Vol.59 Jewelry Designer 2 Rachel Blumenthal

Jewelry Designer 2 Rachel Blumenthal,

Rachel Blumenthal, is another of the New York jewelry designers that
Lena Shirai works with to market their collections in Japan.

Before launching her own jewelry brand "Rachel Leigh",

she was publicist for Yves Saint Laurent, and often provided information

about the designer collection to Amanda Ross , Market Director of

Harper’s Bazaar.

Rachel created a handmade piece of jewelry for her mother, an artist.
That caught the eye of an editor from Lucky magazine, who published
a photograph of it, and she was in business! She started her own
jewelry brand six years ago.

At first, her jewelry was produced on the coffee table in her living room.

She has a showroom and atelier close to Seventh Avenue,

the center of the New York fashion world.

Her jewelry is frequently on the cover of major magazines and
worn by movie and television stars on the Red Carpet.
Her colorful, fun jewelry, which features bracelets, necklaces,
earrings, rings and hair bands in 14k gold plate or silver plate with
crystal, colored stone, snakeskin and enamel accents, very much
reflects Rachel’s character and fashion industry experience.
She has surrounded herself with bright, young, charming women.

Her atelier staff includes: Meghan, an intern; Rachel, Marin, who
manages production; and Megan, PR.
Lena Shirai explained the popularity of Rachel’s jewelry like this.
“She makes reasonably priced, fashionable jewelry which is
fashion-forward, on trend and versatile,” Lena said. “That’s why her
jewelry is popular, regardless of age”.

Best selling Gumball 14k antique-gold plated cocktail rings, is cute
as candy and come in more than 20 colors.

“Jewelry I create has a color of its own. It’s a colorful, fun design with
a strong presence, but cute”, Rachel said. “I have many collections
of vintage Saint Laurent and other designers which inspire some of my
jewelry”.

In the U.S., she sells to Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, high- end
department stores and over 500 boutiques, as well as, several websites.
In Japan, her jewelry can be found at Barneys Japan, Estnation, Restir,
Takashimaya and many boutiques.

Her husband, Neil Blumenthal, is one of the founders of Warby Parker
Eyewear, the online seller of vintage-inspired frames and prescription
lenses.

Since they get along well, they work in the same atelier. Rachel, who
has a happy marriage, will continue to make colorful, vintage-inspired
jewelry with runway panache and a very strong presence. (www.rachelleigh.com )