NWS 2-2012

~ Sometimes, perhaps when the planets are aligned just right, in a rare and brief moment something special happens. I'm referring, in this case, to three extraordinary men whose jewelry designs greatly impacted the last 30 years of the 20th century. Fortuitously their  paths crossed under the famous roof of Miriam Haskell, where each of these men were working in 1967. As a comet burns a brief flash of fire across the heavens, then disappears from our view, so these men briefly ignited their genius together to form The House of DeLillo, Ltd. in 1967.

~ By 1970, it was all over,... BUT, oh heavens, the jewelry! Given their backgrounds, it should not be surprising that their work was amazing and of the highest materials, using only Swarovski crystal, beads and stones in all their jewelry.

~ The Belgian designer William de Lillo worked for Louis Comfort Tiffany and Harry Winston in New York City before establishing his own company in 1967 with former Miriam Haskell head designer, Robert (Bob) F. Clark. Also working there was Lawrence Vrba. Larry was nobody's fool. He had been working for Haskell for 1 1/2yrs when he watched this budding partnership forming between Clark and de Lillo. Vrba wanted in. And so it began.

~ This company, founded as the House of William de Lillo, Ltd., was only in business for a brief period of time therefore the costume jewelry produced is rare in today's market. Take a good, close look at the signature plaque on this belt, because you may not see it again. Engraved "deLillo", it appears to be both soldered and wired (so very "Haskell-ish"!) to the back of the foundation of the buckle.

~ This belt measures 35.5" long and 3.25" wide. The buckle measures just a tad under 4" x 4". Two hooks are loop over a receiving bar at the opposing end to secure.

~ In 1976, The House of DeLillo, Ltd. moved to France where it continued as a freelance design service to Schiaparelli, Nina Ricci and many couturiers. Larry Vrba went on to eventually start his own company, and is equally celebrated as a master designer today.

Price =  $2,885.00on Hold, all original stones and in mint condition; all glass and crystal makes this belt of good heft.