Loree Rodkin
Loree Rodkin (born February 25, 1949) is an American jewelry designer based in Los Angeles, California.[1] She designed the jewelry worn by Michelle Obama to the inaugural ball in January 2009, now deposited in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution.[1][2]
Loree Rodkin | |
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Loree Rodkin | |
Born | Chicago, Illinois | February 25, 1949
Occupation | Jewelry designer |
Biography
Rodkin was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Los Angeles where she designed homes for Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart and her then fiance, Bernie Taupin.[3] Her next career was as a talent manager.[1] She managed the careers of Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr. and Alexander Godunov, among others.[2][3][4]
Designs
Rodkin went on to launch her jewelry brand.[5] Her most famous piece is a bondage ring. These are rings reminiscent of medieval finger armor, which cover the entire finger.[1][5] Her first sales were to Tommy Perse, then owner of the Maxfield boutique in West Hollywood. Elizabeth Taylor and Barbra Streisand were among her earliest clients.[2][5][6]
Her designs were further popularized by First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore Rodkin's 61-carat diamond celestial earrings, a 13-carat diamond cocktail ring and diamond bangles, to the 2009 inaugural balls.[1] The jewelry now hangs in the permanent collection at the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution.[1][2]
Rodkin's flagship store is in Tokyo, Japan. Her designs are also sold in retail specialty stores globally.[1][4][6] Her clientele has included Elton John, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Madonna, Daphne Guinness, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Rihanna and Steven Tyler.[7][8] Rodkin's collection includes a bath and body product line, eyewear, fragrances and candles.[1][5][7]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Loree Rodkin. |
- Moore, Booth (30 August 2009). "Jewelry designer Loree Rodkin's rock 'n' roll roots". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- Sanders, Liz Dennery (24 April 2013). "SheBrand SuperStar: Loree Rodkin". Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- Denardo, Maria (22 March 2012). "The Designer Files: The Secret Life of Loree Rodkin". Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
- "Exclusive interview with Loree Rodkin". Image Noire. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- Brajovic, Sara (17 August 2011). "Interview from Los Angeles... Loree Rodkin". Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- "Chit Chat with Loree Rodkin". 20 November 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- Nelson, Karin (March 2011). "Diamond Life". Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- Py-Lieberman, Beth (9 March 2010). "Meet Mrs. Obama's Inaugural Jewelry Designer Loree Rodkin".