Growing up with an artist father and a stylish mother, Nanette Lepore created her first couture look at age nine. She eventually went on to study fashion design at FIT, and worked at various studios in New York before starting her eponymous brand in 1992. Today Lepore’s clients include Eva Longoria Parker and Gotham’s own current cover star, America Ferrera. Since her second boutique will be opening this month on Madison Avenue, we couldn’t resist an inside look at what keeps this jet-setting designer going day after day.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
“I always carry my portable Moleskine sketchbooks to draw an idea when inspiration strikes.”
Mosaic beaded handbag from a market in Venice. “This bag is a work of art! I love the intricate beadwork and the tassels; it’s one of a kind.”
Look by Nanette Lepore. “My favorite look from the spring line is the wildflower dress. It’s flirty, flowy, and very romantic, even a bit bohemian. It sums up the collection!”
Nanette Lepore’s store. “I’m very excited about my new boutique at 958 Madison Avenue. This is our second boutique in NYC (the other is on Broome Street), and it has a romantic, modern- baroque look. With its oversize Italian chandelier, ballet-pink marble floors, and large antique mirrors, it’s the perfect home for my designs.”
Mustique. “I love Venice! Mustique is beautiful and my daughter, Violet, loves it. We like to spend New Year’s at the Rockhouse in Jamaica. Lots of dancing, of course! And we love to spend our summers in our house in Amagansett."
“My husband bought this gold keychain for me at the Rose Bowl flea market. It’s from a Hollywood studio in Culver City and belonged to Jean Harlow.”
“I bought these from a Venetian small leather goods shop on the Piazza San Marco.”
“I can’t live without my scented fan from La Fenice Theatre in Venice, hairpins from Le Bon Marché in Paris, and Ortigia almondoil hand cream from Sicily!”
