Claws Out! Kate Iorga Is The London Designer Keeping Bella Hadid And FKA Twigs In Retro Crystal-Studded Hairclips
When the pandemic hit, many people had to reassess their career paths. For London-based stylist Kate Iorga, it was the push she needed to transition into the world of accessories design, launching her brand Katya and quickly attracting a devoted following of fashion-forward It-girls with her unique hair clips. āAfter a decade in the industry, I felt there was a void in accessories,ā she explains to Vogue. āI wanted to introduce something classic and timeless yet modern and elevated. Sexy, playful, and elegant are the key elements that define our overall look, but itās all about the attention to detail.ā
Influenced by ā90s and early ā00 aesthetics, Kateās clips have provided finishing touches to outfits worn by the likes of Bella Hadid, Camille CharriĆØre, Dina Asher-Smith, and FKA Twigs, who told British GQ that one of her essential items is a Katya clip. Kateās signature pieces, including eye-catching hair claws and barrettes, are meticulously crafted from resilient resin and cellulose acetate, ensuring both durability and style.
Katya, collection three.
George Eyres
Katya, collection three.
Vasilis Kalegias
The brandās latest collection, Mariah, continues to embrace a sense of nostalgia, with butterfly motifs taking center stage and a color palette that ranges from sky blue to jelly nude to Hubba Bubba pink. āThe mood is ethereal and dreamy, and I wanted these clips to resemble butterflies gracefully landing on petals, creating a surreal yet lifelike impression,ā the designer notes.
Born in Turkmenistan but raised in Camden, Kateās lifelong obsession with fashion was sparked at a young age by the proximity of vintage shops near her north London home. Her fascination with clothing only deepened over the years, particularly after she was exposed to the creative genius of designers such as John Galliano at Dior and Tom Ford at Gucci, as well as the mesmerizing photography of Steven Meisel. āMeiselās The Group editorial for Vogue Italia remains a personal favourite,ā she fondly reminisces. āItās both glamorous and a little fucked up. Also, Madonnaās Sex Book made a lasting impression on meāIāve always been drawn to women who unapologetically embrace their sensuality.ā
Katya, collection three.
Vasilis Kalegias
Katya, collection three.
George Eyres
Initially, Kate intended to pursue photography, studying at the London College of Communication before shifting into styling, where she assisted the likes of Jane How and Jack Borkett. After going out on her own, she worked with brands ranging from Burberry to Nike. āMy experience as a stylist taught me to trust my instincts, collaborate effectively with teams on set, and cultivate creative relationships, all while maintaining unwavering confidence in my work,ā she reflects.
Now, though, sheās fully committed to Katya, with brand collaborations and a potential expansion into other product categories on the cards for 2024. āItās a gradual process because weāre a small brand, so every move is carefully considered.ā Weāll be keeping our eyes peeled.
