11 JULLIET
A New Constellation of Luxury
In a world saturated with fast fashion and fleeting trends, 11 Juillet offers something refreshingly different: a return to intention. Founded by twin sisters Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, the brand is a celebration of refinement anchored in memory, artistry, and a shared belief that luxury should feel both personal and enduring.
Named for their birthday—July 11th—11 Juillet is more than a date. It’s a declaration of identity and a nod to the Parisian influences that shaped their vision. From the very first sketches, Mary Kay and Kim knew they wanted to create pieces that would live beyond a single season. Each handbag and jewel tells a story of discipline, elegance, and a devotion to details that can only come from founders who grew up side by side, dreaming big.
Their debut collections exemplify this ethos. Handbags—like the Clementine, Annabelle, and Mayfair—are crafted in Italy from supple, full-grain calfskin and finished with the brand’s luminous emblem, the Éclat de Joie. This starburst, set with ethically sourced diamonds and stones such as malachite and mother-of-pearl, was designed as a universal symbol of optimism and radiance. More than decoration, this emblem is what truly sets 11 Juillet apart in the luxury space. Each medallion is crafted to the standards of fine jewelry, with some containing up to 17 carats of diamonds, and is fully detachable and transferable, allowing collectors to move their jewel from one bag to another as their collection evolves. It’s a rare fusion of high jewelry and leatherwork, creating a personal signature that grows richer over time.
The same motif carries into their fine jewelry collection, where earrings and bracelets feel less like accessories and more like future heirlooms. For the founders, this blending of categories is intentional: an invitation to see fashion not as something disposable, but as a lifelong companion. The medallion itself is detachable and can migrate from bag to bag over time—a small but profound expression of the founders’ belief that luxury should evolve with you.
“We’ve always been drawn to creating objects that hold emotional weight,” Mary Kay shares.
Their approach has struck a chord with women who want pieces that balance sophistication with a subtle spark. Recently seen on Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, and Jenna Ortega, the brand has quietly become a favorite among those who value both statement and substance.
And while the aesthetic is unmistakably polished, 11 Juillet is driven by a deeper purpose: to prove that modern luxury can honor heritage, embrace ethical sourcing, and feel like an extension of one’s personal story.
“We design for women who are curious, confident, and unafraid to invest in what feels authentic,” Kim says. “That’s the spirit of 11 Juillet.”
For the founders, success isn’t measured solely in sales or press mentions—it’s measured in the relationships they build and the collections their clients create over time. In an industry often preoccupied with immediacy, 11 Juillet stands as an invitation to slow down, savor beautiful materials, and remember that true elegance is built to last.
