Double Vision: The Sisters Behind Lizzie Fortunato
Twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato balance artistry and business savvy to create Lizzie Fortunato, a cool and contemporary jewelry brand.
By Karen Giberson
Photographed by Andrew Egan
Hair and Makeup by Rodrigo Salles
From their early days in suburban Delaware to leading one of the most recognized brands in contemporary jewelry design, Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato are redefining what it means to build a modern, creative business. Lizzie Fortunato is, in fact, a testament to their talent, grit, and ability to balance artistic integrity with entrepreneurial savvy.
Founded on Family
The story begins in Wilmington, Delaware where Lizzie, born 19 minutes before Kathryn, was always the creative twin. She crafted clothing, sewed alongside her grandmothers, and eventually found a passion for jewelry-making. Kathryn thrived in academics and embraced her natural business instincts — her favorite childhood game involved setting up mock marketplaces. Together, they were a perfect pair, unknowingly laying the foundation for their future brand.
Both sisters attended Duke University; Lizzie majored in English and art history and Kathryn in economics. While their classmates dabbled in tailgates and football games, the Fortunatos took a different path. Lizzie discovered a bead store near campus and began creating jewelry, incorporating vintage crystals and tactile materials. Word spread quickly and by sophomore year, the sisters hosted their first trunk show at a restaurant where Kathryn worked. The event sold out in 25 minutes.
“We had bunked our dorm beds to make room for a sewing machine,” Lizzie recalled. “I stayed behind to design and create while Kathryn attended my classes so I could catch up on production.