The hammered silk skirt was made using a placket behind the measured ruching. Inspired by the trendy cord ruching that I am seeing everywhere but wanting something a little different and more refined, I came up with a new technique that looks especially incredible rendered in hammered silk. The silk is tacked onto a placket at measured intervals, leaving a precisely measured amount of ease between each attachment that causes the fabric to evenly drape. The skirt has the measured ruching along the right side of the skirt, lifting the ankle length skirt asymmetrically to show the leg while adding volume and dimension to the skirt.
Kate Stoltz was featured in Style Verify, an online media platform. The New York based fashion designer talked about her favorite beauty products, travel destinations, and cocktails.
Going to art shows and galleries is one of my favorite weekend activities. Living in New York City means being close to the pulse of the current art scene, along with a seemingly endless display of iconic pieces in museums. I try to make the most of that. As a fashion designer that is always searching for new ideas, I like to know about new techniques and ideas in art. The techniques and ideas often spark ideas of something new that I can try in the upcoming Kate Stoltz collection.
Scope Art Show is always worth the trip... I wore a dress from the Kate Stoltz Spring/Summer 2018 Collection. You can see it here:
Kate Stoltz Dress
Where do you go to get inspired?
XOXO, Kate Stoltz
Samantha, the writer of style blog 'The New York Blond' wore a Kate Stoltz Blush Silk Skirt while on a staycation in Downtown Manhattan at the Four Seasons Hotel. The pastel blush silk skirt with contrast black fine lace and seam trim was paired with a luxe long sleeved velvet blouse and embellished heels.
Kate Stoltz Skirt: Kate Stoltz Blush Silk Crete Skirt
The New York Blond: New York Blond Website
xoxo,
Kate Stoltz
My first obsession is designing women's dresses, with a close second being painting and sketching. I try to combine my appreciation for art, culture and fashion design in the pieces I create, taking inspiration from modern and historic artists. Working in Manhattan during the summertime is intense and beautiful, making this combination easy to flow. The city is buzzing with people from all over the world, the parks are in full bloom and the vibrant energy is either going to drain you or fill you with the same pulsing energy...
Magenta, Fuchsia, Lipstick Red, Petal Pink, Wine and Black Colorful Painterly Silk Chiffon Skirt
The Colorful Painterly Skirt was designed with an attempt to capture the pulsing energy of the city and the exhilaration that comes from feeling alive and free. The desire was to create a piece of pure joy- a skirt that you would wear on one of your best days. A day when you want to be noticed, a day when you feel like you're on your way to conquer the world, spinning like a ballerina on your way there...
The process of making the skirt started with creating a skirt pattern, then cutting a silk chiffon base and paper skirt map. Using colorful magenta, fuchsia, lipstick red, petal pink, wine and black silk chiffon 1.5 inch bias strips as a reference, I created the design, mapping it out with pencil on the paper map once I finalized the design and color placement.
Once the skirt map was completed, the edges of the silk skirt pieces were sewn onto the map to secure the silk, then the silk was painstakingly basted down to keep the silk from slipping around. Once the silk base was secure, I proceeded to sew the bias strips onto the base following the map. Sewing the bias strips was the most time consuming part of the process, since there were hundreds of strips that went into filling in the skirt. After the bias strips were sewn onto the base, the paper map needed to be gently pulled away from the silk. The resulting skirt base was then completed with a belt, zipper, lining and a hand finished hem.
The skirt took over a hundred hours to make, but it was a rewarding process that I was able to work on late at night once my mind was too numb to think about more demanding projects. Design for me is about expressing emotion and creating something new and original. We all express ourselves differently, some with words, actions, or creativity. Expressing myself through artistic means has always made the most sense, and I will never tire of the freedom to do so. XOXO, Kate Stoltz
Photographed in Emporio, Santorini, Greece
Photographer: Matt Licari
Hair and Makeup: Sissi Petropolou
The Kate Stoltz Swarovski Encrusted Silk Gown started with my favorite color: Black. Black is the only color that I always feel comfortable wearing- it's timeless, simple, elegant and flattering.
My personal closet is filled with mostly black pieces that I have designed, or picked up while shopping in New York City or while traveling. It's my favorite color to wear, so it automatically is my favorite color to design with.
Since I was planning to photograph the gown in Santorini, Greece, I added the Swarovski crystals to reflect the light, much like the water sparkles on a beautiful summer day while sailing the Aegean Sea.
After the photoshoot, I was reviewing the photographs with the photographer and makeup artist. We saw that one of the Swarovski crystals had caught the light from the setting sun, glistening like a sphere of light. Isn't nature beautiful?
