Though I’ve been suffering from “statement jewelry” fatigue, I can’t help but covet these spacey circa-1970s vintage pieces from Alex & Lee — one of Cher‘s favorite designers during her Sonny & Cher days.
The wearable art pieces were made by accessories team Alex Mate and Lee Brook, who met in San Francisco in the groovy days, and worked together until Mate’s death in 1992.
“We view ourselves as instruments through which a psychic language of affirmation materializes,” said one of the two designers back in the day. “We seek reflections which carry one to visions where contrast is harmony. We view our jewelry as devotional talismans to adorn the temple of the body.” Rad.
A gaggle of retro Alex & Lee pieces were recently acquired by Doris Raymond, owner of L.A. designer vintage store The Way We Wore. The vintage maven was contacted by the executor of an estate that had in its possession a bunch of Alex & Lee jewelry. She flew to San Francisco a couple of months back with an empty suitcase — and returned with some seriously rare pieces.
Bring the plastic — bracelets will start at $795 and necklaces will go for around $5,000.
The Way We Wore, 334 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323-937-0878.
Alex & Lee in their Seventies get-ups.
All photos: Courtesy of The Way We Wore.
Could you let me know what Alex & Lee necklaces you may have for sale. Also…did you acquire them from Sandra Sakata’s estate?? Sandra was my best friend from 1964 until she died in 1997. Thank you, Anne Solomon
I have a few great Alex & Lee pieces from the 70s. Alex was a dear friend of mine in San Francisco. Sandra was so good to Alex in the post New York period. i will definitely check out the store next time I am in LA.