Monday, November 21, 2011

5 Minutes With...

Neil Lane

If the very first celebrities you ever collaborate with are Barbra Streisand and Madonna, you know you’re going to have a good career. “Red Carpet Jeweler” Neil Lane has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame by supplying the world’s best and brightest with luxurious jewels for their red carpet events.

Inspired by art, architecture, and the atmosphere of Paris, Lane began creating jewelry that did not shy away from extreme opulence. Having recently expanded his jewelry empire to include a bridal line (including ethereally gorgeous engagement rings), Lane takes a moment from his busy schedule to share his journey and his insights with Savoir Flair.

PARIS HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN YOUR EARLY START. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT IT?

When I went there I saw things I had never seen before; amazing historical and contemporary jewels in the windows. I was fascinated by all the beautiful things I was seeing and I discovered flee markets and loved going to them. I began to understand jewelry in a better way, and it helped me learn about my design aesthetic. It was the foundation for of my education in the world of jewels.

YOU STARTED IN A SMALL OUTLET ON BEVERLY BOULEVARD AND NOW RUN A MULTI MILLION-DOLLAR COMPANY. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR DRIVE AND INSPIRATION ALL ALONG?

I don’t know how to define my drive but I know I was always driven. My inspiration comes from my artistic background and my fascination with historical art and architecture and all things beautiful. My mantra became “what’s next?”… It was a completely organic growth – I had no idea I would be in Hollywood one day designing jewels for the most beautiful women.

IS THE DESIGN PROCESS AND PREPARATION FOR THE OSCARS, GRAMMIES, OR GOLDEN GLOBES ANY DIFFERENT? DOES THE EVENT DEFINE THE STYLE, OR THE CELEBRITY WEARING IT?

I am constantly preparing and making jewels for all those red carpet events. Though the Oscars appear to be the most important of the red carpets, they are all equally artistically challenging. Sometimes the level of the celebrity status may outshine the event and the jewels have to be quite prominent.

YOU HAVE WORKED WITH MOST BEAUTIFUL AND POWERFUL WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD, INCLUDING ANGELINA JOLIE, CHARLIZE THERON, ELIZABETH TAYLOR, GWYNETH PALTROW, JENNIFER GARNER, JENNIFER LOPEZ, MADONNA, AND MANY OTHERS. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ALL THE CELEBRITY BUZZ?

I take it in stride. It’s what I do and it’s what I love but I must admit it’s still so exciting working with some of these amazing women.

BLACK DIAMONDS ARE A RARE CHOICE FOR JEWELERS BUT YOU HAVE DESIGNED SOME STUNNING PIECES WITH THIS STONE. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT ON A DESIGN LEVEL?

Being an artist, I was always fascinated by the different colors of diamonds and how I could possibly use them in all my designs. I love black diamonds but they were always a challenge to use until I mastered certain technical challenges. They were a fantastic addition to my Art Deco collection with the contrast between black and white diamonds. I created some of my most beautiful, iconic, and glamorous red carpet looks using black diamonds.

YOU ARE A BIG VINTAGE JEWELRY COLLECTOR. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLLECTOR’S PIECE AND WHY?

My favorite collection period is the 1880s to the 1930s, as that era encompasses some of the most innovative and technical jewelry design that was ever made for such a short period of time. The extraordinary gold work from the late 19th century to the use of platinum in the 1900s revolutionized the way jewelry could be made. The jewels of the 1920s and 30s are some of the most opulent and masterfully constructed with the most interesting and innovative design aesthetics. These jewels are not only a treasured collection but they are the bases for my education and continued artistic inspiration. I am absolutely in awe of these jewels.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A MAN LOOKING FOR AN ENGAGEMENT RING?

I think window shopping together and giving input on what styles are favored more than others is an exciting way to share in the experience. The Neil Lane Bridal™ collection at Kay Jewelers is arranged in four groupings to connect with every personality and personal taste. In the end, you should make a purchase that you’re both comfortable and confident with. The Neil Lane Bridal™ collection ranges from $2,300 to $7,800 and is accessible to everyone who is working with a budget.

WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU WOULD RECOMMEND EVERY WOMAN INVESTS IN?

A pair of diamond earrings. They always light up the face.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO DUBAI? IF SO, DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN WOMEN’S TASTE FOR JEWELRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

I have had the pleasure of visiting Dubai a number of times and I have met some wonderful people. I think fashion today is global, and I see the work that I have done in Hollywood has translated into a broad international spectrum. Style is becoming universal and the gap between fashion cultures is narrowing.

YOU HAVE BEEN HAILED AS “THE KING OF BLING”, “THE ACE OF DIAMONDS”, THE “HOLLYWOOD JEWELER”, AND MORE. WHICH TITLE DO YOU PREFER MOST? IS THERE A TITLE YOU WOULD STILL LIKE TO EARN?

Each one of these titles fits a certain aspect of what I do. Overall, I have chosen to express my artistic vision through jewelry. I never thought I needed a title to define who I was or what I do. I hope to continue to earn the respect of the ownership of these titles.

interviewd by CAROLINE SEIF|written by GRACE GORDON

Neil Lane jewelry is available in Dubai exclusively at Azal, Emirates Towers.