How old is kenneth jay lane

His travels to Europe, Asia and other points around the world also provided inspiration for his jewelry creations. As he became fully immersed in the costume jewelry business, Lane actually had a number of celebrity admirers of his designs and he created custom pieces for several of them.

Among them were Jackie Kennedy, who was photographed wearing K. Elizabeth Taylor also owned and wore his pieces as did Audrey Hepburn. But what pleases me more is that thousands of ladies can feel glamorous wearing my jewelry rather than just a few celebrities, especially through QVC. If it makes them happy to wear my jewelry, that makes me happy, too. Even before that, many American women were introduced to his jewelry through his offerings in Avon catalogs.

A rhinestone fringe necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, circa , with various sizes of circular cut stones, set in antique silver-colored metal, with adjustable hook closure, signed Kenneth Lane. Lane remained active in his New York showroom and on QVC well into his senior years spending more than more than five decades in the costume jewelry industry.

He died in at the age of Jewelry by Kenneth Jay Lane has been produced both in the United States and in other parts of the world. Later, Gem-Craft, Inc. Kenneth Jay Lane resin cuff with enameled insect, early s. He was a master at designing large dangle earrings encrusted with sparkling rhinestones and richly colored cabochons. Some were combined with beads or other elements imitating turquoise, coral and a variety of gemstones.

Large collar necklaces from this period containing similar components are valued even higher. He incorporated strands of faux pearls and glass beads into many popular necklace designs with fancy clasps. He also developed many designs featuring jungle felines. His K. When trying to distinguish older K. This mark was used on QVC pieces as well as some sold in boutique settings and by upscale department stores in the early- to mids. Imported jewelry, especially pieces sold through QVC, are sometimes stamped with the country of origin as Thailand or China.

Another signature used earlier, right after the first K. There are books about his jewelry and accessories available as well. Costume Jewelry Basics. Collecting Business of Antiques. Buying and Selling. Care and Preservation. Clothing and Accessories. Costume Jewelry. His designs, usually made of plastic or glass, were worn on the wrists and necks of some of the most fashionable women in the world: Wallis Simpson, Jackie Kennedy, Diana Vreeland, Audrey Hepburn, Barbara Bush, Carolina Herrera, Princess Diana, all people who could have certainly afforded real diamonds and pearls, should they have preferred them.

In , he launched his own business. He was successful almost immediately, thanks in no small part to the influential women who were fans of his designs. But Lane didn't just dress high-society; he was a part of that scene himself, a frequent guest at all the right parties, and even a subject of Andy Warhol's Screen Tests portrait series. I met Lane just about a year ago in his midtown office.

In true, old-school New York fashion, I sat down at a table, and he promptly offered me a smoke. I declined, much to my mothers' delight and my editor's chagrin—she told me that I was missing a fading slice of old New York. I was there to talk about the 50th anniversary of Truman Capote's black-and-white ball , as Lane had not only outfitted the crowd at the legendary party, but he had also attended himself.

Our conversation ranged from what really happened that evening at the Plaza Hotel to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's time in New York to parties that lasted 'til dawn and why he won't let people use their cell phones at his get-togethers. I asked how he thought New York society has evolved since its heyday in '60s.