An entrepreneur with a creative heart and strategic mind for business, Leslie Greene was inspired to design her own line to satisfy every woman's desire for fine jewelry that flaunts chic style, luxurious quality and a timeless, classic appeal. Designing jewelry for over 16 years, her talent for combining treasured classics with modern trends has truly brought her to the forefront of the fine jewelry industry.
Leslie's philosophy is that jewelry should make a signature statement, personal statement, meaning much more than just a simple finishing touch. She aspires to create pieces that become a reflection of who a woman is, not what she wears.
"I feel connected to the women who wear my jewelry and I am inspired by their individuality. My collections are always evolving, as are my customers," says Leslie.
A true designer, Leslie's collections are the culmination of her creative interests, including fashion, home decor, antiquing and the fine arts. As an avid world traveler, rare antiques, vintage wallpapers and historical architecture lend inspiration to new designs. The daughter of a textile designer, Leslie is also very much influenced by fashion and fabrics of the past and present.
Since graduating from New York's prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, Leslie has been recognized by the fine jewelry industry for her design talent. Prestigious awards and honors include Town and Country's Diamond Designer Excellence Award 1997, the Women Jewelers Association Award for Excellence in Design 1997, JQ International Magazine's 2006 Annual Retailer's Choice Award--Designer of the Year, and the 2004 JA Golden Apple Award.
Touching the lives of many women extends into Leslie's endless support of various charitable organizations, including Mommy's Light, The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, City of Hope, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, A Key to a Cure, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, and other foundations.
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Trendwatch: your source for what's new and what's next in the world of style, entertainment and luxury.
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Now that we've seen accessories for the season, it's time to meet one jewelry designer whose work not only reflects today's sensibilities but also has a timeless appeal.
Her work is feminine and romantic, much like the looks of the season. A favorite of women everywhere, Leslie Greene has a unique approach to design. Today, she is shopping for inspiration in some of her favorite New York places. First stop: New York Vintage.
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LESLIE GREENE (jewelry designer): It is just an amazing place. She has the most beautiful clothing. There's always something different for me, whether it's I go through bins of lace or trims, which can really turn into an amazing collection.
SHANNON HOEY (owner, New York Vintage): ...this has got gorgeous lacework for design, if you're interested in that.
LESLIE: OK. That's perfect.
SHANNON: What else do we have here? Another amazing, amazing lace piece for inspiration--
LESLIE: Mmm!
SHANNON: ...just has amazing detail on it, all hand-done.
LESLIE: Love. OK, we want this, this, this...
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Leslie often finds great treasures here. Owner Shannon Hoey knows just what appeals to Leslie's eye.
SHANNON: A Twenties lamé--you know, for gold pieces...
LESLIE: Mmm!
SHANNON: ...with this vermiculate, I think, is really, really special. And, once again, you can draw strong inspiration from that.
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It could be individual bits of lace, or beautifully made vintage dresses that speak to Leslie. Ultimately, she'll translate the pattern or delicate details into a cuff bracelet or an earring--whatever inspires her.
Over the years, she has combined her love of clothing and design into her own, signature jewelry line, one she defines as "vintage--with a modern twist".
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LESLIE: ...it was really something that I just fell into. I love jewelry, and it just was really a natural progression right into designing jewelry.
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Another remarkable resource: VintEdge. Owner Joe Sundlie has a small but select collection of vintage pieces, including Halston and turn of the century lace.
LESLIE: Joe, I think this is great. Look at how this can totally be an earring--the scallop of it? I love this one.
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From earrings to necklaces, and everything in between, Leslie produces two collections a year.
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LESLIE: ...and even the color palette during a fashion show can inspire an entire collection. If I see a lot of neutrals, it'll turn into smoky topazes and citrines and all those warm colors which look beautiful, like with a khaki palette.
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FILIPA FINO (Vogue senior accessories editor): Her sort of aesthetic is very delicate, intricate pieces. She has a lot of sort of floral designs, and she loves to layer them. So you don't just buy one Leslie Greene piece, you buy a few.
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Her jewelry also has a following in Hollywood. Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Debra Messing are just some of her fans. But it is not for those high profilers that Leslie ultimately designs.
LESLIE: My needs definitely translate into the collection. Luckily, women out there need the same thing that I need.
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