Lisa Salzer, creator of the Lulu Frost jewelry collection, had a vision when she rescued every hotel room number from Dumpster demise at the renowned Plaza Hotel in New York. As the hotel was getting a face-lift, Salzer transformed the tossed bronzed digits into limited-edition pendant necklaces. Her line has grown into a unique collection of keyhole earrings, charm bracelets and shoe-buckle cuffs. I chatted with Salzer about bringing her pieces to St. Louis and what it was like to accessorize Carrie Bradshaw and the Sex and the City gals in the fashion movie of the year.
Why did you decide to sell your line in St. Louis? What about this market is appealing to you? Actually, Niche came to us, and I was thrilled to offer our collection in St. Louis—it is a great city! I've found that St. Louis consumers are very savvy and want something that is both unique and timeless.
Your designs were worn in the Sex and the City movie—what a coup. How did that happen? I had been working with [the show's] stylist Patricia Field on a few other projects, including Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada. She asked to pull pieces for the SATC movie, and of course, I was excited. It's great to have a stylist want your pieces for a project that is truly a phenomenon.
Your one-of-a-kind creations originate from unique pieces including long-lost room keys and shoe buckles. How do you transform a key or buckle into beautiful jewelry? When transforming vintage and antique pieces, I try to remain true to the beauty and shape of the piece. My design aesthetic is to take eclectic pieces that were used very differently and add a modern twist. For example, the gorgeous cut steel cuff that is sold at Niche was a Victorian shoe buckle in 1860!
The Lulu Frost line is available at Niche, 300 N. Broadway, 314-621-8131, nichestl.com.
