By McKenna Wesley K ate Wells, the CEO of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, gathers love, memories and Hermès scarves wherever she goes. She grew up in South Florida, wearing colorful Lily Pulitzer shifts. Those early fashionable days led to a lifelong love of color, beauty and exuberance. Wells has lived in Arizona since high school, with a short break to attend the University of San Diego. Married for 28 years, she and her husband Jeff have two daughters, Tesla and Phoebe. Phoebe, 20, was at our photoshoot and is as lovely as her mother. The two have a wonderful bond and shared many family memories. One such memory stemmed from the 2009–2010 trip Kate and Jeff took with their young daughters. The plan was to travel to 22 countries in 14 months, following the sun. But here’s the kicker: Each family member could bring whatever they needed, but everyone had to carry their items in their personal backpack. It’s this mix of passion and pragmatism that makes Wells so alluring. “For me, fashion goes hand in hand with design,” she said. “It transcends what I wear and is more about what I surround myself with. Of course, my clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories fall into the ‘fashion’ category, but so do the throw blankets I snuggle in, the cups I sip tea out of, and even the sheets on my bed. I’m a visual learner, and great design feeds my soul.” Fortunately, her early years in Florida helped forge a style that works well in Arizona. “I’m not afraid of color, and I dread close-toed shoes,” she said. “Fun is the first order of business at my work so boldly colored dresses and a great pair of nude heels are pretty much my uniform.” Another staple she swears by on weekends and when traveling is linen. “Wide-legged linen pants and almost any kind of top are comfy and chic, go well with everything from a bathing suit to a sequined tank, and roll perfectly in a weekender,” Wells said. KATE WELLS AMASSES MEMORIES AND HERMÈS THE COLLECTOR STYLE UNLOCKED {living fashionably} AUGUST 2020 | 30 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

As for her signature splurge, it’s one similarly favored by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Queen Elizabeth II and Grace Kelly: Hermès scarves. “When I wear a pretty scarf, I feel like I’m sharing my day with a beautiful piece of art,” Wells said. “Hermès, to me, is the pinnacle of man-made detail, and every one of their scarves is a little masterpiece.” Wearing the scarves makes Wells feel confident, nostalgic and attractive. “I find that scarves amplify my mood as well as my outfit,” she said. “I’ll throw one on a purse, or wear as a belt for a pop of color, and it just brightens my day. But I’ve also worn one on my head — pirate-style — to a gala and felt sassy and bold all night long.” Her collection brings back memories of where and when she purchased them. Her first Hermès scarf came from a shop called Le Monde du Voyage in the Paris Flea Market that sells vintage Hermès. “My dad and I spent forever ogling them all, and he treated me to a butterfly and flower beauty called Farandole . I was forever hooked,” she said. Another favorite is her Astrologie/Dies et Hore , an orchid-colored scarf festooned with the sun and astrological chart. Wells found it when she and her family were backpacking around the world on a tiny budget. “I found this scarf in an upscale secondhand boutique in Wellington, New Zealand, and splurged on it,” Wells said. “It really upped my “When I wear a pretty scarf, I feel like I’m sharing my day with a beautiful piece of art.” “ Kate Wells treasures her collection of Hermès scarves and shares memories of collecting them with her daughter, Phoebe ( above ). Photo by Jillian Rivera Photography FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 31 | AUGUST 2020