Kathy Fielder’s passion for style, quality, and fashion is evident throughout her illustrious career. Driven by her passion, Kathy started her first design firm, Studio Interiors, in 1998. It was the launching pad for a successful career in designing numerous show homes and winning countless awards for her innovative ideas. With the subsequent launch of her first retail workshop, French Laundry Maison Couture, the Kathy Fielder name was established as a premier taste maker in the highly competitive world of interior design.
Feet firmly entrenched in the solid foundation Kathy built on pure talent, she went on to launch Isabella Collection. Named for Kathy’s daughter, the collection is an exquisite line of soft goods ranging from luxurious bedding ensembles to tabletop to holiday, all manufactured in her workshop, located in Dallas, Texas. Described by Dallas Morning News as ’emphasizing the traditional side with fanciful details: intricate trimming, plump piping, tassels and lavish European fabrics,’ the Isabella Collection quickly grew to become a market trendsetter.
We had a chance to speak to Kathy about design and inspiration. Let’s see what she had to say.
Destination Luxury: What is your design philosophy?
Kathy Fielder: Design should be attainable, beautiful, useful, and reflect the personality of the person or company with which you are working. Design is an integral part of our environment and if done well, it can transform the spirit, mind, and mood. My blog is very focused on this concept, designing a life that is well-lived and that you love.
Destination Luxury: Who are your design/style icons?
Kathy Fielder: Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly. I love classic women of strength and grace, who also know how to get the job done! I believe style comes from the inside out.
©2016ThisbeGracePhotography
Destination Luxury: What are some of your favorite brands?
Kathy Fielder: Tom Ford, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Anthropologie. My own labels – Isabella Collection by Kathy Fielder. I’m also incredibly excited about the bedding line I am launching for QVC this year as well as the furniture line I am launching – KF for Atlantic Furniture out of LA, a lifestyle brand focused on good furniture design that is affordable, functional, with high style and design.
Destination Luxury: What does luxury mean to you?
Kathy Fielder: Living life to the fullest and being present in every moment. Luxury is found in the little things at this point in my life. Unexpected extra time, a gorgeous day on a patio having a glass of wine with someone who inspires me, an unexpected moment where I see true … And of course, diamonds aren’t so bad either.
Destination Luxury: What is your creative process? How do you work with clients?
Kathy Fielder: Getting to really know my clients lies at the heart of how I approach the creative process. Knowing how a client will utilize and function in their space is important in how I layout their vision. Through my experience as a Designer is pretty vast, I have now moved into all aspects of Lifestyle — and have become an expert in the nuances that make up one’s Lifestyle — from Entertaining to Fashion, Home, and Work Space. A well-designed life is a gift, and I always hope that I can impart some of that expertise to my clients and help improve their life experiences.
Destination Luxury: Where are your favorite places to travel?
Kathy Fielder: Italy, New Orleans, NYC, Napa, Miami, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Destination Luxury: What are some of your favorite hotels?
Kathy Fielder: Club level at Ritz-Carlton, Luxury Resorts in Napa, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Omni Royal in NOLA, and I adore finding new boutique hotels and discovering the little, fun things that make them special.
Four Seasons, Firenze, Italy.
Destination Luxury: Who are your favorite fashion designers?
Kathy Fielder: Tom Ford, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent.
Destination Luxury: Who are your favorite architects?
Kathy Fielder: Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Renzo Piano, Carlos Scarpa, Cino Zucchi, Aldo Rossi. I love Italian aesthetics, from long ago to today, there is a real authenticity and grace in Italian architecture.
Destination Luxury: What cultures inspire you?
Kathy Fielder: Cultures that put family first and incorporate entire families into their everyday life inspire me most. My kids are in my studio almost every day, and have grown up in and around my business, and it’s truly a part of all of our lives. I don’t believe that work and kids should be completely separate. I believe it’s so healthy for my kids to watch their mom work hard, face challenges, and build something of value.
Destination Luxury: What are your hobbies?
Kathy Fielder: I am an equestrian and ride dressage. It’s a passion and feeds my soul. I also love to cook — alone or with my family. I love good wine, and enjoy entertaining, hosting, and spending time with my good friends.
For more information about Kathy, click here.