Exclusive Interview with Lisa Jackson, Interior Decorator For Tory Burch & Renee Zellwegger, Talks Her Brand New Jewelry Line
You'd think being an interior decorator for celebrities including Michael J. Fox, Renee Zellwegger, Tory Burch and her close friend Vera Wang, would be enough for Lisa Jackson. But this very creative woman wanted more. The famous New York designer and owner of Lucca & Co. has decided to explore her capabilities in jewelry design and naturally, she is a pro in that space as well.
"I live design," Jackson told Architects and Artisans in 2010. "I love design, and I love a comfortable lifestyle. I put it out there every day for everything."
And her love of design shows clearly in her new jewelry line LJ Cross, which is currently being shown at Phoenix Roze on Madison Avenue in New York City. We were lucky enough to sit down and talk about her new venture.
What inspired you to go into jewelry design?
The inspiration for LJ Cross came from my late brother who always was wildly stylish and always wore crosses. It's been in my head for years and finally it's real. Love it as it's an aesthetic endeavor and a process just like interior design.
Is it a rather natural transition to make, going from interior design to jewelry design?
There are many crossovers if you will with texture, scale and proportion and I always loved using repetition in interiors and now I'm using that again with multiple charms.
What is your design process for LJ Cross?
The process is organic. Sometimes the cross comes out perfect and sometimes I'm like more diamonds! I work very closely with my creative partner Ward Kelvin. It's joyful!
Were there any major influences or specific inspirations for the designs featured in this new collection?
It kind of just evolved. I don't wear much jewelry myself. I collect oversized Frank Mueller watches so I like to wear nothing or some major statement, which is why I love layering the crosses. More is more!
What is the most challenging thing about jewelry design? What is the most difficult?
Design is always challenging because you have an idea and you just want the execution to be perfect. I accept this. I've been at it a while.
What would you like to see happen with LJ Cross in the next five years?
Wow, I'm a dreamer. Working and living and breathing LJ Cross. I would love to see an expansion from fine jewelry to over the knee socks. It's gonna be an amazing journey and a truly gratifying homage.
Who are your favorite jewelry designers?
There are so many talented designers. I love everything Vera Wang does, and apparently she likes my new work too! I'm just always looking at everything.