Accessories Designer Joanna Laura Constantine began her career in the hospitality industry and switched career paths to express her passion for design inspired by her roots and childhood in Lebanon. With a Master of Business, Joanna forged ahead, left her family and friends and moved to New York City to earn her Degree in Fashion Studies from Parsons School of Design in 2007. Joanna’s work takes her back home every couple of months where she is inspired by the culture and available goods for designing and updating her pieces. Rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces emblazoned with the bohemian chic flair of Arabic calligraphy, bold colors, striking stones, crystals and pearls force the collection into the forefront of an individuals’ signature style. The calligraphy on all work is hand done, which is a traditional art form and translates into phrases like “My Love” and the classic "JLC" Joanna Laura Constantine logo. The new collection is fueled by a mix of textured gold vermeil fringe earrings, necklaces, rings and brooches that double as belt accents. Additional standout pieces include a shoulder brooch with metal fringe and hair jewelry with Swarovski crystals, natural turquoise and other exceptional stones, metals and shapes that tie the collection together. Pearl-encrusted earrings and bracelets and rings with mesh threaded stones round out the selection of gorgeous fashion jewelry that looks like “the real thing.” “In this economy, I want women to feel good about buying new pieces without spending outside of their budgets,” said Joanna Laura Constantine. “I have designed statement pieces for women who would never sacrifice their sense of style.” Retail prices go from $70 to $200 for bracelets, from $60 to $150 for rings, from $150 to $400 for necklaces and from $100 to $200 for earrings. The collection, with each group named for exotic cities reflects the characteristics of the destination, giving each piece an unspeakable flair. The Byblos group, for example, is named for an ancient Phoenician city in Lebanon. These accessories showcase necklaces, bracelets and earrings done in gold and dripping with aqua blue crystals with the feel of water droplets. The Casablanca and Marrakesh groups boast the Moroccan pizzazz with vibrant patterns and accents of chain, fringe and pearls. The Alexandria group is inspired by Egyptian design and reminiscent of belly dancing. All have the common theme of Joanna Laura Constantine Accessories, which is the fusion of Middle Eastern influence and Western style. Finally, the Petra group, accents the ancient city of stone with bold hammered jewelry that depicts the appearance and toughness of the city which is made of stone. Joanna’s staple pieces such as leather twisted bracelets accented with Swarovski crystals set in brass and bold metal cuffs with large stones have returned in timeless colors and neutrals. Some bridal pieces for the less traditional are also part of these remarkable selections.
