Home Design
A Jeweled Life
Designer Jay Strongwater adds sparkle to home design
On a whim, after working as a jeweler for years, Jay Strongwater began creating jewel-encrusted picture frames for friends and buyers during the holiday season. That was back in the early 1990s. Today, Strongwater produces two home collections a year, creating everything from mini accessories to can-delabras, and has a devoted group of celeb collectors including Cate Blanchett and Halle Berry. On a recent visit to Tampa’s Neiman Marcus, the designer chatted with TBI.
How often do you visit Tampa Bay?
I try to get here every year or year and a half. This is one of the best Neiman Marcuses because it has such a strong collector base, so I enjoy visiting. I have noticed the Tampa area becoming more interested in my larger pieces because collectors here have larger homes.
Do Tampa Bay buyers gravitate toward a certain collection?
They seem to like more of our nature designs. Our Papillion collection has beautiful leaves with a lot of butterflies, and this area has responded well to those — really any of the light, more natural collaborations are popular here.
Do you have a favorite collection?
No, they are all like my babies. If they didn’t inspire me, I wouldn’t have let them out of the studio and into stores.
How did your career begin?
I was studying clothing design in 1980 at the Rhode Island School of Design, and between my sophomore and junior years I made a few necklaces for my mom. Someone at a local store saw my mother wearing one of the necklaces and asked me to make a few more for my first sell.
Jaystrongwater.com; Neiman Marcus, International Plaza, 813-877-5700.
Jaystrongwater.com; Neiman Marcus, International Plaza, 813-877-5700
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