While Ashley Lyons may not be a Louisianan by birth, she’s certainly embracing the spirit quite well. Through her jewelry line Porter Lyons, she creates pieces that are largely inspired by the culture and history of New Orleans. Her work represents the city without being cliché, giving it a reach wider than just those with deep Louisiana roots. You might have even seen her pieces worn by your favorite celebrities, including my pretend BFFs Kerry Washington and Chrissy Teigen.
The Chevron Crawler Ring, the most popular piece in the collection right now, can be worn alone or stacked. $125.
I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Porter Lyons’ new Deco Bohemia collection at the end of this season’s Southern Design Week. The collection has a great mix of minimal, everyday items—like this delicate necklace—and pieces that make a strong statement, like this bold cuff. I bought a ring, I’ve worn it every day since, I regret nothing. Treat Yourself 2015.
See the collection in person at the Highland Road Hemline tomorrow and Friday (Nov. 12-13) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for their Porter Lyons trunk show. Before you go, learn a little about what makes Porter Lyons special, beyond just the jewelry itself, from founder/designer Ashley Lyons.
Tell us a little about yourself. I’m a native San Franciscan who fell in love with the city and culture of New Orleans, which my family heritage dates to the 1860s. I feel no greater satisfaction than seeing my designs loved and worn by my clients and strangers. I couldn’t live without kindness, nature and coconuts.
What was the inspiration for this collection? The inspiration for Deco Bohemia came from my curiosity about the French Quarter in the 1920s. I read several accounts that it was filled with bohemian types—artists, painters and poets. I’ve always loved the geometric motifs of the Art Deco period and wanted to modernize it with a bohemian edge.
What’s usually your starting point when creating a new collection? I’m fascinated by so many aspects of both New Orleans and bayou culture. I usually micro hone into one of these cultural enchantments and deeply research the subject. Then I sketch for days, and have a huge tack board in my office that serves as a catch-all for ideas … it includes anything and everything I’m inspired by for that collection: fabrics, runway outfits, chains, bones and nature elements.
Wrought Iron Necklace, $475.
What was your favorite piece to produce? Definitely the Wrought Iron Necklace. It’s very 3-D and I was inspired when on my friends’ French Quarter balcony one night at dusk. The historic ironwork juxtaposed with our modern lifestyles transfixed me and I started sketching on a napkin right there.
You previously worked for some heavy hitters in the fashion industry (Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren). What made you decide to go out on your own? I love working for both of these companies and learned so much about myself as a person and as a designer. However, I’ve always had the entrepreneur blood running through my veins and wanted to create my own pieces of art and have full creative license over what I designed.
I think my generation is realizing how removed companies are from their end product. I know when I was employed by a large organization, I felt like my job wasn’t important and was saddened by the disconnect with everyone in the company. There is a strong movement in America to to favor products that are inspired by local artisans. The level and quality of work is greater and people feel more connected to their community when they can see the person that makes the products they consume. Life is richer and better for it. We are also undergoing a shift where more products are being sourced locally as labor costs soar in Asia and transportation costs increase.
Deco ear cuff, $75.
What’s it like to see your pieces on the red carpet? Crazy. Running through your house joyfully screaming. Exciting.
5% of your first collection’s profits were donated to Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, you designed a piece where 50% of the proceeds go to Light Up for Literacy, and a percentage of ticket sales for the Deco Bohemia launch went to the George Rodrigue Foundation. Why is it important for you to have the brand involved with organizations like these? Porter Lyons’ slogan is built on three pillars: culture, care, create. Our mission is not solely centered on profit but of being socially responsible in the community we are in. Wetland preservation, literacy and art programs among Louisiana’s youth are all important causes that need increased exposure and financial aid.
What’s next for you and Porter Lyons? Our next collection, the Creole Wild West, is inspired by the beautiful Mardi Gras Indians. Debuting spring/summer 2016 in mid-April 2016.
If you can’t make the trunk show, don’t worry. Both Hemline locations carry Porter Lyons year round, as does Kiki and mint, and you can also purchase online at porterlyons.com.
