The father of so-called “fabulous fakes,” Kenneth Jay Lane was a spirited innovator within the jewelry industry, designing elegant and luxurious pieces without the use of real jewels. And while Lane aspired to create classic designs for earrings, bracelets and necklaces intended for everyday wear, his pieces caught the attention of celebrities, royalty and socialites.
From a young age, the Detroit, Michigan-born Lane was a lover of fashion. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Michigan. He pursued a design career in New York City, and a failed start in the art department of Vogue magazine led to a decade of designing shoes for the likes of Delman and Christian Dior.
Lane would occasionally develop shoe designs for friends he had in the fashion world such as Bill Blass and Arnold Scaasi. A show for the latter afforded him the opportunity to beautify shoes with rhinestones and create bangles and earrings to pair with the footwear — he found plastic bracelets at discount variety store and had them embellished by craftspeople at a shoe factory.
A love for costume jewelry design emerged thereafter. Lane created his own collection and admirers such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor showered him with praise. A pearl necklace he designed was worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In the early 1960s, ready-to-wear pioneer Hattie Carnegie purchased Lane’s jewelry line. Lane was given the position of design director for Carnegie but he soon changed course, moving instead into a small studio and pursuing his own path.
Lane worked with milk glass, gilded silver hardware, faux coral and other materials, and sold pendant necklaces, dangle earrings and modern bracelets to private customers. He was fond of renowned fine jewelry houses Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and designers such as Jean Schlumberger, and cited having found inspiration in Egyptian and Indian jewelry over the years as well as Art Deco jewelry. Lane’s designs, which he called “faque” and “junque,” became well-known for their distinctive color combinations and clever characteristics such as embroidery. By the time he purchased a small jewelry factory in Providence, Rhode Island, where his accessories would be made during the 1960s, Lane had secured relationships with top Manhattan boutiques and his work had caught the attention of fashion magazines.
Directed by the filmmaker Gisèle Roman, a 2018 documentary about Lane’s life and work called Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane features interviews with legendary fashion designers Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kenneth Jay Lane brooches, rings and other accessories.
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded Gold Floral Necklace with Attachment
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane, who recently left us, created this wonderful elegant and adjustable gilded gold hardware floral necklace comes with an additional floral piece if needed to lengthen...
1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Mod Hipster Rhinestone and Teardrop Pearl Wide Hip Belt
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Mod Hipster Rhinestone and Teardrop Pearl Wide Hip Belt: All prong-set, large size rhinestones and dangling pearls create a low-slung hip level fringed effect...
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Pop Art Scarf
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Amazing and Rare Kenneth Jay Lane Early Pop Art Silk Crepe Scarf from the 1960's. Mod colorful graphics with "Tarot" and "The Sun" amidst Pop inspired Sun and Snake designs. Early p...
1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Gold-Tone Belt w/ Milk Glass & Rhinestones
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous, wide 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane jeweled gold-tone belt w/ milk glass & rhinestones set in heavy gold chain link. Adjustible between size 6-8.
Kenneth Jay Lane Steel Gray with Gold Accent SeaShell Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane, who recently left us, created this wonderfully whimsical and elegant Sea Shell in steel-gray accented with gold studs brooch measures 2 1/2" in length, height ...
$95Sale Price|20% Off
W 35.44 in L 78.75 in
Pecan Soft Brown and White Linen Scarf Handwoven By Artisans Neutral Ombre Hues
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Pecan linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
Coco Brown Soft Classic Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coco linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
$95Sale Price|26% Off
W 37.41 in L 86.62 in
Auro Rust Brown Cinnabar Women's Soft Linen Handwoven Scarf by Studio Variously
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Auro Cinnabar is a light weight soft linen scarf. It is finely handwoven by master artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates with artisan communities to restore & revive ancient techniques by exploring custom modern designs in textile based products. A beautiful translucent appeal is crated by the natural texture of linen which is beautifully handwoven in unique pattern to make the undyed ( white portion ) stand out. Classic in appeal , this piece is a timeless accessory. The dyes used are 100% certified Eco Friendly Swiss dyes making this piece completely biodegradable in nature. Soft in hand feel this light weight translucent scarf is easy to blend in with most outfits and perfect gift or personal wear accessory for indoor, outdoors or travel. Our linen scarves...
$207Sale Price|20% Off
W 27.56 in L 78.75 in
Sahara Olive Green Modern Artisanal Soft Hand Embroidered Hand Woven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coming together with heritage artisan cluster from the divine valleys of Kashmir in India, Variously brings to you a special collection of handwoven and hand embroidered scarves...
Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt is a stunning accessory that embodies luxury and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this belt features a sleek silver-tone chain adorned with the iconic Coco Mark logo, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Its versatile design makes it a perfect statement piece, effortlessly elevating casual and formal ensembles alike. Whether cinched at the waist of a flowing dress or paired with high-waisted trousers, this belt enhances your silhouette with a chic, modern edge. It pairs beautifully with designer items such as a Gucci silk blouse, a Prada tailored blazer, or a Louis Vuitton monogram skirt...
Chanel Rugby Football Ball
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rugby Football Ball 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Very good condition
Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Satin Conte De Fees Apple Round Coin Pouch 214lv84
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: MI0032 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 3.5" Width: .5" Height: 3.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 8.5/10 or A-) Accessories: Box, Care Ca...
Chanel Vintage Basketball
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel vintage basketball 1990's {VINTAGE 20+ Years} Made in France Condition: Very good vintage condition
$12,500
Chanel SS19 Skateboard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate Your Ride or Decor game with Chanel’s Limited Edition Skateboard. A part of the French house’s SS19 collection, Chanel has released a luxe skateboard for those looking to add...
Yves Saint Laurent Wool Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Glasgow, GB
Grey wool belt from Yves Saint Laurent. With black acetate double buckle feature and brassy toned hardware. Made in Italy. Serial Number: 169475-1476-80-32. Dimensions: 4.5cm x 94cm....
Hermès Set of 7 Leather Charms Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely set of 7 Authentic Hermès Charms Shapes: Horse, Seahorse, Heart, Christmas Tree, Lion, Cupid, Marmot From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorways: 1 Beige, 2 Blue...
Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a horsewhip Made of Silver 800 (crab hallmark) Made in France Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved at the end of...
1970s Kenneth Jay Lane Wide Topaz Rhinestone Evening Belt
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous and glamorous 1970s wide Kenneth Jay Lane topaz rhinestone and gold filigree evening belt with square buckle and huge rhinestone centerpiece. Adjustable to 30" waist.
Kenneth Jay Lane Silk Unicorn Scarf
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kenneth Jay Lane silk scarf with a bejeweled unicorn motif in shades of cream, golden yellow, brown, orange, light gray and pale blue. Mr. Lane is best known for his fabulous costum...
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H 7 in D 2.5 in L 7.75 in
Rare 1960s Kenneth Lane for Rosenfeld Evening Purse with Panther Handle
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A fabulous 1960s designer vintage Kenneth Lane for Rosenfeld evening purse in black leather with gold tone hand beaded handle embellished with panther heads at either side, and bejew...
Kenneth Jay Lane Huge "Jacqueline Kennedy" Inspired "Star" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully detailed huge Jacqueline Kennedy inspired "Star" brooch inlayed in gilded silver hardware measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/2". Each petal overlays each o...
Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Pink Purple Crystal Caged Belt Paisley Swirl Closure
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane vintage pink and purple caged style crystal cluster belt with orange and blue accents. Hook closure. Signed 'K.J.L.' at back. One size. 2 1/4" wide. 31" long...
Exquisite Kenneth Lane Jeweled Jaguar Clasp Evening Bag for Rosenfeld
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Exquisite Kenneth Lane jeweled jaguar clasp evening bag c 1970 The extremely rare evening bag was a collaboration with Kenneth Lane; that were designed exclusively for Harry Rosenfeld's collection of extraordinary evening bags in the 1960s The elegant evening bag is adorned with a sleek gilt metal jaguar clasp encrusted with glittering diamante crystals; combined with emerald green glass cabochon eyes and threatening gilt metal exposed teeth The opulent evening bag is designed with a subtle embossed sharkskin leather...
Kenneth Lane Jeweled Belt
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Alford, MA
Gilt metal belt accented with red and blue stone and bordered in clear rhinestones. At center is a matching stone medallion from which hang 5 strands o...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded "Ram" Clasp Black and Gold Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's gold hardware with black glass "onlx" necklace has gilded gold "Rams" as the closing clasp. Wonderfully elegant in details. Necklace measures 30" and 32" in l...
1960's KENNETH JAY LANE pony fur belt with leopard buckle
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Leopard printed pony fur belt with rhinestone buckle designed by Kenneth Jay Lane dating to the 1960's Fits a size 26.5-29.5" waist. Belt w...
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Kenneth J Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New Hope, PA
Kenneth J Lane has created a striking belt from alternating bands of prong set rhinestones and woven gold toned metal. A stunning round buckle is set wi...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Black Satin and Rhinestone Evening bag
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Black Satina and Rhinestone Evening Bag. This bag is a jewel...it is in very good pre-owned condition.
Kenneth J. Lane Faux Coral Bracelet, Circa 1960
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare vintage faux coral stretch bracelet by Kenneth J. Lane, from the 1960's.
This bracelet is available to be viewed p...