Overlooking the Southern Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece
The Kate Stoltz Fluted Gown in Emporio, Greece
The best light I have ever worked with was in the charming village of Emporio in Santorini, Greece. Photographer Matt Licari and Sissi Petropolou joined me in Santorini for the lifestyle/brand photoshoot. The afternoon light combined with the white walls and beautiful Greek architecture were worth the trip. In the process, we as a team created images that not only display the work that I do, but also the very mood and essence of the world that inspire me to continue designing.
The pieces from the Kate Stoltz collection that were used were created specifically for the trip to Santorini, Greece. However, my three weeks traveling to different areas in Greece gave me a solid understanding of what makes Greece so special. I can't wait to work on new pieces, and use photos from Santorini, Mykonos and Crete on my mood and color boards!
Kate Stoltz walking in the charming village of Emporio, Greece
The Abstract Fluted Gown by Kate Stoltz was created by hand sewing bias strips onto the bodice, which is complete with a bustier. The light silk skirt offsets the detailed bodice, giving body and freedom to the flow of the dress.
Kate Stoltz Fluted Gown
To order a made to measure piece for yourself, visit www.katestoltz.com. Select your size, then include your current bust, waist, hip and height measurements in the comment form. Since this garment is made to order, please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. XOXO, Kate Stoltz
Photographer: Matt Licari
Makeup Artist: Sissi Petropolou
Designer, Stylist and Model: Kate Stoltz
Kate Stoltz NYC Black Lace Appliqué Chiffon Blouse
Kate Stoltz Black Lace Appliqué Blouse with the embroidered wool skirt
The Kate Stoltz NYC black lace appliqué chiffon blouse photographed in Santorini, Greece. The black chiffon blouse has hand sewn black rose flower and petal appliqués on the front and back of the blouse, and at the cuff of the 3/4 sleeve. The neck and sleeves are also finished by hand, with the inside seams finished with a small French seam.
The lace applique blouse was paired with the Kate Stoltz NYC Embroidered Wool Pencil Skirt. The skirt's belt is embroidered by hand with thick black embroidery thread. The skirt gently sloped up at the hem in the front, and down in the back of the hem.
Both the hand embroidered wool skirt and black lace applique blouse can be ordered on www.katestoltz.com. Because of the delicate fabrics used for the blouse, it is recommended that you include your measurements, or your correct size. When in doubt, purchase a size larger (not smaller) so that you are comfortable wearing the piece.
I am beyond grateful for my small but fantastic team for traveling all the way to Santorini, Greece for the photoshoot. Matt Licari, a photographer from New York City, did a great job as always scouting the locations. Sissi Petropoulou, the makeup artist, is a rare gem that traveled from Athens, Greece and gave me an unforgettable facial massage that relaxed my facial muscles and prepared my skin for the photoshoot, then proceeded to make me look younger and healthier by applying minimal makeup...
The hem, neckline and seams are all hand finished on the Kate Stoltz Hand Sewn Shimmery Blouse. The gold and black braid trim adorning the center front of the blouse is hand sewn, with each stitch going precisely into the ends of the braid. The blouse was made in New York City, using imported materials.
Packaged in white paper to avoid excessive wrinkling during shipment, the shimmery blouse is then put into a sturdy Kate Stoltz NYC cardboard box.
When the blouse arrives, it is ready to wear and style however you please. I wore mine to the Hamptons on the weekend, since the colors went well with the beach, as you can see below.
Valentine's Day is known as a day to show our loved ones, especially our significant others, how much we love them. It's also known for rosy pink and red colors, cupid's arrows and hearts. This year, Kate Stoltz NYC is running a pre-Valentine's Day sale to help women prepare for the special day. The selected products were carefully chosen based on color, design and occasion.
In the meantime, remember what the holiday is meant to bring out of people: love and compassion. Show love to people you meet, people you pass on the street and don't forget to show love to people online. As more of our interactions with strangers and friends happen behind computer screens, some people forget that the online interactions are just as important as the ones in person...
To see the full list of selected Valentine's Day items, click HERE. Take care and stay warm!
XO, Kate Stoltz
Featured Kate Stoltz NYC Valentine's Day Sale Items:
Sale is subject to dates and specifics set by Kate Stoltz NYC. Contact with any questions or concerns.
Valentine's Day is known as a day to show our loved ones, especially our significant others, how much we love them. It's also known for rosy pink and red colors, cupid's arrows and hearts. This year, Kate Stoltz NYC is running a pre-Valentine's Day sale to help women prepare for the special day. The selected products were carefully chosen based on color, design and occasion. 
