LJ Cross – Downtown Magazine

Vera Wang & Lisa Jackson at the LJ Cross Madison Avenue Flagship opening

Designer Lisa Jackson celebrated the opening of her LJ Cross flagship boutique on Madison Avenue on November 11, 2014. Her close friends Vera Wang, Dennis Basso, Nicole Miller,Estee Lauder President John Demsey and Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek, were among those who came out to congratulate Jackson on her successful venture from the world interior design to that of creating fine jewelry. The evening, which benefited the Parrish Art Museum, provided guests with an exclusive preview of Lisa Jackson’s new LJ Cross accessories line. The collection features statement pieces in diamond and rose gold along with a glittering selection of luxe fashion and home accessories, all designed by Jackson, including adorned crocodile clutches, fur stoles and hand-blown glassware in addition to an eclectic selection of unusual fashion-forward gifts.

Whitney Fairchild, Richard and Marcia Mishaan, Bettina Zilkha, Carol Mack, Jill Fairchild, Cassandra Seidenfeld, Alex Papachristidis, Leila Heller, Nicole DiCocco and Robin Cofer sipped Pommery Pop Champagne as they took in and tried on the gorgeous pieces on display at the Madison Avenue locale. The party brought out over 100 guests and, in fact, was so well attended that it spilled out on to the avenue where Patrick McMullansnapped photos of additional guests waiting to behold Jackson’s treasures including CeCe Cord, Helen Schifter, Debbie Bancroft, Debbie Loeffler, Harry Slatkin, Dana Hammond Stubgen and Mark Gilbertson.

To bring “soft modernism”to life, Jackson recruited New York architecture firm Taylor and Miller, known for creating innovative spaces that are at both highly conceptual yet still functional, using natural materials in true minimalist fashion. Inventing a new immersive shopping experience at the new 400-square-foot LJ Cross boutique, Taylor and Miller employed a continuous, sculptural ribbon of pristine white Corian offset by Belgian-style weathered wood ceiling and floors. Seen through the glass storefront, the entire boutique carries a light, airy and luxurious atmosphere, much like one of the sparkling displays themselves.

Nicole Miller and Debbie Bancroft at the LJ Cross Madison Avenue Flagship opening

CeCe Cord, Richard Mishaan & Carol Mack at the LJ Cross Madison Avenue Flagship opening

Jewelry designer Lisa Jackson has just debuted a new line of bold and unique crosses inspired by the memory of her late brother, Steven, who consistently wore multiple crosses.

Beginning as an interior designer for clients including Vera Wang, Renee Zellweger and Michael J. Fox, Jackson capitalized on her taste and comprehensive knowledge on topics ranging from the finest bed linens to the latest in home technology and established a luxury design firm that provides the highest level of service in the demanding world of interior design. “It started when I was randomly asked if I could design an apartment. I always had a creative side so I said, ‘Sure!’ and, honestly, the guy was too cute to refuse!” she remembers. “It was this serendipitous moment in time and now I’ve been a residential interior designer for 15 years.”

Jackson further utilized her signature minimalist style and eclectic design sense to create edgy fashion-forward statements for each piece of LJ Cross. Using the highest quality gemstones, each piece reflects a keen sense of modernity while embracing timeless spirituality. “For me, the cross is a spiritual symbol. It has nothing to do with religion,” she explains. “I made the line to be feminine, chic, dramatic and a must-have item.”

As a native New Yorker, Jackson owes much of her inspiration to city living. “I’m a minimalist at heart. Growing up in Manhattan exposed me to all kinds of architecture and design,” Jackson explains. “I’ve always been drawn to simplicity and feel very comfortable in my point of view.” Her visual talent has allowed her to branch out in many ways, but Jackson says she is nowhere near finished, wanting to build LJ Cross into a broad luxury lifestyle brand.

LJ Cross is sold exclusively at Phoenix Roze on 944 Madison Avenue. ljcrossny.com

—Isaiah Negron