Stephanie Windsor is more than a collector—she’s a storyteller, historian, and curator of timeless elegance. With a career that spans decades in fashion, design, and luxury retail, she has built a brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and history. From her early days working with the legendary Norma Kamali to leading design marketing at Parsons, Windsor has always been guided by a deep appreciation for artistry. Her namesake brand, launched in 2014, has since become a destination for rare and meaningful vintage jewelry, beloved by collectors, stylists, and celebrities alike. In this exclusive interview, Windsor shares the story behind her brand, her passion for antique treasures, and why vintage pieces remain so powerful in a world of fast fashion.
Q&A with Stephanie Windsor
SAVOIR: Please share with us a little bit about your background, prior careers, experiences before the launch of Stephanie Windsor as a brand…
SW: I moved to New York City in my early twenties. I have always loved art and fashion. I learned a lot working with the legendary designer Norma Kamali during the height of her success in the 1980s. Seeing someone like her in action—a woman defining her brand and style, really going for it—really inspired me.
Following my time with Norma, I transitioned into a role as co-chair of Design Marketing at Parsons School of Design in the 1990s. This position allowed me to nurture emerging talent and further refine my aesthetic. I later launched my own luxury showroom, which became a platform for showcasing globally talented luxury accessory designers, with a particular focus on fine jewelry.
SAVOIR: Lead us into how you became passionate for vintage and timeless elegance in accessories…
SW:That passion truly developed while I was running my showroom. Representing incredible designers from around the world, particularly in fine jewelry, gave me an appreciation for the craftsmanship and rich stories behind each piece.
The more I immersed myself in vintage jewelry, the more I became enamored. I love the history of fashion and the origin stories of iconic brands—how names like Hermès or Van Cleef & Arpels started from humble beginnings. It’s inspiring to see how visionary men and women built enduring legacies. And when it comes to antiques, I find them endlessly fascinating. There’s such a strong connection between fine jewelry and fine art—both reflect devotion to detail, heritage, and emotional expression.
SAVOIR: Dive into how Stephanie Windsor became a brand and the evolution that explains where the brand started to how you run the brand today…
SW: Stephanie Windsor as a brand began to take shape around 2014, especially during my tenure as a curator at Barneys.
For me, the “brand” is about more than just selling vintage and antique jewelry; it’s about sharing the histories and emotional resonance behind each piece. We’ve since evolved into a multi-platform presence, partnering with esteemed retailers like Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter, while also maintaining a curated selection on 1stDibs, Moda Operandi, and our own website.
SAVOIR: Share with us about how you go about curating the selection you sell…
SW: My curatorial process is highly personal—I acquire pieces I admire and would genuinely wear myself.
But more than that, I’m drawn to items that are rare, timeless, and exquisitely crafted. Each piece must possess a certain je ne sais quoi—a balance of beauty, artistry, and historical depth that sets it apart from the rest.
SAVOIR: Is there a piece or two that has been your favorite to sell and share over the years?
SW: Absolutely. One of my most cherished pieces was a rare Mellerio Dits Meller necklace, believed to have been crafted during Napoleon’s reign. It’s rumored to have been worn by someone in Marie Antoinette’s court.
That piece encapsulated everything I love about antique jewelry—its journey from Versailles through revolution and war, its mystery and survival, and of course, Mellerio’s exquisite craftsmanship.
SAVOIR: Describe your opinion on new vs antique/vintage… why is vintage such a special investment?
SW: To me, vintage and antique pieces stand apart because of their superior quality and craftsmanship.
There’s something remarkable about knowing a piece was made by hand, often in less-than-ideal conditions—crafted by candlelight, using pre-industrial tools—and still turned out as intricate, delicate, and enduring as it is. In today’s world of mass-produced, disposable items, these handmade treasures are truly special and lasting investments.
SAVOIR: Do you have a personal collection of rare and vintage pieces?
SW: Yes, I do, though it’s a little unconventional. I’ve always been drawn to beautifully crafted mourning jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries.
These pieces, often overlooked by others, hold such emotional and historical power. They’re hauntingly beautiful—intimate artifacts of love, remembrance, and the way we once honored grief.
SAVOIR: What do clients request the most? What do you sell the most?
SW: Our vintage watch collection is incredibly popular and extremely collectible.
Clients love these pieces for their rarity, design, and also their long-term investment value. We feature iconic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. Personally, I have a soft spot for ladies’ dress watches—they’re timeless and quietly elegant.
SAVOIR: What’s the best way to start a vintage collection?
SW: Start with your heart. I always tell clients that the right piece will speak to them—it might be tied to a memory, a loved one, or just something that fits their personal style.
That first piece should make you smile—it sets the tone for a meaningful and intentional collection.
SAVOIR: Have you worked with or sold to anyone notable?
SW: Yes, during my time at Barneys, I was fortunate to work with a number of notable clients, including Barbra Streisand, Rihanna, and the Clooneys.
It’s always exciting to see people who appreciate craftsmanship and artistry take an interest in what we offer.
SAVOIR: Share one moment in your career that has been a WOW moment or achievement that has meant something to you…
SW: Honestly, I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day.
Discovering a rare piece or seeing a client fall in love with a treasure—that’s the magic for me. Every one of those moments is a “wow” in its own right.
SAVOIR: Do you host any events or pop-ups? Where can people find you to shop?
SW: We don’t do pop-ups at the moment, but our pieces are carried by exceptional retail partners including Net-a-Porter, Mr. Porter, 1stDibs, and Moda Operandi.
You can also find a beautifully curated selection on our website: stephaniewindsor.com.
SAVOIR: Are there any pieces you are trying to find that would be a treasure to add to your curation?
SW: I’m always searching for vintage Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier—especially from the 1960s to 1980s.
I also have a deep love for Colombian emeralds, especially the pale green variety. There’s just something about their glow that is completely captivating.
Stephanie Windsor continues to shape the narrative around vintage jewelry, not just as collector’s items, but as deeply personal, wearable pieces of history. With an eye for quality and a heart for storytelling, her brand reminds us that what we wear can—and should—carry meaning. Whether you’re just beginning your vintage journey or are a seasoned collector, Windsor’s world is one worth exploring.