nOir Jewelry

an interview with
fashion accessory designer Leeora Catalan

© by Anne Rush; all rights reserved

You've most likely seen and been inspired by the incredible jewelry designs of Leeora Catalan, creator of the influential accessories design house nOir.

I had the pleasure of meeting Leeora and immediately responded to her down-to-earth nature, hip showroom, and visionary collection of jewelry.

Leeora began her career at Ralph Lauren and Oscar De La Renta before making her mark as a successful fashion stylist.

She has collaborated with designers such as Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Cynthia Rowley, Betsey Johnson, and Nanette LePore, creating jewelry for their runway shows.

Her designs have been worn by celebrities including Madonna, Iman, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Paris Hilton.

Leeora's career sounds like a dream come to true to many of us in the jewelry industry!

Of course, such success requires hard work and I asked Leeora to share some of her insights with me, which I know you too will find inspirational and informative.

Q: What made you decide to launch your own fashion jewelry company?

A: I had been a stylist for two years. A friend had asked me to style his fashion show.

At the time he wanted me to find super-long jet necklaces with tassels. I couldn't find them in the market. So I made them myself.

After the show Bloomingdale's fashion director expressed an interest, and Vogue Italy wanted to shoot them.

I had to think of a name fast! "Noir" came to mind since all the jewelry was black.

At the same exact time I had met Mash (my husband/partner), and we started making jewelry in our studio apartment on King Street.

Q: You have worked with celebrities over the years. Do you have any tips for how you design for them, and what your process is when working with a celebrity?

A: I mostly work with their stylist. I understand that a stylist has a creative vision as well. I enjoy collaborating with them.

Celebrities like jewelry that is noticeable. Our jewelry usually is bold and colorful.

Q: As a business person, what do you think any new designers out there should consider before launching their own line? What do you consider the most important aspects of a start-up to ensure as much success as possible?

A: Passion / love for what you do; drive and confidence. It helps to have an Ego sometimes.

Also, it's important to build relationships with buyers as well as editors, because they all move around.

Q: What is it you love most about owning your own company?

A: I still enjoy the design process and I love costume jewelry. I love brainstorming. I love the different materials we use - and I constantly try to think of new ways of putting them together.

The challenge of being ahead of the trends is what keeps me going.

Also it's important to me to create a great environment for everyone who works for me. And having my own hours is sweet.

Q: Do you show your line at trade shows? If so, which ones?

A: Coterie, Accessorie Circuit, and we also have a Los Angeles rep.

Q: Any suggestions on how new jewelry designers can get exposure for their work?

A: start off with a good multi-line / designer showroom. This way, you can get exposure with buyers as well as press.

Q. Where can we purchase nOir?

A: Specialty stores, better boutiques, and department stores.

Author Anne Rush of The Savvy Designer - a Jewelry Designer's Guide to Creative Success is the Director of Design at Miriam Haskell Jewels. She is currently creating collections for Jennifer Lopez, Alfani for Macy's, and J.C. Penney's private label. Formerly the Vice President of Design at Liz Claiborne Inc., Anne's site is dedicated to sharing inspiration and information with other creative individuals in the field.

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