1. Vol 3. Issue 9 | $5.99
SEPTEMBER 2015
LIFE STYLE
SANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINE
&
&Born to be
WILD
FREEMENSWEAR
SHARP &
SOPHISTICATED
FALL
FLAVORS
A TASTING AT
BellaVista
SAND
STYLE
STILLNESS&

2. fashion
make a
Photographed by Shannon Jayne
Written by Brooke Gignac
Styled by Caitlyn Morton
Model Krystle Dawn with Next Models
Makeup by Cynthia Fuentes with Carlyle Salon & Style Bar
Hair by Krysta Withrow with Carlyle Salon & Style Bar
Manicure by Karina Cordova with Aqua Skin & Nail Bar using Azzurrum by LVX
Jewelry by Stephanie Kantis
STATEMENT
O
ne of our favorite jewelry designers, Stephanie Kantis is quickly becoming a
household name. Her distinctive designs are a quintessential part of many Santa
Barbarians’ wardrobes. You may have seen her pieces in the last Victoria’s Secret
Fashion Show, gracing the shelves of Saks Fifth Avenue and adorning Oprah
Winfrey. But, the interior designer turned jewelry extraordinaire, is more than just an artist. A
philanthropist, environmental advocate and motivational speaker, Stephanie Kantis could teach us
all a thing or two.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in jewelry design?
Right out of college, I started my own interior design firm in Dallas which organically grew into
a line of furniture, linens and apparel. If I could not find a piece that was just right for a client
project, I would simply design and create it. Eventually, I opened a flagship store in Dallas to house
everything all in one place. In 2008, I had been working nonstop for two decades and realized that
I needed a break to recharge my inspiration and creativity. I was drawn to Mexico. I moved to a
historic artisan village tucked into the mountains of Mexico with my husband for what we thought
would be a few months for a brief hiatus to recharge and we ended up staying almost two years.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering changing their career?
Follow your instincts. Have faith. It’s amazing to see how your path can unfold in unexpected and
really unbelievable ways. I have found that when I make life or career decisions that is based on
something I feel genuinely passionate about, it has never led me in a wrong direction.
What is the biggest misstep you have made in your career & how did you bounce back?
I truly think that it is all a matter of perspective; any misstep is also a learning curve and so as
long as you learn from the experience and move forward, it can end up being an asset. In terms of
actual design, something unintentional that starts out as a design flaw or mistake can actually make
the piece into something really great
How would you describe your personal style?
Polished. I typically wear my hair pulled back in a bun and I always
wear lipstick. I am quite tall, so I usually wear flats. I wear jewelry
from my collection everyday. I still have fun with it.
Who do you envision wearing your pieces?
Kate Middleton, Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama. My customer
generally has a very stylish take on classic beauty. The first time I
saw Oprah wearing my jewelry, I just beamed. . .and then called my
mother immediately! The Fall 2015 collection has an edgier feel to
it that I would love to see on Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker or Anna
Wintour.
Tell me a little more about your most recent collection.
The Juxtaposition Collection is a combination of rigid angles and
soft curving lines. The collection encompasses bold statement
pieces and subtle layering items featuring hand-cut stones in Blue
and Moss Agate, Labradorite, Pyrite, Tiger’s Eye, Picture Jasper,
and Mother of Pearl. The collection includes rich beaded elements
and a mixed metal motif of brushed silver and gold. It is inspired
by industrial architecture, and has an urban, edgy feel to it that is a
new realm for me.
Where did you draw inspiration for the designs?
Inspiration comes from all over and I find that traveling is a
constant source of inspiration. Sometimes when I am traveling
in the South of France or Northern England but also sometimes
when I am driving home from dinner or talking a walk. I always
keep graph paper nearby to jot down sketches and take notes.
There have been certain themes in my designs over the past few
seasons that have consistently come from elements found in
interior design such as architecture, hand-painted tiles, ancient
woodwork, and ironwork. I have always been inspired in Europe
by traditional French Chateaus and Spanish Crown Jewelry. Finding
inspiration is an ever-evolving process.
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