A Modern Cleopatra: L. Windham Designs
It is a rare gift to come across a brand new designer just on the cusp of something huge. And trust me when I say- Laurie Windham is on that cusp. Her jewelry, L. Windham designs, is has something for every woman and has the essence of a modern Cleopatra. I can say first say that it holds up incredibly well, and has withstood both my 6 year old and 5 year old as well as my tendency to throw items in my handbag. And yet- it has all the hallmarks of both every day glamorous jewelry as well as pieces for the fanciest evening out.
But first, let’s get to know the designer.
Molly: Tell us about you please! How you started your career, what your “Every day” job is, and how did you get started making jewelry?
Laurie: I originally started jewelry designing when I was in elementary school. I have always enjoyed designing and making pieces to wear for the weekend, but I really fell back into it when I moved to New York City. The city offered many great wholesale bead and chain stores that allowed me to really dive into my creativity.
I left New York to attend pharmacy school and planned to move back to New York City to work as a pharmacist and start my jewelry business. Plans changed once I married my husband and relocated to Georgia. I started working solely as a pharmacist, and after a a year, I decided it was time to start my jewelry company, L.Windham. I started an Instagram and Facebook page so followers could discover the brand early and get excited about potential jewelry projects, and it definitely received a lot of buzz. Sarah Jessica Parker took notice of L.Windham jewelry on Instagram and already has a few jewelry pieces in hand. We’re looking forward to seeing SJP wearing L.Windham in the future.
Molly: Tell us about your line, what are the materials, how long did it take you to find a manufacturer, etc?
Laurie: My line is called L.Windham, and it is a high-end costume jewelry line made with oxidized brass, Swarovski crystals and natural gemstones. The line is composed of bold, statement necklaces, dainty stud earrings, chandelier earrings, and stackable bracelets. Since I had so many inquiries about wedding jewelry, we decided to make a few wedding jewelry as well.
It took me a good 7 years to find a good, reliable manufacturer. After working with a few manufacturers, we decided the quality was the best in the United States. Yes, I could opt-out and have cheaper jewelry pieces made overseas, but my main concern is quality, not quantity.
Molly: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Laurie: I have always loved antique Egyptian style jewelry. When my parents took me to museums on family trips, I loved when museums offered an Egyptian exhibition with antique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. The Egyptian jewelry fascinated me with their bold designs and colors. Since I gravitate towards Egyptian design, I decided to incorporate pyramids and triangles into my designs. When designing, I will start my sketch with one shape such as a triangle and design all around that one shape until I have finished the design. Usually out of 30 designs, I may have 1 or 2 designs that are worth making. It is definitely a trial and error with jewelry designing.
Molly: Where do you see the line heading?
Laurie: I am designing for customers who appreciate design and quality. Since L.Windham is a luxury costume jewelry company, we plan on selling at high-end boutiques and department stores. We already had a soft launch with a few pieces, but won’t officially launch the first full jewelry collection until March 2015. Some pre-spring jewelry pieces are already selling in a few boutiques around the United States.
Molly: Are your pieces named for specific women in your life?
Laurie: I decided the first jewelry collection would be named after my friends. There is a reason behind every jewelry piece’s name. I have 2 bracelet designs I wear all the time, so I named them after 2 of my closest friends, Abby and Maggie. The 2 bracelets are meant to be worn together to remind me we’re always together even when we’re apart. Abby and Maggie have been always been there for me, and support me in every thing I do. It made sense to name my every day jewelry pieces after 2 of my most inspirational friends. As for some of the statement necklaces, I named them after my friends who have very bold and beautiful personalities. I also like to ask my followers on social media for name suggestions. I think it’s fun, and makes customers feel apart of the whole process.
You can find L. Windham designs exclusively at Travis Jean Gallery in Macon, Georgia- and there’s a trunk show Friday March 7th! Be sure to check out some limited designs that night.
Love to all y’all,
Molly
photo credit: Ty Myrick Photography
Hair by Kia Kerr
Makeup by Lure Cosmetics by Dena Williams
