Kenneth Jay Lane, often affectionately called “Kenny,” was a renowned American costume jewelry designer famous for making high-quality, affordable imitation jewelry that appealed to celebrities and fashion icons. Born in Detroit in 1932, he studied design at the University of Michigan and the Rhode Island School of Design. He initially worked with footwear, including for the iconic shoe designer Roger Vivier, before launching his own jewelry line in 1963. Lane’s unique vision made glamorous jewelry accessible and allowed him to create pieces worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and even Princess Diana. Known for his lively personality, Lane referred to himself as “a fabulous fake,” reflecting his mission to create pieces with the look of fine jewelry without the prohibitive cost.
Lane’s pieces, often bold, colorful, and meticulously crafted, were celebrated for their artistry and quality. He never used precious gems or metals, but his designs were so admired that they were exhibited in places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lane’s legacy includes numerous awards, boutique expansions, and high-profile collaborations with fashion icons. Today, his brand is celebrated for its classic approach to costume jewelry, merging accessibility with high fashion.
