Top costume jewellery designer Kenneth Jay Lane has died, aged 85. The gem gent, who created pieces worn by Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga, and Elizabeth Taylor, is thought to have passed away at his home in New York this week. Kenneth perfected his style skills as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design and became a member of Vogue's art team in the mid-1950s. He also worked for Christian Dior before making a name for himself in the early 1960s.
Kenneth designed jewellery for the likes of Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn
He designed key pieces for Jacqueline Kennedy, Hepburn, Lena Horne, Taylor, Princess Diana and Nancy Reagan over the course of his fabled career, previously noting, "Our jewellery is designed for people who want to be noticed."
Top designers have paid tribute to Lane, including Carolina Herrera, who told WWD, "Kenny Lane is much more than just the greatest costume jewelry designer in the world. He was a great American personality. He lived his dream because he believed it. He will be missed by all his friends around the world. I love him very much."
Tory Burch shared a touching tribute to her late friend on social media
Tory Burch also shared how "truly saddened" she was to learn of his passing, describing the late accessories expert as an icon and "a true eccentric with a meticulous eye and brilliant sense of humour." She further recalled what a loyal friend he was and praised his unique take on "just about everything". Adding, she said: "Kenny had an opinion on many things but I always found him to be modern and on point."
His life will be celebrated in an upcoming documentary, titled Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane. The film will feature tributes from Diane von Furstenberg, Joan Collins and Kirk Douglas, among others.
