One of my favorite things about Miami is that it’s brimming with culture, talent, and creativity. It’s not uncommon to come across a rising talent in this city, infused, of course, with that unmistakable Miami flair. When I first came across N&K Designs, what struck me was the wearability of their pieces. The sister design duo from Miami have brought together their love of travel and design to balance each other’s unique sensibility in a resulting collection of items you can wear to the beach, to a hot night out, for a romantic date night, or even just to go about your day. Their delicate necklaces are daily wear pieces that play well with chunkier, more bohemian type standouts. And when they’re layered, you can see the two distinct personalities that brought them to fruition shining through. Which is exactly what makes this team so special – there’s nothing quite like sisterhood, creativity and refined Miami style. Read ahead to get to know a little more about these Miami jewelry designers as Kaki Lopez chats with Loren’s World about their inspiration, what they love the most about their city, and what they hope is next for the brand.
Q&A with Kaki Lopez of N&K Designs
What inspired you to begin designing jewelry together?
We started designing jewelry 5 years ago as a hobby and just wanted to create unique pieces for ourselves. We travel a lot so we would get ideas and inspiration from our travels and come back home and create our pieces. However, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! We were just having fun! We immedaitely created a Facebook page and a website and from there we started receiving orders from all of the world and stores were contacting us to carry our jewelry. It was just so surreal for us because we never expected it!
What is it like to work with your sibling on such a creative endeavor?
Working with my sister can be fun but at the same time challenging because we both sometimes don’t see eye to eye on things. Nani is more into the simple, dainty pieces and I’m more into the bright, loud, pieces. But it works out great because we create something for everyone.
Did you always know you wanted to be in design? Or was there a moment of realization?
Growing up I’ve always loved fashion and I always wanted to design but I just didn’t know how. I had ideas in my mind but couldn’t put them on paper because I’m horrible at designing. But with jewelry I can just come up with an idea and create it! It’s great!
What keeps you inspired and motivated?
Our customers who constantly keep on returing and who have stayed loyal to us for 5 years. It’s amazing and a great feeling of satisfaction! Also, Nani and I love what we do and as they say when you love what you do it makes it easy.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable piece from your collections?
Oh yes! I have so many favorite pieces! It’s hard for me to choose one because I love them all! However, I love one of our first pieces we ever made which is our “Pearl Heart Necklace”. It’s a classic and constantly continues to sell even after 5 years.
What spring/summer trend are you most looking forward to?
The big, bold, bright colors! It’s my favorite time of the year because there is so much color being used in jewelry, clothes, shoes, and handbags.
Who is your dream client?
Our dream client is someone who wants to wear jewelry everyday whether it’s with one of our dainty necklaces or who wants stack up a ton of our Gold Bangles and make statement with them.
What do you love about Miami?
Miami is my favorite city in the world! I can never get tired of living here! There is so much to do and see, and we have amazing weather except for when it’s hot and humid in the Summer. I love how there is so much culture and how we have people from all of the world living in this beautifiul city! It makes Miami very unique.
As Miami designers, who do you admire in the local design community?
Miami has so much talent and so many designers who create such beautiful, unique pieces. However, there is swimwear line called DBRIE and she makes one of a kind, custom bathing suits. She combines all these different types fabrics and textures for her bikinis which make them different! And I love how she can custom make a bikini for you. It’s not everyday that you find a swimwear line that can do that for you.
What’s next for N&K?
We want to expand and be in more stores throughout the country as well as international.
Thanks so much to Kaki for giving Loren’s World a peek at the N&K Designs creative process! If you’d like to find N&K Designs in a store, click here. To purchase one of their designs online, visit NKDesignsOnline.com.
