According to 11 Juillet cofounders Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, accessories brand 11 Juillet launched its Mini Mayfair handbag on Thursday afternoon during a luncheon at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton. Hosted by fashion lawyer Elizabeth Kurpis, the event introduced a scaled-down silhouette featuring a removable, convertible medallion that doubles as a necklace pendant or bracelet charm.
The Hamptons Debut of the Mini Mayfair
The Hamptons social circuit welcomed a new handbag on Thursday afternoon as Houston-based accessories brand 11 Juillet hosted a launch event at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, according to event details. Fashion lawyer and consultant Elizabeth Kurpis hosted the luncheon alongside 11 Juillet cofounders and twin sisters Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson.
Guests began the afternoon with cocktails and a private preview of the brand’s latest handbags and fine jewelry before gathering for a seated lunch. The gathering drew a diverse cross section of founders, designers, creatives, and executives.
Did you know? The brand name 11 Juillet originates from the twin founders’ July 11 birthday—rendered as “11 juillet” in French—reflecting a personal connection to a label focused on collectible design and traditional craftsmanship.
Bridging Leather Goods and Fine Jewelry
The Mini Mayfair represents a scaled-down interpretation of one of 11 Juillet’s signature silhouettes. According to the brand, the design continues an ongoing effort to collapse the boundaries between leather goods and fine jewelry.
Handcrafted in Italy, the handbag features a removable, jewel-like medallion. This piece can be transferred between different handbags or worn separately as a necklace pendant or bracelet charm, offering modular versatility for collectors.
Signature Motifs and Brand Origins
Central to the collection is the brand’s Éclat de Joie star. According to the designers, this multifaceted motif is rendered in diamonds and natural stones including malachite, mother-of-pearl, and onyx.
Conceived as a symbol of light, optimism, and individuality, the emblem has become a recurring signature across the house’s accessories. Bowden and Willson established 11 Juillet around a shared affinity for Parisian elegance, collectible design, and traditional craftsmanship, aiming to create accessories designed to be kept, transformed, and passed down.
Guest List and Industry Presence
The East Hampton luncheon brought together prominent industry figures across retail, fashion, and finance. Attendees included Rebecca Minkoff; founder and creative director Lisa “Lele” Sadoughi; Amazon Luxury Stores chief brand officer Trisha Gregory; and photographer Sophie Elgort.
Additional guests included Arias New York founder Nina Arias; Gorgie and Lively founder Michelle Grant; Dria Murphy; Allie Provost; and Goldman Sachs executives Jean Altier Bohm and Joli Altshule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mini Mayfair by 11 Juillet?
The Mini Mayfair is a scaled-down version of one of 11 Juillet’s signature handbag silhouettes, handcrafted in Italy with a removable, convertible medallion that can also be worn as jewelry.
Who founded 11 Juillet?
The brand was founded by twin sisters Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, taking its name from their July 11 birthday.
What is the Éclat de Joie star?
It is the brand’s recurring signature star motif, rendered in diamonds and natural stones such as malachite, mother-of-pearl, and onyx.
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