Designer Spotlight: Lawrence Vrba
Lawrence Vrba began his career in 1969, working as a counter at Miriam Haskell; his talents did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself designing jewelry. In 1970, when Miriam Haskell’s Head Designer, Bob Clark, left to work at Castlecliff, Vrba followed. Vrba spread his wings at Castlecliff, spearheading the famous Mayan collection, inspired by jewelry and adornments he saw on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. In 1973, after a two year stint at Castlecliff, Vrba returned to Miriam Haskell as head designer. Vrba continued to explore and expand the possibilities of costume jewelry, fashioning fine, unique pieces using materials he collected from across the globe. The Egyptian collection - perhaps his most famous Miriam Haskell collection- was inspired by materials he found while in Europe, and was featured in an edition of Vogue. In 1981s, Vrba left Miriam Haskell to work for Les Bernard, where his designs were displayed at Dillard’s for three years. In 1983 Vrba left Les Bernard to create his own eponymous business.
Vrba pieces are noted for their unusual materials, scale, and opulence!
Vrba has created pieces for theatre (including Broadway hits “Wicked”, “Exit the King”, “Blythe Spirit”, “Lend Me a Tenor”, and “Hairspray”, and the Metropolitan Opera), cinema, and private customers. His pieces have been featured at Bergdorf Goodman, in Vogue, and in Vogue Nippon. Clients include Beyonce, Angela Lansbury, Susan Sarandon, and Katy Perry.
Also in Adore MRS. Couture
Designer Spotlight: Madame Gres
Designer Spotlight: Roy Halston Frowick
Halston was thrown into the limelight when Jacqueline Kennedy wore his pillbox hat to John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Soon Halston expanded into women’s wear, creating both couture and ready-to-wear fashion catering to the fashionable and elite jet set. Halston also accepted the honor of designing the 1976 US Olympic team uniforms, redesigned Braniff Airlines’ uniforms in 1977, and created uniforms for the New York Police Department and the Girl Scouts in 1978.
Halston was innovative, using slinky knit material and ultrasuedes, and introducing a halter dress design that elongated a wearer’s silhouette. He pioneered the sensual and soft draped looks associated with disco and his beloved Studio 54.
