance, and for lack of a better word, magic, come out of nowhere, and I got back into art. I started working with flowers, sewing, got back into photography, traveled a lot, created more simplicity with my children, and it all has lead up to this drive to create. I haven’t felt more confidently ‘me’ in a very long time.”
What inspires your fashion sense?
“Art and music completely inspire my fashion sense. I love intricate patterns that make a woman stand out, fine fabrics that wrap you in comfort, and unique pieces that showcase individuality. I love boho looks, maxi dresses for casual summers, rustic warm knits for fall, darks for winter, and smart, polished, suited looks for spring. Whatever is on the docket for the day, I want to feel confidently artistic, elegant, and uniquely me.”
Favorite Designers:
“Missoni, Emilio Pucci, Free People, Elie Saab, Marchesa, Isabel Marant, Jenny Packham, Fendi, Dior, and I have really been impressed with the work of Christian Siriano lately. His cuts, fabric, execution, and the detail, pattern, movement, and lines he creates are absolute works of art. Gorgeous work.”
Wardrobe Essentials:
“Great accessories. Beautiful scarves and high-end handbags that allow form and function, and jewelry that invokes my love of nature, music, art, and travel can make any outfit ‘me.’ By incorporating focal points, especially with statements pieces, you can create just about any look, dress pieces up or down, and be uniquely you with great jewelry alone.”
Writing credit: Nicole Barley for Whirl Magazine