Published July 2007

More than a mash-up of its designer’s name, is a fusion of French vintage and Manhattan modernity. Whether working from her studio in Paris or New York, Elizabeth Gottlieb blends the cultures and trends of the two cities into her beaded costume jewelry. “To me, Paris is the eternal beauty, but New York City is turned to modernity and the future,” she says. Gottlieb, who currently employs just two other designers, is expanding her New York presence to fulfill what she says is American women’s desire for a certain je ne sais quoi in their outfits.Crafted from silver, gold vermeil and vintage Murano glass beads, among other materials, the jewelry, she says, “adds a personal touch to your own character, which makes the whole difference.”

The elegant designs are as varied as Gottlieb’s past. Born in France and raised in Vienna, Gottlieb trained as a classical pianist before transitioning to music management and eventually, in 2002, launching the Lizalieb line. Today, her creations are found in French boutiques, at Paris’ Place Vendôme, at Mirabelle and White Tulip in New York and on lizaleibcreations.com. She also holds showcases and trunk shows at Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Retail prices range from $300 for a pair of earrings to $900 for a multistrand choker like the one recently purchased by Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Written by Sarah Perpich for WWD Accessories, July 2007.