Women's
Lana Jewelry: Minimalist Chicago Architecture For the Body
Designer Lana Bramlette
There is something undeniably intriguing about barely-there jewelry. The subtle allure of Lana‘s minimalist, geometric shapes — created by designer Lana Bramlette — satisfies our appetite for bold gold this Fall, without the extra heft.
For he first time, this spring, Bramlette will introduce colorful precious stones (sapphires, emeralds and rubies) into her gold designs. Sticking to her signature understated look, the hint of colorful shimmer will shine lightly (using only 1 or 2 small precious stones in each piece). Ultimately, it’s Bramlette’s editing that has made her collections timeless and covetable season after season.
NM: What is your favorite era in terms of style?
LB: The 1970s because it was the era when women became uninhibited in terms of fashion. Sexiness became a part of the style vocabulary. It was about the woman’s body and her skin, which is what Lana jewelry is all about.
Three-Tiered Hoops
NM: How do you see the collection evolving?
LB: I will always stay true to my signature – gold. Designing with this beautiful material, I will continue to enhance it each season. For spring I am doing colored precious stones, I always want to work in precious – sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Lana Jewelry is not an exclusive club; I’ve said this from day one. It’s about making luxury available to every woman in an easy, effortless and stylish way.
NM: Besides being extremely elegant and timeless your designs emphasize a geometric minimalism. Is this a conscious decision?
LB: I’m drawn to architecture and I live in Chicago, which is one of the most beautiful cities in terms of architecture. I’m really inspired by this city, as well as space and proportion. I look at a woman’s neck, décollage, and face and design the jewelry around that. There is a space between a woman’s ear and neck that is so perfect for my earrings, especially when the hair is in a ponytail. That is what I design for.
NM: Where does the design process start for you?
LB: Selfishly, it starts with me. I have the capability to see what I am missing in my life and I start from there. Also, I look back at my previous collections. Naturally, every new collection is a continuation of the previous season. A lot of times I look at a previous collection and say, “Oh, I wish I had this or that.”
NM: Who do you look up to in terms of style?
LB: A lot of my clients have terrific style and my mother has fabulous style. I’ve always been drawn to classic, effortless beauty and I think a lot of people credit Ali McGraw with that. I love everything that Halston has done. If you look at my collection it is very refined and classic so anything that connects to that.
NM: If you were to describe your personal style in a tweet, what would it say?
LB: It’s the perfect pair of Levi jeans, a black fitted Japanese cotton T-shirt and a pair of Ruthie Davis shoes.
NM: What are you looking forward to for Spring?
LB: I’ve always worked solely with gold and diamonds. This Spring we are launching color in a big way – multi-colored sapphires will be leading the way.
Rock Hoop Earrings
Lana’s Favorite…
Artist: I have to say Madonna, she’s been an incredible inspiration to me as a woman, and my nickname is Lana Madonna.
Designer: Halston
Hotel: Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado
Restaurant: Avec in Chicago
Song: “All of the Lights” by Rihanna and Kanye West. My fall collection is called “Rock Lights” and was inspired by this song.
Flash Earrings
Shop Lana Jewelry at NeimanMarcus.com and select Neiman Marcus stores.
Meet Lana on November 9 at NM Oakbrook and November 11 at NM Chicago-Michigan Avenue.
