This week’s style diary is the cool and cheerful Lisa Jackson. In addition to running a successful interior design company with clients like Vera Wang and Michael J. Fox, Ms. Jackson launched her LJ Cross fine jewelry and accessories line and opened her flagship boutique on Madison Avenue last year. Her personality is quite fun: She loves being able to kit d up, rocking knee high socks and heels and playful outfits, and you will never see her without a pair of sunglasses.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Lisa Jackson: Luxe and informal, always modern with a twist.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Ms. Jackson: Cool, creative, and always cheery.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager? What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Ms. Jackson: I’ve always loved to be experimental with what I wear and how I style my surroundings. I also always have had a love affair with Japanese designers. Let’s just say the word “wild” is not in my vocabulary.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Jackson: My weekdays and weekends are always workdays. I kit up all the time, and have my fashion habits that work day, night, and weekends; wardrobe staples are my knee socks, Marni wedges, and my jewelry.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without, and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Ms. Jackson: Can’t live without the LJ Cross diamond cobblestone cigar band, LJ Cross over-the-knee socks, my Art & Science leather simple box bag in rich brown. I never leave my house without my sunglasses, day and night. I have a huge collection in every color and shape; from blue lenses for jeans to matte black frames for ruffles and lace. #Confidence
Ms. Eschapasse: You launched LJ Cross fine jewelry and accessories lined and opened your flagship boutique last year on Madison Avenue, where does your passion for crosses come from?
Ms. Jackson: The brand was inspired to pay homage to my late brother Steven who often wore one or more crosses at a time. I have also been collecting crosses for over a decade as a fashion iconic symbol. The jewelry’s aesthetic is organic, minimal, pure, and each piece is handcrafted and feminine. I want the jewelry to convey “laidback luxury” without shying away from the quality of the jewelry; LJ Cross is diamonds for the beach.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences? Who is your style icon?
Ms. Jackson: My best friend is Vera Wang, need I say more? We tirelessly travel the world shopping and have a shared passion for everything from fashion to art. #TheBestFriend
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Jackson: I am a product junkie so style is more about adventure than materialism. My endless curiosity for adventure has prompted me to pound the pavement, to discover the unknown, and to express my vision. When you visit LJ Cross there is a thread of consistency in texture, quality, and unique indie design.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of? What would you pay a lot of money for, and what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Jackson: I have a bit of a Marni fur addiction. I seem to never have enough. I’m even known to wear Marni fur in summer!!
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Ms. Jackson: I like to convey attitude and a bit of whimsical allure. Vera Wang and Marni are my go-to designers, even for black tie. I don’t wear gowns, instead I go for strapless tops and shorts, a newer take on formal.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Ms. Jackson: I have a saying: “do your thing!”
Lisa’s Favorites
Favorite color: Charcoal gray
Favorite perfume: GARDENIA by CHANEL
Favorite restaurant in NY: The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges
Favorite drink: Vodka Negroni
Favorite movie: “Top Gun” and “Towns,” it’s a tie!
Favorite book: The New York Post
Favorite quote: “Protect me from what I want.” —Jenny Holzer
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy a New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
