When cultivating a wardrobe that exudes understated luxury, few do it as masterfully as Sophie Lis. The London-based jewellery designer—renowned for her coveted Magic Leaf hoops and the Love pendant famously worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex—embodies a refined yet personal approach to fashion. Her aesthetic? A harmonious blend of timeless investment pieces, strategic high-low mixing, and sentimental jewellery that tells a story.
A Study in Sleek Sophistication
Lis’s signature look leans into a monochromatic palette, favoring expertly tailored separates with a whisper of edge. Think: a vintage Saint Laurent blazer paired with Khaite’s sculptural denim, grounded by The Row’s architectural footwear—a testament to her discerning eye for understated luxury. Yet, she’s no stranger to the thrill of a high-street gem, like her Reiss tuxedo, often mistaken for Max Mara.
“In London, I never wear color—my version of dressing up is impeccable leather shorts, razor-sharp tailoring, or, at most, a hint of sequins,” she shares. But when the sun-drenched shores of Miami beckon? Even Lis succumbs to the occasional burst of hue, as seen in her recent Sabal cashmere tie-dye cardigan acquisition.
Jewellery as Narrative
For Lis, jewellery is where personal style transcends trends. Her daily uniform may be neutral, but her adornments are anything but quiet. A master of the curated ear stack, she effortlessly mismatches hoops and studs, layering three on each lobe for an artfully undone effect. Her necklaces—like the symbolic Compass pendant, a nod to guidance—are chosen with intention, while her wrist is a study in high-low alchemy: diamond tennis bracelet prototypes mingling with Cartier’s iconic Love and Juste un Clou bangles.
The most treasured pieces in her collection? Two Morse code rings, each spelling out her daughters’ initials in brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds. “They love trying ‘their’ ring on,” she says with a smile. It’s this emotional resonance that defines her design ethos: “Special jewellery should tell stories. Everything I create has symbolism—so the wearer bonds with it, and loves it even more.”
The High-Profile Seal of Approval
Since launching her eponymous brand in 2016—born from her own struggle to find wedding jewellery at an accessible luxury price point—Lis’s designs have garnered a cult following. The Fallen Star hoops, originally crafted for her nuptials, have since graced the ears of Claire Foy, Princess Eugenie, and Romeo Beckham.
Yet, for Lis, nothing compares to spotting her pieces in the wild. “The real ‘wow’ moment isn’t seeing a celebrity in my designs—it’s noticing a stranger wearing them in their everyday life, loving them as much as I do.”
Sophie Lis’s Five Rules for Elevated Style
- Embrace Asymmetry – Mismatched earrings add instant intrigue to the face. Play with proportions for a modern, lived-in luxe effect.
- Hunt Strategically – Set alerts on resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective. Patience rewards the savvy shopper with rare finds.
- Invest in a Uniform – A well-cut tuxedo eliminates outfit indecision while radiating polish. Accessorize fearlessly.
- Prioritize Natural Fibers – They drape better, wear longer, and tread lighter on the planet.
- Raid His Wardrobe – Borrowing your partner’s oversized knits and sportswear adds effortless nonchalance—and doubles your closet.
In a world of fleeting trends, Sophie Lis’s approach remains refreshingly intentional: a masterclass in how to marry personal meaning with impeccable taste.
