DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: ALEXIS BITTAR

Alexis Bittar in his Brooklyn studio

One of the designers that Harem & Company is excited to carry is Alexis Bittar. His jewelry is unique, fun and bold with a vintage, antique appeal, and is the perfect touch to any fashionista’s wardrobe. Every piece is beautifully detailed and masterly crafted, making his pieces works of art. Wearing his skinny tapered bangles will add a pop of color to your arm, and his Chalcedony cluster earrings will make you look and feel like a Peruvian princess. Every piece of his jewelry has it’s own special vibe, ranging from rockstar to royalty.

Alexis Bittar 

'Siyabona Gold Sunset Cluster Earring' 

Reading about Bittar’s background unveiled some of the ways he soaked up inspiration for his collections. His parents both worked as university professors and dedicated art collectors.

In 1982, for Bittar’s 13^th birthday, his parents gave him an entangled bunch of antique jewelry. This sparked a lifetime fascination with the detailed hand-craftsmanship that went into creating each piece.

In high school, Bittar discovered the New York club scene. This caused his interests to turn to fashion and design.

“It was an exciting mix of underground fashion, music, and pure
exhibitionism and I wanted to be part of it all.” –Alexis Bittar

IN STOCK: Alexis Bittar 'Neon Green Smooth Raindrop Earring' 

Bittar graduated high school and began college. By the second semester of his freshman year, he dropped out and returned to the city to party hard, making his money selling antique jewelry and vintage clothing on the streets of lower Manhattan.

He began hand carving his Lucite collection from inside his one-bedroom apartment. In concurrence, he also was creating a second line made from semi-precious stones and metals.

In 1990, at age 22, Bittar decided to put his scandalous clubbing days to rest. He started focusing on designing his own line of costume jewelry that was influenced by the antique collectables he grew up around.

His bold designs quickly caught the eye of top fashion retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Major art museums were also drawn to Bittar’s work.

IN STOCK:  Alexis Bittar 'Panther bracelet' 

He has collaborated with Burberry, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, and Barbie. He also has a wide range of celebrity clientele such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, Rihanna, and Michelle Obama.

Bittar’s jewelry is crafted in Brooklyn by trained artisans. His business is among the five percent of the nation’s fashion houses that still produce their work in the United States.

IN STOCK: Alexis Bittar 'Studded Hinge Cuff' 

Colors: Turquoise, Black, White & Taupe

http://www.alexisbittar.com/pages.php?pageid=8