He began designing shoes for Dior and Arnold Scassi. Then he met Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, who took the debonair, witty young man from Detroit under her regal wing introduced him to the crème de la crème of international society. Thus, Kenneth Jay Lane was propelled to superstardom like no costume jewelry designer before—or since.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR WAS AMONG MANY OF LANE’S CELEBRITY CLIENTS
Among his A-list clients were Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. Famously, he designed the three-strand faux pearl necklace Barbara Bush wore to her husband’s inaugural ball—and when he introduced it into his line, it sold out in less than an hour.
Lane died in 2017 at the age of 85 but his company continues his lead. Today KJL Designs announced its newest accessory line, the jeweled belt. A goldtone stretch belt with a magnolia flower buckle takes slacks and even jeans to the next level. The open rippled clover cross/oval lobster claw closure belt accents any “little black dress.” The delicate flower motifs belt will clinch a shirtdress with style, and the Maltese cross belt would crystal/pearl center is meant for evening wear. Also available is a gold bow/crystal center belt, a polished gold link belt, and two styles of chain link belts. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and other fine stores.