J.Crew's Taste Maker: Lisa Finkelstein

"Thanks!" goes to Allison (in the "Product Review: Berry-trim Astrid Jacket" post) who shared with us an interesting article featuring a director of jewelry over at J.Crew. (Click here for the link to the article.)

LISA FINKELSTEIN: Director of design/women’s jewelry, J.Crew
By Sarah Eveans
Photo by Sean McCormick
August 20, 2008

Dallas women are known for their larger-than-life taste in jewelry—a design aesthetic J.Crew accessories designer Lisa Finkelstein understands. “In Texas, we are friendly and loud and fun,” the Dallas native says. “Jewelry is a conversation piece and should make one happy.”

As director of design for women’s jewelry at J.Crew in New York City, Finkelstein is in charge of creating the entire accessories collection for the company—everything from oversized cocktail rings to sparkling hair pins.

Growing up, the Greenhill School and UT Austin grad had a passion for making crafts, as well as drawing and photography. After college, these creative passions led her to a career in fashion. She worked her way up the ladder with jobs in New York and Los Angeles, followed by a summer intensive at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London and several years at Rebecca Taylor. Three years ago, she was hired on as a consultant for J.Crew, and it wasn’t long until the company’s creative director asked her to design J.Crew’s jewelry collection.

“It was challenging, but I definitely felt ready for it,” she says. While much of her inspiration comes from J.Crew’s color palate and clothing designs, Finkelstein also scours vintage stores on the streets of Manhattan to get ideas. “I’m a very vintage-inspired person,” she says.

For fall, she’s loving big statement necklaces, and she advises layering bangle bracelets for a chic look. One thing she’s not a fan of: wearing every piece of jewelry you own all at once. “Pick your statement and swallow it,” she advises.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Finkelstein’s Dallas roots are still firmly planted. “Growing up in Texas I was surrounded by women dressed in bright colors wearing big baubles and rings,” she says. “I like to have fun with jewelry and use it as a way to express myself.”

I think it is always fascinating to learn more about the people working at J.Crew. :) I also agree with Lisa that jewelry owned and worn should make one happy! :)

What do you think of J.Crew's jewelry pieces? Do you agree with Lisa's advice about layering bangle bracelets? What kind of fashion statement do you think J.Crew's jewelry tries to make?