For ten days only, we’re hosting an exclusive pop up at our Oxford Circus flagship store featuring Catbird – the Brooklyn-based jewellery brand. First opened in 2004, by Rony Vardi, this small jewellery shop in Williamsburg quickly gained cult status among Brooklyn’s cool girls, thanks to its impeccable selection of delicate rings, rare stones and personalised pieces, all ideal for layering and stacking together.
12 years later, Catbird’s become the jewellery go-to for fashion girls around the world and still designs all pieces strictly in-house, using recycled and conflict-free materials. So hurry, it’s only available in Topshop Oxford Circus till Sunday 5th June…
Want to know more about Catbird? We caught up with owner Rony, and Creative Director Leigh, to talk advice on starting up your own business, their biggest inspirations and what it’s like to be a Catbird girl…
How did Catbird start?
Rony: I opened a small shop near my apartment in Williamsburg. I wanted to create a line that was personal – that you would want to wear everyday and that could have a deep meaning for the wearer, but wouldn’t necessarily be a once in a lifetime purchase. Each piece is a glittery heirloom that can be layered over time to commemorate milestones – marriage, a new baby, graduation…
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Rony: Everywhere! And all of the time. It can be people on the street, buildings, dreams, vacations, songs – it never, ever stops.
When did you first realise you wanted to get into jewellery design?
Rony: When I started selling to people in the neighbourhood, and realised that jewellery makes people feel good in a way that clothing does not.
What are the most sentimental jewellery pieces you own?
Rony: A Catbird Memory Ring from the first batch we made in 2008 and a Bittersweets Memento Mori ring that says “death leaves us homesick” with my father’s initials on it.
Leigh: My engagement ring. It came into my life into a very special way, and it taught me a lesson about letting go.
What’s the one item of jewellery you think every girl should own?
Leigh: The one that makes you feel like a million bucks.
Do you have any tips on how to stack jewellery without overdoing it?
Leigh: Keep some open space! Make sure your rings fit you well. Mix metals, scale, eras – but only wear what you totally and madly love, aesthetically and/or emotionally.
How would you describe the Catbird girl?
Rony: Confident, not fussy and never too ‘try-hard’.
If you could describe the brand in 3 words, what would they be?
Leigh: Jewellery as poetry.
What advice would you give to someone setting up their own creative business?
Leigh: Keep your books and finances in order from day one! I learned this from a now-closed business that I started at 22.
What’s the best part about your job?
Rony: I love problem solving – on both a big and small scale. Also, being surrounded by beautiful objects and kind, smart and wonderful people.
Where’s your favourite NYC hangout spot?
Rony: My house. Also the Red Hook waterfront is lovely right now.
Leigh: My living room couch and the end of the bar at Kings County Imperial.
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